After internships at Mazda and BMW and graduating from the Art Center College of Design in 2003, Carlos Salaff began his career at Mazda Design Americas, a southern-California studio responsible for designing production and concept vehicles that reflect North American tastes and trends.

While at Mazda, Salaff played a key role in the creation of several influential concept and production vehicles including the Nagare, Furai, Mazda 3 and MX-5. After a decade designing mass-produced vehicles, he began envisioning a more personal path and in 2013 founded the company that bears his name. 

Salaff’s work has been recognized around the world, including the Louis Vuitton Classic, the Los Angeles Design Challenge and the 23rd Festival Automobile Paris/Grand Prix Du Design Awards. Salaff is a visionary entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the automotive industry as the Founder and Design Director of SALAFF Automotive. With a passion for vintage values and modern design.

Through SALAFF Automotive, Salaff has built passionate teams, and leveraged modern prototyping and manufacturing tools to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Salaff has developed a deep understanding of materials, processes and product creation, from concept to production.

As Design Director at LA-based startup Vibe Inc., Salaff focused on making travel a more engaging, exciting and productive experience. Vibe presented its first concept in 2020: a Space Age-inspired mobile office and lounge called Pod Van. 

Salaff’s creations have been showcased at some of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Michelin-sponsored L’Automobile Show Miami, and City of Dreams in Macau.

In his role at LEO Flight as Co-Founder and Design Director, Salaff is driving the architectural design of the LEO Coupe flying car, blending aerodynamics, structural design, and user experience to create a seamless and innovative vehicle.