Justyn Norek

Justyn Aleksander Norek is an Italian designer of Polish descent. After studying engineering and art in Poland, he left his home country to pursue his dream of learning the Italian way of designing cars. In 1980, he moved to Turin, where he began his career as a car designer. He was hired by I.DE.A. Institute, where he worked from 1983 to 1993 alongside renowned designers like Ercole Spada and Walter Da Silva, who played a crucial role in his professional growth. Important figures such as architect Mario Maioli, Franco Mantegazza (head of I.DE.A. Institute), and the legendary engineer Rudolf Hruska also shaped his development as a designer.

In 1993, after Ercole Spada returned to Zagato, Norek was appointed head of the I.DE.A. Institute’s design center, alongside his vice, Francois Lampreia, responsible for interiors. Norek held this position until 2006. Known for his modest and reserved personality, he preferred letting his projects speak for themselves, often focusing on the future of design and his passions, such as art and architecture.

During his time at I.DE.A. Institute, Norek collaborated with a team of talented designers, engineers, and modelers to create several important prototypes and studies. One of his key works was the 1992 Grigua, a three-seat multifunctional vehicle prototype with a flexible and habitable interior, featuring a central driving position and extensive glazing. The concept of a multifunctional city car was revisited by Norek in 1994 with the Gritta, a feasibility study that showcased innovative solutions using mass-produced components.

Norek also worked on several other important projects, including the 1994 Fiat Lampo, a coupe based on the Fiat Punto, and the 1996 Fiat Vuscià, a monovolume with sporty characteristics. His designs extended beyond automotive, with contributions to industrial design, including televisions, cameras, and furniture. In 2006, Norek co-founded Trilix, a design company, where he worked on projects like the Tata Nano Europa, presented at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. After consolidating Trilix, Norek retired from the intense work schedule in 2013 to focus on personal interests, including spending time with his son, painting, photography, and continuing to design cars.