We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Nichols. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.

Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When learning any skill the biggest obstacle that stands in your way is really only yourself. You have to do the work and put in the time. You can start knowing nothing and become the best designer in the room if you have drive and passion.

That is how I learned to do what I do, put in the time. I am an automotive designer, which requires skillsets in drawing, 3D modeling and experience working on and knowing the construction of cars, motorcycles and organization of space and form. These are all things that I did naturally, but to be trained in them professionally took a lot of drawing repetition, a lot of interaction with professional mentors in the industry and a lot of drive because it is a very competitive industry. There are many great designers and artists!

The most essential skills are a great understanding of visual communication so you can sell your ideas, and to continually educate yourself on how cars are made and technologies that are used to create them so your design can be more feasible and be selected for production. All any designer wants is to see their sketch driving down the road!

Like any passion the obstacles that stand in your way are really only yourself putting in the time to learn. You can start knowing nothing and become the best designer in the room if you have drive and passion.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got started in at a young age drawing and inventing random things growing up. I had a passion for vehicles and art, however when I realized you can put the two together and have a career I was hooked. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design from Lawrence Technological University. Following my passion led me to many cool opportunities in design. Notable cars I was able to help designing include the 2015 Ford Mustang, 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 2021 Ford Bronco Full-size and the 2021 Rivian R1T, R1S and Rivian EDV. As well as co-designing/developing Steelhaus with my wife Nicole Stopka-Nichols, an 11 shipping container mixed use development in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit.

I specialize in creating designs in mediums for automotive, motorcycle, powersports and architecture. I enjoy most creating designs that require problem solving to be cost effective and feasible, because I like to see designs go from paper to reality the most. This is achieved with 2D sketches, 3D digital and 3D physical models which I can create for clients. It also requires working with engineers and technical experts to package your design and make it useable and safe.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s pretty simple, I like to see my ideas come to reality. Seeing an idea in your head become a tangible object that you can interact with is very satisfying.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think it starts early in education. Recognizing creative talents in kids and young adults, and finding ways to nurture it, and show them opportunities to explore it. Creativity is sometimes masked as daydreaming or lack of interest in classic subjects. These individuals need to be shown outlets for their creativity, so it can blossom.     

Contact Info:

• Website: steehausdetroit.com
• Instagram: steelhaus_detroit
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnicholsdesign