Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Aston Martin’s Marek Reichman

December 20, 2024

Marek Reichman is executive vice president and chief creative officer of Aston Martin

“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.

The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. The 19th edition features Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer at U.K. auto company Aston Martin.

In this Q&A, Mr. Reichman discusses pushing boundaries, seeing design possibilities around every corner and picking the brain of the "original genius."

Here is the dialogue:

What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?

My first job as a young designer was working in a small, resource-constrained team. I quickly realized that limitations don’t stifle creativity - they shape it. They force designers to think more deeply and creatively.

This experience taught me to see challenges as opportunities and to view constraints not as obstacles, but as tools to stimulate creativity and innovation. Learning to adapt and make the most of what’s available was an invaluable lesson and it showed me how important resourcefulness is, alongside raw talent.

Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?

Collaboration, curiosity and perseverance have been the key to my success.

Curiosity keeps me exploring new trends and technologies, while perseverance has been essential for pushing through challenges. Working closely with others has taught me the value of collective creativity; it’s like directing a symphony of ideas within an orchestra or directing a movie with a cast and crew. You become a teacher who can influence and extract the best collectively from your team.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I ever received is, “Believe in yourself, because no one else will.”

That stuck with me because it emphasizes the importance of being brave and having self-confidence. This advice has shaped how I approach risks and bold ideas, and it’s helped me mentor others, encouraging them to trust their own instincts and present their most creative ideas without fear.

How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?

If I knew that, I might not be here! My job is to see around the corner and creatively connect limitations to the boundaries imposed by science and physics, which I'm constantly chasing. This fascinates and frustrates me.

But I know that the lines between design, science and art will continue to blur. Compare the first designs I produced at Aston Martin to our newest model, Valhalla. This is a supercar of unparalleled purity in this new age of ultra-performance where fresh, elegant design meets breathtaking performance.

Looking forward, AI will certainly play a much bigger role in creating new possibilities, but I firmly believe that human imagination will continue to be the catalyst for transformative innovation.

What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?

Well, I consider myself a designer, so my view is not that I work in luxury.

And what ignites my passion is the next project, the one that pushes boundaries further. Aston Martin unveiled three new cars in 2024, including our true sports car, Vantage. When potential customers and fans see it they say, “Wow, it's a pretty awesome looking thing."

I've learned so much and I always believe that I can do it so much better the next time.

Designing a car that rethinks form and function, like Valhalla, or collaborating with new artists to create in fresh ways - the idea of those possibilities reminds me of why I love design and being an artist.

The Aston Martin Valhalla was an exciting challenge for me and my team. We took what we learned from the ultimate hypercar, Valkyrie, constantly evolving and refining until we found the perfect design to complement the car’s innovative aerodynamic structures, creating a supercar with hypercar performance in both form and function.

Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?

If I could, I’d share a long lunch with Albert Einstein. He is the original genius.

Beyond his scientific genius, I admire his imagination and his ability to dream up what others couldn’t see. I would ask him how he thinks science and art are intertwined.

I’d take him somewhere serene, like a relaxing seaside spot, where we could discuss the intersections of science, art and creativity over a simple, thoughtful meal.

How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?

Before meetings, I take time to visualize how the interaction might play out. I try to see the audience’s reaction - how they’ll feel about the story I’m telling or the design I’m presenting and how my ideas might resonate.

This helps me connect with the purpose behind what I hope to share. It’s a way of grounding myself in the purpose of the presentation.

Sometimes music helps, especially something that inspires creative energy.

On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?

I think about design. I think about what's inspiring me and how I would design something differently. “It's a blessing and a curse,” as they say. I want to redesign many of the things I see - a jacket, a chair, a table. My never-ending pursuit of pushing the boundaries of the art of the possible.

l also love immersing myself with art, exploring galleries, listening to music and just thinking about ideas.

Being in nature also clears my mind and gives me space to reflect. It’s about finding inspiration in different ways and recharging creatively.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury isn’t just about expensive things. It’s about craftsmanship, meaning and connection. It’s about creating or experiencing something that feels timeless and personal.

Whether it’s a beautifully designed object or a moment that takes your breath away, luxury is all about that deep sense of appreciation and wonder.

Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?

I’m drawn to objects or experiences that tell a story and stand the test of time. For me, that could be a timepiece, an iconic piece of design or an experience like an impeccably planned meal in an inspiring setting.

The combination of craftsmanship, innovation and emotion is what I think makes it special.

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