If you're in the market for a superyacht, the most important decision you'll make is finding the right designer to work with, this decision will have a drastic impact on the final design of your yacht. With so many talented designers out there, it can be tough to decide who is the best fit for your project. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 superyacht designers working today at the cutting edge of yacht design.
To help you make an informed decision we'll discuss their areas of specialism, what makes them unique and what kind of yacht owner they are best suited to . By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of which superyacht designer is right for your next project.
1. Artelier Art Consultancy
Location: United Kingdom & International
Years in the Industry: 15 years
Notable Projects: Art Selection for M/Y Serene, M/Y Zen, M/Y Dilbar, M/Y Plvs Vltra, M/Y Neninka
Specialised: Art collection for superyachts
Website: https://www.artelier.com/art-consultant-yachts
Here at Artelier we are an art consultancy specialising in the placement of art onboard superyachts. As a leading yacht art consultant, Artelier provides complete art collections & bespoke commissioning services for superyachts working either with the design team or directly with the owner.
Each artwork collection is carefully designed to reflect the interiors of the ship as well as the owner's taste and style you can discover more about our offerings here. Having worked closely with many superyacht designers over the years we have put together this comprehensive list of our top 20 superyacht designers working today.
2. Bannenberg and Rowell
Location: London, UK
Years in the Industry: 60+ years
Notable Projects: 65-metre Heesen Galactica Star, Feadship Predator, 85 metre Lürssen Pacific
Specialised: Yacht interiors and exteriors
Recognition: 5 World Superyacht Awards & Jon Bannenberg's Legacy
Website: www.bannenbergandrowell.com
Bannenberg & Rowell is the direct descendant of the convention-breaking studio established by Jon Bannenberg – the universally acknowledged father of modern yacht design – in the early 1960s. Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell continue the vision of the founder, and lead the design team in new directions : working with all the major shipyards; designing residences for private clients and real estate developers; collaborating with furniture designers and developing other creative partnerships.
© Image Copyright Bannenberg & Rowell
3. Feadship
Location: The Netherlands
Years in the Industry: Founded in 1849
Notable Projects: 85-meter Ecstasea , 110.5 meter Anna, 78.2 meters Venus (Commissioned by Steve Jobs), 83.5 meters Savannah
Specialised: Ship build, design & exteriors
Recognition: The only superyacht builder with a Royal warrant from His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
Website: www.feadship.nl
Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship is recognised as the world leader in the field of pure custom superyachts. Because every new Feadship is the best we ever built, all boats in our fleet set a new standard in terms of craftsmanship, design, engineering and construction. It's what we like to call the relentless pursuit of perfection.
© Image Copyright Feadship
4. Winch Design
Location: London
Years in the Industry: 30+ years
Notable Projects: 133 metre Al Mirqab, 90.2 metre Phoenix 2, 87 meter Ace, 99 metre Madame Gu and 62 metre Sea Owl, 88.5 metre Cloud 9
Specialisation: Interior & Exterior Design
Recognition: 6 World Superyacht Awards, 19 Showboats Design Awards,
Website: www.winchdesign.com
Winch Design's yacht and aviation team is a studio of 50 consisting of yacht designers, naval architects, interior designers and procurement specialists - all working together to design and deliver exquisite sea and air based projects for private individuals from all corners of the globe.
Trusted by their clients to design and deliver the most complex and challenging bespoke yacht and aviation projects, often against relentlessly tight deadlines. Their strength is a collaborative team spirit, continuous learning, a passion for excellence while having some fun along the way.
© Image Copyright Winch Design
5. Tillberg Design of Sweden
Location: Hoganas, Sweden, Poland, Miami & Singapore
Years in the Industry: 50+ years
Notable Projects: 222 metres Somnio Yacht (master planning & interiors concept), 120 metres Desert Pearl, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
Specialisation: Naval Architecture & Exterior Design
Recognition: 3 x Gazelle Award for Fastest Growing Company in Sweden
Website: https://www.tillbergdesign.com/
Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) has long been one of the major players in yacht and cruise line design, since founder Robert Tillberg made the ocean and cruise liner Kungsholm a showcase of bespoke Scandinavian style in 1964. Today, TDoS specialises in design concepts for cruise ships and yachts – through its TDoS Yacht division – while also providing graphic design and branding for a variety of clientele. Lightness and luminosity of spaces is a hallmark of the TDoS philosophy, with every project encompassing a purposeful design that is firmly grounded in history, environmental sustainability, and a future-proof timelessness.
© Image Copyright Tillberg Design
6. Nauta Yachts
Location: Milan, Italy
Years in the Industry: 50 years
Notable Projects: M/Y Azzam (the world's largest superyacht), M/Y Eclipse, S/Y Serene, M/Y Dilbar
Specialisation: Exterior & Interior Design
Recognition: 40+ awards from superyacht and boating competitions.
Website: www.nautadesign.com
Born in 1985 and acting initially as a yard, Nauta Yachts presented a style and an idea to the market which proved instantly successful, as they designed and built semi-custom sailing yachts, that were both innovative and soberly elegant.
Since 1994, they turned from production into design and brokerage, focusing on the production (general arrangement, interiors and exterior styling) of custom sailing and power yachts.
Nauta Yachts believe that there is no such thing as a universal concept of what an ideal boat should be. Everyone has their own opinion. And whatever your opinion, Nauta Yachts can turn your vision into a yacht of remarkable and unmistakable character.
© Image Copyright Nauta Design
7. Rémi Tessier
Location: Paris, France
Years in the Industry: 20+ years
Notable Projects: 97 metres M/Y Vava II, 49 metres Satori, 55 metres Kahalani, 49 metres Zefira
Specialisation: Yacht Interiors & Furniture
Recognition: Over 12 International Awards
Website: https://www.remi-tessier.com/
Rémi Tessier is one of the world's most celebrated yacht interior designers, known for his sophisticated and timeless designs. His approach is founded in simplicity, where function determines form. Each interior project is tailored to his clients, while conveying his signature style of peaceful elegance. Rémi believes that luxury and refinement should be sensed rather than ostentatiously forced. As such, exceptional quality and impeccable detail are the cornerstones of his design philosophy.
Rémi's studio is based in Paris and is home to an international team of designers, though he personally oversees every millimetre of each scheme. He has designed interiors for private residences, yachts, private jets, and bespoke furniture collections.
© Image Copyright Remi Tessier
8. Francis Design
Location: London, UK
Years in the Industry: 40+ years
Notable Projects: 124 metres Golden Odyssey, 74.5 metre Zeus, 59.2 metre Senses
Specialisation: Superyacht Interiors & Exteriors
Website: www.francisdesign.com
Martin Francis is one of the world's foremost designers with decades of experience working on some of the most iconic yachts on the water. He has designed yachts since 1980, starting with large sailing boats he is the creative design force behind the iconic yachts Zeus and Senses.
© Image Copyright Francis Design
9. Reymond Langton
Location: Bath, UK
Years in the Industry: 20+ years
Notable Projects: 80 metres M/Y Artefact, 93 metres M/Y Lady S, 56 metres M/Y Galvas, 109 metres
Specialisation: Yacht Interiors & Exteriors
Recognition: Best Interior Design, Boat International
Website: www.reymondlangtondesign.com
Established in 2001 by the talented design duo of Pascale Reymond and Andrew Langton, both of whom already had over a decade’s experience in the superyacht industry, they are committed to creating designs that are as beautiful as they are functional.
The focus is on exceeding their client's expectations, with projects being delivered on time and on budget. In 2002, Jason Macaree joined the team as a director. Coming from different creative backgrounds – Pascale gained a Master’s degree in Art History from La Sorbonne, Paris before moving to London to study Interior Design while Andrew and Jason graduated with a BA (Hons) in Transport Design – the team’s individual blend of skills and professional expertise are complementary, resulting in a remarkable and much sought after design team delivering unquestionable quality with superb attention to detail.
© Image Copyright Raymond Langton
10. H2 Yacht Design
Location: London, UK
Years in the Industry: 28 years
Notable Projects: 85 metres Victorious, 80 metres Tatiana, 75 metres Arrow
Specialisation: Yacht Refits, interiors & Exteriors
Recognition: World Superyacht Awards Nomination
Website: https://www.h2yachtdesign.com/
Jonny Horsfield established the H2 design studio in London in 1994. In the early years of the business they worked almost exclusively on yacht refit projects which gave them a broad experience of working to strict time frames in different design styles with varying budgets. During this period H2 built an enviable reputation amongst the yacht community for being the refit design experts.
They are a design company that is here to serve their customers and, as such, H2 prides itself in not having a “house style” that is replicated for each client. Instead their portfolio is wonderfully diverse, enabling them to work in any style the client prefers. This is both stimulating for them as designers and comforting for their customers.
© Image Copyright H2 Yacht Design
11. De Basto Designs
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Years in the Industry: 20 years
Notable Projects: 90 metres Dar, 53 metres Tala, Nautilus
Specialisation: Interior & Exterior Design
Recognition: Award Winning Studio
Website: www.luizdebasto.com
The studio specializes exclusively in the design of luxury yachts, custom and production boats, residential and unique commercial vessels. From the preliminary concept to the space planning, styling, and interior design, creativity and excellence are the main considerations, always with a constant awareness of function.
"Our approach is one that delves deep into the client’s mindset in order to understand exactly what they want – and then exceed those expectations. To have them recognized and awarded give us much pride."
© Image Copyright De Basto Design
12. Terence Disdale Yacht Design
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
Years in the Industry: 40+ years
Notable Projects: 162. metres Eclipse, 160 metres Project Blue , 139.29 metres Al Salamah
Specialisation: Exterior & Interior Design
Recognition: 40+ prestigious international awards
Website: http://www.terencedisdale.co.uk
Terence Disdale is an award-winning design studio that is responsible for the interior and exterior design of some of the world's most significant yachts. Based in the UK, the studio is renowned for its refreshingly casual yet chic designs. The team of 15 operates under the direction of Terence Disdale, one of the industry's most respected designers, who without formal training has become a true legend in the world of superyacht design.
© Image Copyright Terence Disdale Yacht
13. Dixon Yacht Design
Location: Southampton, UK
Years in the Industry: 30+ years
Notable Projects: 152 metres Liberty, 105 metres Falcon, 55 metres DYD
Specialisation: Diverse selection of boats
Website: www.dixonyachtdesign.com
Established in 1981, Dixon Yacht Design is a multi-skilled and multi-disciplinary design practice. Based on the water’s edge at the epicentre of UK yachting in Swanwick Marina Southampton , the Studio’s diverse portfolio of work has been credited with numerous international awards.
Dixon Yacht's broad spectrum of designs encompasses; sail and power, production boats and custom superyachts, displacement craft and fast planning powerboats, monohulls and multihulls, and myriad permutations of those different types.
© Image Copyright Dixon Yacht Design
14. Hoek Design
Location: Netherlands & Mallorca
Years in the Industry: 30 years
Specialisation: Naval architecture & Yacht Interiors
Website: www.hoekdesign.com
Founded in 1986 by Andre Hoek, Hoek Design is today one of the world’s leading offices for yacht design, naval architecture and engineering. Based at the heart of the Dutch yacht building industry, it offers a comprehensive range of styles, from truly classic to ultra-modern.
Superbly balanced with top performances to match, all of their yachts are created by a highly experienced team using the latest design tools.
© Image Copyright Hoek Design
15. Gresham Yacht Design
Location: Mayfair, London
Years in the Industry: 30+ years
Notable Projects: 87 metre Alucia2, 82 metre Graceful, 71 metre Victoria
Specialisation: Yacht Exteriors
Website: www.greshamyachtdesign.com
Gresham Yacht Design is well established studio in the superyacht design industry. They combine traditional and digital techniques to create custom designs that are truly unique. With a strong attention to detail, they pay attention to even the smallest elements to ensure that the end result is nothing short of perfection for each client.
© Image Gresham Yacht Design
16. Ken Freivokh Design
Location: Hampshire, UK
Years in the Industry: 30 years
Notable Projects: 88 metre Maltese Falcon
Specialisation: Modern Design & Yacht Interiors
Recognition: 30+ International Awards
Website: www.freivokh.co.uk
Ken Freivokh Design is known for it's cutting edge designs in the superyacht industry. The studio, is based on the River Hamble in the UK, and is well known for its innovative and futuristic approach to yacht design. The team's attention to detail and passion for sailing is evident in their work, which is characterised by clean lines, functionality, and style.
© Image Copyright Ken Freivokh Design
17. Design Unlimited
Location: Fareham, UK
Years in the Industry: 20+ years
Notable Projects: 64 metres Shemaraa, 53 metres Elisabeth F, 30 metres Leopard 3
Specialisation: Yacht Interiors
Recognition: Multi-Award Winning Studio
Website: www.designunlimited.net
Design Unlimited is renowned for its progressive and innovative approach to design with the aim of propelling the world of yacht design to new frontiers. The team offer full interior design, decoration and layout services for custom or production motor or sailing yachts of any size.
Their philosophy is to nurture the relationship they have with each of their clients in order bring their ideas to life. They are equally at home working on large superyachts, creating the interior design for a custom tender or developing a production series with a builder. Each project benefits from the same expert knowledge, vision and attention to detail.
© Image Copyright Design Unlimited
18. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Years in the Industry: 30+ years
Notable Projects: 59.7 metres Project 404, 50.44 metres Blackcat, 34.4 metres Liara
Specialisation: Eco Friendly Construction & Yacht Interiors Design
Recognition: Multiple International Design Awards
Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (MMYD) is a team of naval architects and yacht designers led by highly experienced superyacht designer, Malcolm McKeon. Having been involved with the design of over 200 yachts, including more than 55 superyachts, the studio’s extensive portfolio includes monohull and catamaran sailing yachts, motor yachts, chase boats and tenders.
MMYD is a studio known for its pioneering designs and progressive approach, always striving to deliver dynamic new aesthetics, drawing on the latest technological developments for sustainability and structural integrity. This, combined with advanced engineering solutions and their commitment to ensuring each yacht performs to its full potential, has earned the studio international recognition and a reputation as leaders for elite superyacht design.
© Image Copyright Malcolm McKeon
19. Beiderbeck Designs
Location: Bremen, Germany
Years in the Industry: 30+ years
Notable Projects: 75 metre Phocea, 105 metre Nautor Swan, 138 metre Rising Sun
Specialisation: Naval Architecture & Exterior Design
Recognition: 15 World Superyacht Awards, 16 Showboats Design Awards
Website: www.beiderbeckdesigns.de
Large motor yachts are the roots of the studio, with the design and interior styling of yachts ranging from 25 to 75 meters, and the design of occasionally significant areas of yachts up to 150 meters, forming the core of the teams business
In addition to the exterior and interior styling of entire yachts, they also eagerly undertake design tasks in the area of conversion and refit, where they merge the yacht's original character with breathtaking designs, the latest technology, and state-of-the-art features.
"It's often astonishing what can be achieved with existing resources by liberating oneself from constraints and rethinking from the ground up, and we relish seeing our enthusiasm spread to owners and their representatives."
© Image Copyright Beiderbeck Designs
20. German Yacht Couture
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Years in the Industry: 20+ years
Notable Projects: 66.7 metre Triple Seven, 73.5 metre Sapphire, 70 metres Screen 70, 24 metre Opium,
Specialisation: Naval Architecture, Interior & Exterior Design
Recognition: Recipient of World Superyacht Awards
Website: www.gycstudio.com
German Yacht Couture is an international design and project management agency specialising in bespoke yacht designs and engineering. They represent the very best in German yacht design, styling, and naval engineering, and their services range from initial concept ideas to design, technical considerations, interior design, and delivery.
The founder Frank Neubelt is an internationally reknowned, award-winning german yacht designer and naval architect. With over 25 years of experience in bespoke custom-yacht styling, concept development and naval architecture.
© Image Copyright German Yacht Couture
And there you have it, 20 of the world's top superyacht designers, we certainly hope you found this list helpful and informative.
As a superyacht art consultant Artelier works very closely with owners and designers to curate a bespoke art collection for each superyacht, if you would like to find out more about our dedicated art service for yachts visit our yacht art page. Alternatively you can book a free consultation with one of our advisors get in touch to setup a meeting.