David Marek

David Marek is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Transportation Design at ArtCenter College of Design, where he has served as an instructor since 1989. He is also the Executive Creative Director for Acura, overseeing global design initiatives for the brand. His career bridges high-level industry leadership and academic mentorship in design education.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, ArtCenter College of Design (with honors)

David Marek's research and professional interests center on transportation and industrial design, with a focus on automotive innovation, creative direction, and design-driven product development. His work emphasizes real-world industry collaboration and experiential learning in design education.

While no scholarly publications are listed, Marek's influence is evident through landmark vehicle designs such as the 1997 Acura CL, 2003 Honda Element, and 2016 Acura NSX—projects that reflect a deep integration of aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity in automotive design.

Professional Affiliations and Advisory Roles:

• ArtCenter Full Circle Board
• Former member, ArtCenter Alumni Council
• Advisory Board, Operation Wheels of Freedom Foundation
• Board of Directors, Lions Automobilia Foundation

Marek has been instrumental in bringing sponsored industry projects to the Transportation Department at ArtCenter, fostering strong ties between academia and automotive design leaders. He also co-hosts the acclaimed podcast Man Seeks Adventure, exploring themes of creativity, risk, and personal journey.

His lab or team involvement is centered on collaborative design studios and industry-sponsored initiatives within ArtCenter’s Transportation Design program, where students engage in real-world challenges under professional guidance.