CNBC feature from Rivian Design Studio in Irvine, CA

[KRIV_ian]

CNBC report from the Rivian Design Lab in Irvine, CA.

Rivian debuted its all-electric pickup, the R1T, in 2018 and has since built a passionate fan base around a brand that caters to adventure and the outdoors. Now it’s preparing for its next chapter: the R2, a smaller and more affordable spin on the R1S SUV, and the R3, a rally-inspired hatchback. CNBC got rare access inside Rivian’s design lab in Irvine, California, where chief design officer Jeff Hammoud shared how the company shapes its distinctive vehicles and approaches design for its EV lineup.

0:00 Introduction
2:09 Building a new EV brand
7:19 R2 and R3
9:53 Inside the design studio

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[Mellowyellow]

Compass Yellow R2!!!!!!

 

[mkg3]

Thanks. Great video about Rivian designs.

 

[COdogman]

A surprisingly good feature considering it came from CNBC...

Also, the same guy designed the Mini and McLaren P1?

 

[Mellowyellow]

For some reason I thought it was a Korean lady. Maybe she was part of the team? Or maybe she did the interior?

 

[godfodder0901]

For some reason I thought it was a Korean lady. Maybe she was part of the team? Or maybe she did the interior?

You are talking about Sophia Park. She is on the CMF team, for sure, but not the lead designer. I've met her a few times, and was instrumental in the then named 'Lunar Rock' interior (Ocean Coast). She is a great asset for Rivian.

Inside Our Design Studio by Rivian - Rivian Stories | Electric Vehicle Adventures

 

[SDH]

I'm sold.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If you are familiar with Frank Stephenson's YT channel and resume, that's high praise.

Also, the same guy designed the Mini and McLaren P1?

He also designed these:

 

[TexasBob]

wait, wait. Did I just see that R3X blue-green color on the R2? Why yes I did! And THAT is my new favorite color.

 

[B_Wagon136]

wait, wait. Did I just see that R3X blue-green color on the R2? Why yes I did! And THAT is my new favorite color.

Doesnt the R2 have a hidden rear windshield wiper? The rear of this looks more like an R1. Regardless, the color exists!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Doesnt the R2 have a hidden rear windshield wiper? The rear of this looks more like an R1. Regardless, the color exists!

That is a R1S, painted in similar color as R3X concept.

 

[TexasBob]

Doesnt the R2 have a hidden rear windshield wiper? The rear of this looks more like an R1. Regardless, the color exists!

Good sleuthing I think you are correct. This, THIS might be how RIvian tricks me into buying an R1S instead.

(TBH, an R1S with this color in a two row with a Max pack - which was my original configuration way back in the pre-launch days - would probably suck me in. Fortunately for my wallet, Rivian has been incapable of doing that. )

 

[COdogman]

If you are familiar with Frank Stephenson's YT channel and resume, that's high praise.



He also designed these:

The balance of opposites?

 

[Ingen]

You are talking about Sophia Park. She is on the CMF team, for sure, but not the lead designer. I've met her a few times, and was instrumental in the then named 'Lunar Rock' interior (Ocean Coast). She is a great asset for Rivian.

Inside Our Design Studio by Rivian - Rivian Stories | Electric Vehicle Adventures

@Mellowyellow Jeff Hammoud is the head designer... you might be thinking of Juliana Cho, who is the exterior designer of the R3. Here's the Motor Trend article about her:
https://www.motortrend.com/features/julliana-cho-rivian-design-manager-aapi-2025

 

[Fredo]

What I am the most excited about is this new steering wheel with these new clickable wheels (visible at ~ 2:20). Seems like a totally new way to interact with the véhicule. An alternative to the « all through the screen » fashion that I personally dislike ( and I think we are many). Can’t wait to see how this actually works. could this be Rivian’s IPod moment?

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