I Am Rivian's Lead Designer, I Sketched Images For The Rivian R2, Here’s What We Don’t Usually Get To Show

When Rivian’s lead interior designer, Andrew Morandi, casually posted on the Facebook Group “Apex Automotor” about his development sketches for the upcoming Rivian R2, enthusiasts and insiders alike were treated to a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process of one of the industry’s most anticipated electric vehicles.

In the post shared to "Apex Automotor" Morandi wrote:

Hey Apex, thought you might like to see some stuff we don’t usually get to show. Here’s my development work for the Rivian R2 interior. The early sketches (were) selected by RJ and our CDO Jeff as the lead theme, then becoming the production interior. Can’t wait to get this vehicle into people’s hands next year! Cheers!

These early sketches—approved by Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe and Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud—showcase the DNA of the R2's cabin. The sketches weren’t officially released by Rivian, but Morandi shared them personally on his social media, giving followers a rare look at how the design process unfolds. 

The excitement continued to build when Mate Rimac, the Founder and CEO of the Rimac Group and influential figure in the EV world, weighed in with his perspective in Morandi’s comment section.

Very cool! Had the honour to have RJ show me the car (inside and out) at Pebble Beach. Love it, but especially the R3X. Would buy it in a heartbeat if it was available in Europe.

I have visited the Normal HQ something like 6-7 years ago when the first R1 clay models were built. I was quite skeptical at that time I must admit and didn’t like the front at all. You guys have really nailed it on the product, positioning and storytelling. Now I even like the front, it grew on me. Fingers crossed for RJ and the whole team!

Morandi later responded to Rimac’s comment:

Thanks, Mate Rimac! I appreciate the kind words. We’re very excited about R3X as well. Wish we had the capacity to build everything at the same time! I know the team is doing all they can to pull up its timing.

Morandi’s comment suggests that Rivian is pushing hard to bring this vehicle to market sooner, which could cause a major shake-up in the EV scene. 

• Rimac, a key figure in the EV industry, revealed he was personally shown the Rivian R3X and the R2 prototypes by CEO RJ Scaringe at Pebble Beach, offering rare insider praise for the vehicles' design and positioning.
• Morandi hinted that Rivian is actively working to accelerate the launch of the R3X, a high-performance variant, signaling the brand’s ambition to shake up the EV performance segment sooner than expected.

An EV Brand With A Soul

Rivian burst onto the automotive scene like a quiet storm—no fanfare, no dramatic unveil at a Vegas convention hall, just a simple yet bold declaration that they weren’t here to play by anyone else’s rules. 

With their R1T electric pickup and R1S SUV, Rivian not only threw down the gauntlet to Tesla and Lucid Motors but also carved out a niche all their own, refusing to be boxed into the increasingly saturated "luxury EV" space. 

Unlike Tesla, which feels like it’s forever duct-taping panel gaps shut, or Lucid, whose cars exude an almost clinical perfection, Rivian has something few electric automakers manage to achieve… a soul. Their vehicles look as if they were designed by people who genuinely enjoy camping, kayaking, or tearing through muddy trails—not just by engineers locked in a windowless CAD lab.

A Brand You Can Recognize

Take their distinctive front end, for example. At night, the front end of a Rivian looks like Thor's hammers glowing in the dark—a design element that’s equal parts functional and fun. You won’t confuse it with anything else on the road, and that’s the point. 

Rivian’s lineup doesn’t try to ape the minimalism of Tesla or the futurism of Lucid. Instead, it exudes a rugged confidence that feels both forward-looking and familiar, like an old-school Land Rover filtered through an EV lens.

Even their interiors manage to strike the perfect balance between tech and warmth, with sustainably sourced materials that invite you to stay a while, rather than the stark spaceship vibes Tesla’s cabins are known for complete with the occasional rattling trim. 

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.