After delegate feedback from The Superyacht Forum in November 2017, we took it on board and made the decision to bring back The Superyacht Design Forum (previously known as SuperyachtDesign Week).

The Superyacht Design Forum, which took place on the 26th & 27th June at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London was a two-day event that included a total of 30 interactive workshops taking place across various showrooms.

This year’s programme was driven by the theme, ‘Action Not Words’ and was structured around five core sectors: Business, Technology, Creativity, Sustainability and Interior style.

Delegates were able to take part in interactive discussions led by the industry’s leading design minds, those looking at the future of design, as well as forward-thinkers from other innovative industries. 

A few highlights throughout the two days included:

Day One:

Designers & Shipyards – A panel discussion that included the main players in some of the world’s most lauded superyacht project: Ken Freivokh, Steve Gresham, Justin Olesinski, Stephen Hills and Ronno Schouten. In this session, delegates were able to quiz the panel on their relationships and processes. Delegates were given pieces of paper to write their questions on, which the panel ably fielded on the spot.

Women in Design – A very popular session, featuring the market’s most influential female figures, Daria Cabai, Fiona Diamond, Lay Koon Tan and Lizzie Deshayes. In this session the panel were led to speak on their experiences, challenges and successes, representing a refreshing take on what is often wrongly viewed as a male-centric sector.

Sketching Fast with Tim Gosling – A creative and fun session lead by bespoke furniture designer, Tim Gosling. Delegates watched as Gosling delivered a live sketching session, sharing his techniques, methodologies on creating the ultimate pieces.

How to Keep a Classic looking Contemporary – Head of Design at Morgan Motor Company, Jonathan Wells presented a case study on the luxury hand-crafted, British-built sports car manufacturer, and how it has, over the years, retained the allure of a classic brand. Read more here. 

Day Two:

Constructive Criticism – A popular session which included a selection of the market’s most respected residential and superyacht interior designers. Delegates were able to play an active role in this fun conversation, while also gaining insight into the different design approaches adopted by maritime and land-based creators. Read more on this session here.

A Superyacht UnConference: The Future – Moderated by Chairman, Martin Redmayne, but led by our delegates. This freestyle session was created for our delegates to start the conversation on the future of design and its impact on the industry.

Re- thinking, Re- Using, Recycling - David Nelson of Foster + Partner, led this thought-provoking session about lifecycle management in architecture, project life and design.

The Superyacht Design Forum 2018 is now available to view on our post-event website. To view photos, videos, submit your suggestions and continue taking part in the discussion. Click ‘Post-Event Access’ on The Superyacht Design Forum page.

To register your interest for the 2019 edition of The Superyacht Design Forum, click here. To submit ideas that you would like to see discussed at the event, please email feyi@thesuperyachtgroup.com

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