The object
Franz von Holzhausen designed Tesla's Model S, translating an electric luxury sedan into a clean, recognizable manufactured product rather than a conventional conversion. The vehicle's long-lived design language subsequently informed Tesla's Model X, Model 3 and Model Y, making it a conspicuous influence on mainstream electric-car styling.
What Franz did
Joined Tesla to design the all-new Model S and established the design language used across its vehicle range.
Why it matters
ArtCenter identifies the Model S as von Holzhausen's first Tesla assignment and records his later leadership of Tesla's full vehicle design programme.
Living-status check
A 2025 Tesla filing identifies von Holzhausen as Tesla's Chief Designer and discusses his current vehicle-design work, positive evidence he was alive in 2025.