The CALTY Design Research (Calty) team in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently welcomed select guests to a rare open house event, offering an exclusive glimpse into the innovative projects underway at Toyota’s cutting-edge design studio.
This event marked a significant milestone for Calty, which has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Established in California in 1973, Calty later expanded with a production studio in Michigan in 2003, and its Ann Arbor facility has recently undergone a major renovation and expansion. To commemorate this milestone, Calty partnered with EyesOn Design and the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology to host the two-hour event, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to explore where Toyota’s design magic happens.
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Benjamin Jimenez, general manager of Calty in Ann Arbor, emphasized the importance of engaging with the local community, saying, “We opened our studio to give an inside look at the magic happening at Calty Ann Arbor, Toyota’s pioneering overseas production design studio. Our passion for the North American market is stronger than ever, and our recent studio expansion is proof of our commitment.”
Calty’s involvement with EyesOn Design and the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology extends nearly two decades, supporting their mission to advance both medical research and automotive design. Jimenez highlighted the significance of this partnership: “EyesOn Design isn’t just any car show—it’s an event with a purpose: to fund eye research and support visually impaired people. Partnering with EyesOn Design allows us to contribute to a meaningful cause while continuing our work in design.”
Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research, echoed these sentiments, noting that the collaboration with EyesOn Design perfectly aligns with Calty’s values. “It’s important for us to be a part of the Michigan community while celebrating design. We admire EyesOn Design’s dedication to vision health and the appreciation of design, making them an ideal partner for this event.”
During the event, guests were treated to a self-guided tour through the newly renovated space, which was divided into four sections: cars, clay, space, and sketch. Hunter expressed the team’s excitement about showcasing their latest designs, saying, “Seeing these trucks and cars on the road is one thing, but experiencing them in the studio where they were designed and developed offers a whole new perspective. We hope everyone who visited gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion that went into creating these vehicles.”
Among the vehicles on display were the latest models of the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, Camry, and the 4Runner, all of which reflect the blend of Toyota’s renowned quality and the creative ingenuity of the local design team. “These vehicles are a testament to our team’s creative brilliance,” added Jimenez.
The expansion of the studio has provided Calty’s designers with enhanced capabilities to bring their visions to life. Hunter highlighted the advantages of the new space, particularly in the digital realm, where the addition of a VR room has significantly improved the evaluation of design and engineering. Moreover, the new layout fosters collaboration among different departments, eliminating the need for formal meetings. “Our ‘One Team’ layout encourages natural communication and strengthens our focus on design,” Jimenez explained.
Looking to the future, Jimenez emphasized Toyota’s commitment to Michigan, stating, “Our new studio demonstrates our dedication to this community for the long term. With this expansion, we’ve created an environment that’s perfect for teamwork, and we’re set for the next 20 years and beyond.”
The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including EyesOn Design exhibitors and judges, journalists, and design enthusiasts, as well as a group of high school students from across the U.S. For these young visitors, the experience was particularly inspiring. “It was amazing to meet so many experienced designers and learn about their careers,” said Rohan Seiber, a high school senior from California. “I especially enjoyed seeing the full-sized clay mill in action!”
Reflecting on the event, Jimenez expressed hope that visitors gained a deeper understanding of the creative process behind Toyota’s products. “It’s easy to forget that the vehicles we see every day began as ideas in the minds of talented designers. Our open house was a celebration of that creative journey.”
Although Calty’s studio remains a largely secretive space, Hunter acknowledged the importance of sharing their story. “We’ve realized that people are curious about what we do here, and we’re proud to share our story because we’re truly proud of the work we do at Calty.”
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