Run the World: Chief Engineer Chika Kako Leads Lexus’ Future
Elle magazine profiles the woman changing the rules in the automotive industry and designing some of Lexus’ most inspired models.
Chika Kako has been very successful in experimenting with the unconventional. Her work at Lexus speaks to this in volums. Kaki is the driving force behind the Lexus UX, a luxury crossover that is earning raves for its daring and innovative design. Elle magazine spoke with Kako about her career, and what inspires this engineer in her work with Lexus.
Much of Kako’s work at Lexus of late has involved the UX, a crossover she feels strongly merges “the feeling of the sporty and the glamorous.”
It is apparent that Kako has a lot of passion for the Lexus UX. And with all the excitement surrounding the hotly-anticipated vehicle, her ambitious vision definitely came to fruition.
‘My role is often compared to an orchestral conductor. I have to communicate with the leaders of each section to ensure that together we realize our common goal. In the context of a car, this includes all the steps from concept to launch events.’
“The aim for the UX was not to conform to the established, solid crossover look,” Kako says. “But to create a compact design that is both strong and stylish, breaking with the conventions of the segment to deliver something more distinctive and dynamic.”
At Lexus, Kako is not only encouraged to be creative in her designs, but also in her problem solving and managerial style.
“My role is often compared to an orchestral conductor,” she says. “I have to communicate with the leaders of each section to ensure that together we realize our common goal. In the context of the development of a car, this includes all the steps from concept planning, engineering, to manufacturing, quality control, and all the way through to launch events.”
She is not only up for the challenge, but thrives on it. And this rings true in her advice to the next generation of automotive designers. “Have a passion, a vision. Always be positive and challenge things as often as you can.”
For more about Chika Kako, you can read the article online at Elle.
Photos: Lexus
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