August 13, 2025

ArtCenter College of Design Announces the 
Ian Cameron Design Scholarship

New Scholarship Established by Philanthropist John Aycoth in Honor of His Friend and Legendary Car Designer, the Late Ian Cameron

PASADENA, CA – ArtCenter College of Design is honored to announce the establishment of the Ian Cameron Design Scholarship, a newly endowed fund made possible by a generous $1 million founding gift from philanthropist and car collector John Aycoth.

The scholarship pays tribute to Aycoth’s close friend, the late British automotive designer Ian Cameron, known for his visionary work on the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII and his role in redefining modern luxury car design.

Driven by a desire to celebrate Cameron’s contributions to automotive history, Aycoth is committed to growing the scholarship fund to $5 million or more, with support from others who share a passion for cars and who value the tradition, innovation and elegance that defined Cameron's work.

The Ian Cameron Design Scholarship provides valuable support to emerging Transportation Design students at ArtCenter who demonstrate the talent and innovative spirit that defined Cameron’s career. In addition to expanding access to the world’s leading Transportation Design program, the scholarship reinforces the program’s longstanding reputation of producing top designers.

“Ian was a great friend and one of the renowned automotive designers, dedicated to helping others pursue careers in the field,” said philanthropist and benefactor John Aycoth. “After his tragic and untimely passing last year, I felt it was important to memorialize his incredible design legacy through a scholarship in his honor. The Ian Cameron Design Scholarship, under the direction of longtime colleague Marek Djordjevic, will support future ArtCenter design students in learning the professionalism, creative style and standards Ian embraced throughout his career. It is my honor to provide this donation to launch this important scholarship.”

Although Cameron was not an ArtCenter alumnus, Aycoth was moved to connect his legacy to the College through Cameron’s longtime creative partnership and close friendship with Marek Djordjevic, Chair of ArtCenter’s Transportation Design program. During their time together at Rolls-Royce, Djordjevic collaborated closely with Cameron on several iconic vehicles, including the Phantom VII, 100EX and Drophead Coupé.

“From working with Ian, I saw how deeply he believed in the power and purpose of good design,” said Djordjevic. “He resisted trends in favor of enduring elegance and meaningful detail. With a deep commitment to his craft, Ian immersed himself in the marque’s heritage, gaining the profound insight needed to inspire his team with creative humility and leading them toward results that authentically embodied the marque’s timeless values. This scholarship allows his creative philosophy to take root in our students, the next generation who will go on to shape the future of car design. I am especially thankful to John for seeking out ArtCenter as a place to honor Ian’s legacy.”

“We are very grateful to John Aycoth for his vision and incredible generosity,” said ArtCenter President Karen Hofmann. “By honoring Ian Cameron’s extraordinary legacy, John is also helping to shape the future of transportation design. With help from others who share his vision, this scholarship will open doors for talented students and help launch impactful careers.”

The scholarship announcement and Aycoth’s act of generosity come as ArtCenter continues to invest in its renowned Transportation Design program. Last year, the College opened the Mullin Transportation Design Center, made possible by donations from Peter and Merle Mullin. The 31,000-square-foot facility, located in a repurposed supersonic wind tunnel, is a creative hub for ArtCenter’s south campus. It offers advanced studios, fabrication spaces, and public galleries designed to foster creativity, community, and hands-on learning.

“The Mullin Transportation Design Center expanded what is possible for our students by giving them an extraordinary space to create and push boundaries,” said Djordjevic. “Welcoming this scholarship now allows us to support their potential even further. It helps instill the design values that Ian stood for, along with his absolute love for cars.”

For those interested in contributing to the Ian Cameron Scholarship, please visit the dedicated Giving page.

About Ian Cameron
Ian Cameron (March 26, 1950 – July 12, 2024) was a pioneering British car designer whose work with Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, BMW, Pininfarina and others elevated the language of contemporary automotive design. As design director at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, he led the development of several models including the Phantom VII, Coupé Aviator, Ghost and Wraith, all celebrated for their balance of tradition and innovation. Cameron is remembered for skillfully guiding Rolls-Royce design into the modern era while honoring its storied legacy.

About John Aycoth
John Aycoth is a lifelong automotive enthusiast, collector and philanthropist. Inspired by his endearing friendship with Ian Cameron, Aycoth created the Ian Cameron Design Scholarship to honor his incredible career in automotive design.

About ArtCenter College of Design
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design disciplines as well as visual and applied arts. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society.

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