About Us

We believe the future of mobility should be sustainable, human-centered, and built for a net-zero world. At Turn Institute, we help organizations rethink transportation systems through design, prototyping, research, and strategy—creating smarter, safer, and more connected solutions that move people and goods while protecting our planet.

Turn Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Meet the Team

Richard Pelletier

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
Richard Pelletier is a transportation designer with over 25 years of experience, having worked with BMW, Ford, BART, and other industry leaders on innovative mobility solutions. He has co-created visionary vehicle and transit concepts for BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce, Ford, Lincoln, Scania Trucks, LA Metro, IdeaLab (AiPod), and Waymo, integrating human-centered design with emerging technologies. With expertise spanning automotive, public transit, and future mobility, he brings a forward-thinking approach to transportation challenges. Currently, he serves as Associate Chair for the Master of Science in Transportation Systems and Design at ArtCenter College of Design, guiding the next generation of mobility innovators.
Julian Scaff

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
Julian Scaff is a design leader specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), human factors engineering, and futurecasting. During the course of his 25+ year career, Julian has worked at NASA/JPL and Idealab, designed exhibitions for MUMOK Vienna and the Natural History Museum of Rotterdam, and consulted with the governments of the Netherlands and the European Union on transportation systems and climate adaptation. His recent client list includes Hitachi, Intelsat, and Spatial Labs. He has taught at universities in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and currently serves as the Associate Chair of Graduate Interaction Design at ArtCenter College of Design.
Lara Fedoroff

Board of Directors
Lara Fedoroff is a UX executive specializing in user-centered design, product innovation, and risk mitigation through validated prototyping. She has led cross-platform solutions for Fortune 500 companies and startups across finance, gaming, healthcare, retail, automotive, and telecom. Working at the intersection of people and technology, she transforms early-stage ideas into reality with expertise in UX heuristics, information architecture, and future-focused design. A strategic, inclusive leader, Lara builds high-performing design teams, mentors top talent, and influences senior leadership to drive impactful change while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Tim Brewer

Board of Directors
Tim Brewer is an innovation trainer, idea development specialist, and industrial designer with 16 years of experience at Microsoft and RealNetworks. A seasoned product developer, he has held corporate and consultancy roles across high-tech industries, balancing managerial and individual contributor positions. With 14 utility patents, including three for the mouse scroll wheel, he excels in driving innovation and optimizing product development. As a university and graduate-level educator, he is passionate about fostering dynamic learning environments and shaping future innovators.