Partnerships

Our goal at Academy of Art University is student success. We want you to get good jobs when you leave here; to get the most out of your career, and to live a purpose-filled life of your own choosing and making.

One way we do that is by partnering with industry to give you real-world work experience, working with professionals in your field, on real-world projects—all while earning your degree.

These unique partnerships provide valuable, hands-on learning opportunities for our students, and allow partnering organizations the unique opportunity to collaborate with emerging designers.

COMPANIES THAT HAVE HIRED OUR GRADUATES

Stellantis

Academy of Art students have long been reimagining future car designs for major automotive brands. This time around, they are tasked to redefine Stellantis, a new brand arising from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobile and PSA Peugeot Citroën. The brief: to create a design reflecting the lessons of 2020, and promoting Stellantis as a steward of global, social, and economic stability. The entire course was completely done virtually, a true testament to how well Academy students can take advantage of our hands-on curriculum and various opportunities for career-prep, whether onsite or online.

Subaru

You have 98 days to reimagine a Subaru car for the year 2030. What will you come up with? In 2019, our corporate sponsor Subaru gave students a challenge: Create a vision for the Subaru brand in the year 2030. The students from Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design came together with students from diverse majors to work on the challenge.

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Alfa Romeo & Maserati

In 2018, Industrial Design students invited students from the Schools of Fashion, Interaction & UI/UX Design, and Graphic Design to join their partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The objective was to reimagine the Maserati and Alfa Romeo automotive brands for the year 2030.

General Motors

Academy of Art University’s Industrial Design students collaborated with General Motors to create Buick Velite Concepts for the near future. Students were guided by Thamer Hannona, GM Senior Designer, Frank Saucedo, GM Director Advanced Design California, Antonio Borja, Director, School of Industrial Design, and Claudia Dallendoerfer, Web New Media.

NASA

The Academy has enjoyed an eight-year relationship with NASA. Each year, the space program sponsors a class so students can figure out how to address the outstanding problems they face with astronauts’ space travel. One recent semester was focused on habitation or travel to Mars.

Jeep

Academy of Art University’s Industrial Design students collaborated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to create a Premium Concept Vehicle for the Jeep brand. Students were guided by Mark Moushegian (FCA Advanced Research Design Manager), Tim Anness (FCA Head of Advanced Design), and Tom Matano (AAU IND Executive Director).

Pininfarina

Collaboration with Industrial Design’s Furniture Department and Pininfarina to design modern workspaces for people that work remotely.

San Francisco Auto Museum

The SF Auto Museum presents a tantalizing glimpse into the history of the art and design of automobiles. Displaying cars from this expansive collection, the museum preserves an integral piece of international automotive culture.

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