The aero-structural design of an adaptive vortex generator for repeatable, elastic, deployment and retraction from an aerodynamically clean surface is presented. A multidisciplinary objective function, containing geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis and large eddy simulation, is used to derive the optimal adaptive geometry for increasing the momentum of the near wall fluid. It is found that the rapid increase of in-plane membrane stress with deflection is a significant limitation on achievable deformation of a continuous skin with uniform section. Use of a 2D auxetic lattice structure in place of the continuous skin allows significantly larger deformations and thus a significant improvement in performance. The optimal deformed geometry is replicated statically and the effect on the boundary layer is validated in a wind tunnel experiment. The lattice structure is then manufactured and actuated. The deformed geometry is shown to compare well with the FEA predictions. The surface is re-examined post actuation and shown to return to the initial position, demonstrating the deformation is elastic and hence repeatable.