Charles is a 40-year veteran of the design industry. He is founder of one of the leading global design consultancies, Designworks/USA, a BMW subsidiary and is also the co-founder of The Design Academy Inc, a multidisciplinary consulting group. Chuck developed the unique structure of Designworks/USA with a balance of automotive, transit, product, advanced communications, and graphic consulting to stimulate cross fertilization and innovative thinking among his design team. Chuck is known in the industry for his ability to select talent and bring forth creativity in designers. He continually contributes to the design profession through worldwide lectures, articles and appearances.

He has received over 50 awards of distinction, including the Eyes on Design Lifetime Achievement Award for car design, and has been nominated twice for the Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence, innovation and enhancement of the quality of life by the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

He has also been involved with the Art Centre College of Design since 1968 and has received their George Jergenson Design Achievement award for his significant contribution.

A former president, and now Fellow, of the Industrial Design Society of America, Pelly continues to consult on projects for BMW Group, Nokia Design, Magna International, LA Auto Show and many others