Inside Roush Creative Services: Where Design Meets Performance
At Roush Performance, our vehicles are more than just high-powered machines—they're a statement of design, engineering, and passion. While many recognize Roush for its relentless pursuit of performance, fewer know the creative minds behind the striking aesthetics of our vehicles. In this episode of the You Don’t Know Jack podcast, host Josh Massab and Jack Roush Jr. sit down with two key players from Roush Creative Services: Kevin, Director of Operations, and Dhruv, Senior Creative Designer, to uncover the artistry and innovation that drive Roush’s design process.
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More Than Performance: The Art of Design
As Jack Roush Jr. puts it, “It’s not just about performance—it’s about the look, the soul of a vehicle.” Aesthetics and function must work in harmony, and that’s exactly what the Roush Creative Services team strives for in every project. Whether it’s a high-performance Mustang or a rugged F-150, each design is a meticulous blend of heritage, brand DNA, and cutting-edge styling.
Bringing Ideas to Life: The Role of Roush Creative Services
Kevin describes Roush Creative Services as “the welcome mat to Roush,” where ideas first take shape. With a team of about 65 professionals—including designers, model makers, painters, and engineers—this division transforms concepts into tangible designs. Clients, both within and outside of Roush, bring ideas to the table, and the team refines them into practical, production-ready solutions.
From initial sketches to physical prototypes, the team ensures that every design is both visually appealing and functional. “Seeing a client’s reaction when their vision becomes reality is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work,” says Kevin.
Design Evolution: The 2024 Roush F-150
One of the latest triumphs from Roush Creative Services is the 2024 Roush F-150. Dhruv highlights a key design breakthrough—the integrated lighting in the grille. While Roush has incorporated lighting in past models, this innovation marks a significant evolution in the brand’s visual identity. The design process remains true to Roush’s philosophy of evolutionary rather than revolutionary design—refining and enhancing key elements over time to maintain brand integrity while pushing boundaries.
Merging Design with Engineering
The creative process at Roush isn’t just about making vehicles look good—it’s about ensuring they perform at the highest level. “Every design we create is engineered for performance,” explains Dhruv. The team collaborates closely with engineers, digital sculptors, and studio specialists to ensure that each component is not only aesthetically pleasing but also aerodynamically and functionally optimized.
Beyond Automobiles: A Versatile Design Studio
Roush Creative Services doesn’t just design for cars and trucks—they’ve left their mark on boats, aircraft, semi-trucks, and even spaceships. Whether it's automotive, aerospace, or marine, the design process remains largely the same: initial sketches, 3D modeling, and physical prototyping.
The Future of Roush Design
Looking ahead, technology is playing an increasingly vital role in the design process. The team is integrating VR technology to visualize designs in full scale before physical prototypes are created, speeding up development time. AI is also being leveraged—not to replace human designers, but to enhance their workflow and generate more iterations in a shorter timeframe.
Passion Projects and Advice for Aspiring Designers
Outside of work, both Kevin and Dhruv immerse themselves in personal automotive projects. Dhruv is currently building a 1965 Factory Five Shelby Cobra replica with a Roush 427IR crate engine, while Kevin is restoring a 1975 International Scout II. Their advice for aspiring designers? “Sketch, sketch, and sketch some more,” says Dhruv. “Good design is about simplicity and timelessness.” Kevin emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience: “If you love creating, there’s no better place to be.”
Final Thoughts
From the first sketch to the final badge, Roush Creative Services is the driving force behind the iconic designs that define Roush Performance. Their dedication to blending form and function ensures that every vehicle not only performs but turns heads wherever it goes.
Want to see these designs come to life? Check out the Roush Automotive Collection in Livonia, Michigan, or follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest innovations. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the You Don’t Know Jack podcast for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of Roush!