Best Automotive Design Consulting Services in Australia

Australia Automotive Design Consultants

Australia’s automotive industry has shifted away from manufacturing, but the country’s design ecosystem continues to deliver world-class innovation. From high-performance concept cars to compact EVs for urban use, Australian automotive design consultancies are shaping the future of mobility, quietly, but powerfully.

This article spotlights a standout agency delivering proven design outcomes with global impact. Unlike lists that prioritize quantity, this one values radical authenticity, verified work, and local expertise.

Methodology: How We Chose These Australia-based Automotive Design Consulting Services

We use a rigorous and transparent methodology to ensure that only trusted, high-performing agencies are featured:

🔍 Research-driven: Agencies must show publicly verified results, processes, or case studies.

💬 Client-reviewed: We look for real-world feedback, ROI evidence, and launch success.

📍 Location-based: Only agencies with leadership and operations based in Australia are included.

🌟 Australian Automotive Designers - Provider Spotlights

Gomotiv

What they do:
Gomotiv is a Melbourne-based automotive and mobility design consultancy delivering advanced vehicle concepts, digital modeling, engineering integration, and immersive visualization. Their work spans Class-A surfacing, VR integration, and production-ready prototypes for international OEMs and EV startups.

Who they work with:
Clients include major automotive brands such as VinFast, Ford, Chery, Nissan, and Hozon, with a strong presence in the electric and future mobility space.

Operating model:
Gomotiv operates as a lean, agile studio with a digital-first approach. Their integrated workflow across design, surfacing, and visualization accelerates development without sacrificing detail, offering full collaboration via virtual reviews and digital pipelines.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🚀 Production-ready innovation: Designed both the VF Wild electric pickup and VF3 mini-eSUV for VinFast, revealed at CES 2024 and positioned for global markets.
  
  
• 🎯 OEM-experienced talent: Designers hail from Ford, Toyota, McLaren, GM, and Jaguar, bringing elite-level practice to emerging brands.
  
  
• ⚙️ Workflow precision: Combines VR, 3D surfacing, and real-time feedback to reduce development time and increase accuracy.
  

Robert Thorpe, Co-Founder & Studio Director of Gomotiv

Robert Thorpe brings nearly two decades of advanced design experience, including senior roles at General Motors’ California Advanced Design Studio. He was instrumental in shaping Cadillac and Chevrolet concepts before co-founding Gomotiv. Known for blending high-end styling with production viability, Robert leads teams that consistently deliver complete vehicle solutions under aggressive timelines. He champions lean, interdisciplinary collaboration and has helped launch internationally acclaimed vehicles such as the VF Wild and VF3,  each moving from sketch to show-ready prototype in record time.

Fred Blochlinger, Co-Founder of Gomotiv

Fred Blochlinger is a veteran industrial designer and strategist, best known as the founder of Outerspace Design, a multidisciplinary product development firm. With more than two decades of experience launching engineered products across medical, industrial, and consumer sectors, Fred co-founded Gomotiv to specialize in advanced automotive design. He brings operational leadership, systems thinking, and a deep understanding of the commercial design process. Fred's influence is felt in Gomotiv’s cross-functional agility, enabling the studio to deliver complex transportation projects with speed, structure, and technical polish.

The Design Technology Company

What they do:
The Design Technology Company (DTC) specializes in innovative automotive design engineering, CAD surfacing, and product development. They focus on integrating design with cutting-edge engineering tools to optimize concept to production workflows for vehicle and industrial applications.

Who they work with:
DTC primarily serves automotive OEMs, component manufacturers, and tech startups needing precise design engineering and surfacing expertise aligned with manufacturing requirements.

Operating model:
Led by Jonathan Bannister, DTC uses a collaborative approach that combines deep technical CAD knowledge with design aesthetics. Their workflow emphasizes early-stage problem solving and rapid prototyping within digital environments to accelerate time to market.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🔧 Engineering-driven design: Seamless collaboration between design and engineering teams reduces costly rework.
  
  
• 🖥️ Advanced CAD expertise: Extensive Alias and Creo proficiency for high-fidelity surfacing and modeling.
  
  
• 🚀 Startup and OEM focus: Balances innovation speed with engineering rigor for scalable vehicle programs.
  

Jonathan Andrew Bannister, Founder & Managing Director of The Design Technology Company

Jonathan Bannister is a mechanical engineer and automotive designer with over 20 years of experience bridging engineering and design disciplines. His leadership combines technical precision with creative problem-solving, leading multidisciplinary teams through concept development to manufacturing. Jonathan’s background includes senior roles at major OEMs and consulting firms, where he championed digital workflow integration and lean product development. He is known for building strong client partnerships and delivering projects on-time and within budget, particularly in EV and advanced mobility segments.

Roham Primrose, Founder & Design Consultant of équipe design & consulting

Roham Primrose is an award-winning industrial designer with 20+ years in product and manufacturing design. He has extensive experience managing complex projects that demand cost-effective manufacturing solutions without sacrificing design quality. Roham’s leadership style is pragmatic and direct; he focuses on practical outcomes and client collaboration. Before founding équipe, he held senior roles in manufacturing engineering, giving him unique insight into production challenges. Roham is recognized for mentoring emerging designers and fostering strong client relationships grounded in transparency and results.

F3 Industrial Design Consultancy

What they do:
F3 Industrial Design Consultancy specializes in mechanical product design and innovation for inventors, startups, and industrial clients. They provide concept ideation, prototyping, engineering, and commercialization support, with a focus on practical and disruptive product solutions.

Who they work with:
Their clients are primarily inventors and early-stage companies that require hands-on guidance from concept through to manufacturing and market launch.

Operating model:
Principal Scot Farley leads a hybrid design and entrepreneurial consultancy that blends industrial design fundamentals with startup strategy. F3 offers tailored support to help clients avoid common pitfalls in product development and launch.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🔍 Strong fundamentals: Emphasis on form, fit, and function before scaling up design complexity.
  
  
• 💼 Startup-savvy: Experienced in navigating early-stage funding, IP, and manufacturing challenges.
  
  
• ⚙️ Hands-on prototyping: Supports clients with physical prototypes to validate designs rapidly.
  

Scot Farley, Founder & Principal Designer of F3 Industrial Design Consultancy

Scot Farley is a serial inventor and product designer with a deep passion for innovation. He holds an Industrial Design degree and has worked closely with inventors and startups to bring novel products to market. Scot is known for his disciplined approach to product development, insisting on thorough validation of core design elements before expansion. His leadership style is practical and mentoring-focused, helping clients develop business acumen alongside design skills. Scot’s clear, hands-on methodology has helped numerous clients avoid costly development mistakes and reach commercialization faster.

RSP Automotive & Industrial

What they do:
RSP Automotive & Industrial delivers comprehensive design and engineering services focused on automotive, industrial machinery, and product development. Their expertise includes vehicle component design, prototyping, and manufacturing support, tailored for rugged and performance-driven sectors.

Who they work with:
RSP serves clients in automotive manufacturing, industrial equipment, and aftermarket parts companies, often tackling complex engineering challenges requiring innovative solutions.

Operating model:
Led by Carmelo Ribaudo, RSP operates as a full-service consultancy that blends practical engineering with creative design. The team takes a collaborative approach, guiding projects from concept through to prototyping and production readiness.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🏗️ Robust engineering focus: Solutions engineered for durability and performance in industrial and automotive environments.
  
  
• 🔧 End-to-end support: From initial concept sketches to final production tooling assistance.
  
  
• ⚡ Proven track record: Delivering cost-effective solutions that improve product reliability and lifespan.
  

Lance Corby, Founder & Director of RSP Automotive & Industrial

Lance Corby brings over 20 years of engineering and design leadership within the automotive and industrial sectors. His career spans senior technical roles at leading OEMs and consultancy firms, where he honed his skills in complex system design and project management. Lance’s leadership style is methodical and client-centered, focusing on delivering practical engineering solutions aligned with business needs. He is known for integrating multidisciplinary teams and fostering innovation without compromising on reliability or manufacturability.

SSMEDIA DESIGN STUDIO

What they do:
SSMEDIA Design Studio offers specialized product and automotive design consulting, focusing on user-centered design, digital prototyping, and brand-aligned aesthetics. They integrate design research with technology to create products that resonate with end-users and market needs.

Who they work with:
Their client base includes automotive brands, consumer electronics companies, and startups seeking to marry functional design with strong brand narratives.

Operating model:
Scott Yorston leads a dynamic team blending creative design with market research. SSMEDIA employs an iterative design process incorporating user feedback and data-driven insights to refine concepts and optimize product-market fit.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🔍 User-centered design: Deep focus on usability and consumer insights.
  
  
• 🎯 Brand-driven solutions: Aligns product aesthetics closely with client branding strategies.
  
  
• 📊 Data-informed process: Uses research to guide design decisions, minimizing risk.
  

Scott Yorston, Founder & Lead Designer

Scott Yorston is a product and automotive designer with over 18 years of experience combining user experience principles with industrial design. His background includes leading design teams in the consumer electronics and automotive sectors, focusing on intuitive, market-ready products. Scott is known for his analytical leadership style, emphasizing data and user feedback to improve design outcomes. His pragmatic and transparent approach has earned him respect for delivering products that succeed commercially and technically.

Cobalt Design

What they do:
Cobalt Design is a multidisciplinary industrial and automotive design firm specializing in conceptual development, prototyping, and design strategy. They work across sectors to deliver bold, functional designs with a focus on innovation and manufacturability.

Who they work with:
Their clients include automotive startups, product innovators, and manufacturing companies looking for fresh design perspectives combined with practical execution.

Operating model:
Founded by Steve Martinuzzo, Jack Magree, and Warwick Brown, Cobalt Design operates as a collaborative team leveraging diverse expertise. They emphasize a holistic approach to design, balancing creativity with engineering realities.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🚀 Innovative ideation: Known for generating forward-thinking concepts that challenge industry norms.
  
  
• 🛠️ Engineering collaboration: Strong focus on manufacturable designs and efficient development.
  
  
• 🤝 Team diversity: Combines varied professional backgrounds for comprehensive project solutions.
  

Steve Martinuzzo, Co-founder & Director of Cobalt

Steve has over 15 years’ experience in automotive and industrial design, specializing in concept development and design strategy. He is recognized for his ability to blend creativity with practical execution, helping clients bring innovative products to market efficiently. Steve fosters a culture of innovation and mentorship within Cobalt Design.

Jack Magree, Co-founder & Principal of Cobalt

Jack brings a strong background in product design with a focus on usability and market fit. His leadership style emphasizes user-centric design and iterative development, ensuring products meet real-world needs and client objectives.

Warwick Brown, Co-founder, Principal Consultant & Product Engineering Team Leader of Cobalt

Warwick provides technical leadership with expertise in engineering design and product development. He ensures that Cobalt’s designs are not only innovative but also structurally sound and manufacturable, bridging the gap between design and production.

Ingenuity Design Group

What they do:
Ingenuity Design Group offers specialized automotive and product design services focused on innovation, user experience, and efficient manufacturing processes. Their expertise includes concept development, 3D modeling, and engineering collaboration across automotive and related sectors.

Who they work with:
They partner with automotive manufacturers, startups, and industrial product companies seeking design solutions that combine creativity with practical feasibility.

Operating model:
Led by Paul Moutzouris, Ingenuity Design Group emphasizes a research-driven design approach that integrates market insights with cutting-edge technology. Their process fosters close client collaboration to ensure solutions meet both functional and aesthetic goals.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🔬 Research-led innovation: Utilizes deep market and user research to guide design direction.
  
  
• 🤖 Tech-forward solutions: Incorporates advanced digital tools for precision and prototyping.
  
  
• 🤝 Collaborative mindset: Works closely with clients and engineers for seamless project execution.
  

Paul Moutzouris, Founder & CEO of Ingenuity Design Group

Paul Moutzouris has over 15 years of experience in automotive design and innovation. With a background in both creative design and technical engineering, Paul leads Ingenuity Design Group with a balanced approach emphasizing usability and manufacturability. He is known for his strategic vision, client collaboration, and ability to translate complex ideas into viable products.

Automotive Design Consultants

What they do:
Automotive Design Consultants specialize in automotive styling, engineering design, and prototype development. They provide tailored solutions to improve vehicle aesthetics, ergonomics, and performance for both OEMs and aftermarket clients.

Who they work with:
Their clients include automotive manufacturers, custom vehicle builders, and performance parts companies focused on enhancing design and functionality.

Operating model:
Under Brett Woollard’s leadership, the firm combines hands-on automotive design expertise with a strong engineering foundation. They emphasize practical design improvements aligned with client goals and industry standards.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🚗 Vehicle-centric expertise: Deep understanding of automotive styling and functional design.
  
  
• 🛠️ Prototype to production: Capable of taking designs through physical prototyping and manufacturing stages.
  
  
• 🎯 Client-focused delivery: Prioritizes clear communication and tailored solutions.
  

Brett Woollard, Founder & Automotive CAD Engineer of Automotive Design Consultants

Brett Woollard has over two decades of experience in automotive design and engineering. He has worked extensively on vehicle styling, ergonomics, and performance enhancement projects. Brett is recognized for his pragmatic leadership style and commitment to delivering designs that improve both form and function. His expertise ensures that client visions are realized with precision and technical accuracy.

Driving Innovation: Automotive Design Consulting Services Powering Australia's Mobility Future

Australia’s automotive design consulting landscape is defined by a dynamic mix of specialists offering high-impact industrial and transport design services. These consultancies bring deep expertise in product development, concept modeling, 3D visualisation, and manufacturing strategy for both traditional and electric mobility. Designers like Robert Thorpe, Dan Cabral, and Scot Farley push innovation by blending aesthetic appeal with technical performance across consumer and commercial vehicles. Studios such as Cobalt Design and Ingenuity Design Group integrate engineering, design strategy, and prototyping to meet future transport needs. This ecosystem of niche consultancies plays a vital role in shaping Australia’s modern transport identity through smart, efficient, and future-focused design.

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Design excellence, like strategic insight, is rooted in structure and intention. As the automotive world evolves, so too must the tools we use to lead it. Guidance that aligns clarity with action is no longer optional, it's directional. The most forward-thinking professionals trust in Digital Reference.