FRANCIS DESIGN (MARTIN FRANCIS)

Martin Francis is an accomplished British designer and architect with decades of experience working on some of the most iconic yachts on the water.

Prolific in a number of spheres of art and design including cruise liners and architecture, Francis' work in yachting is perhaps best known for the realisation of Motor Yacht A's famous inverted bow. Also distinguished for his skilful use and manipulation of glass, Francis attributes his early inspiration to discovering Brunel in the London Science Museum as a child. 

Francis' work in yachting was born from a deeply ingrained passion for sailing. After studying furniture design at Central Saint Martin's and a colourful stint going on tour with the Rolling Stones, Francis designed and built his own 14 metre sailing sloop named Prototype. The speed of his own invention was the catalyst for Francis' commission on a number of projects, and not long after came the birth of M/Y Eco (now Zeus) - and with it, a transformation of standards and innovation for the world of yachting, spearheaded by Francis Design. 

Waving the flag for British design on the global stage, Francis' work from the 80s and 90s retains a timeless edge today, and 75m motor yacht Eco is still considered the fastest large yacht of its kind at 35 knots. Other notable works include Golden Shadow and the Mercedes Benz Silver Arrow 460, during which Gorden Wagener (head of design at Daimler AG) commented of the cooperation with Martin Francis, 'He is widely regarded as one of the best in his industry and is a super nice guy.'

Outside of yachting, Martin Francis is at home in a multiplicity of creative spheres. Having formed the RFR engineering and architecture practice in Paris with Peter Rice, he is also renowned for his incredible glasswork on the Louvre Pyramid.