We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative BAZ Yacht Design ("BYD").
BAZ Yacht Design is a multidisciplinary yacht design studio, founded by an interior designer architect and a naval architect and marine engineer, mainly specialized in yacht exterior design, yacht interior design and engineering. With the sister company of the same owners BAZ Yacht Solutions, they provide "one point solution" from conceptual design stages, to yacht fitout for furniture, accessorices supply for the yachts under construction. Which makes BAZ Yacht Design important and interesting as one point solution in yachting. Their main aim is the happy owners enjoying unforgettable moments on their yachts.
BAZ Yacht Design Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by BAZ Yacht Design.
BAZ Yacht Design Design - Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
BAZ Yacht Design Design - MS Andiamo 44 m Motorsailer
Designer Interview of BAZ Yacht Design:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
BYD : As yacht designers, the passion for design and creativity has always been a driving force for us. From young ages, we were fascinated by the sleek lines and innovative engineering of boats and yachts. Our journey into yacht design began with a profound passion for the sea and nature. As sailing yacht owners, we spend half the year aboard SY Mediterra, which serves as both a home and a second office. This deep connection with nature continuously fuels our creativity, inspiring designs like Project KAI, which recently earned the Platinum Design Award and MS Andiamo, which recently earned the Bronze Design Award.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
BYD : BAZ Yacht Design is a versatile yacht design studio established by an interior designer architect and a naval architect and marine engineer. The studio specializes in yacht exterior design, interior design, and engineering. Together with their sister company, BAZ Yacht Solutions, owned by the same partners, they offer a comprehensive service, covering everything from initial conceptual design to the complete fit-out, including furniture and accessories for yachts under construction. This integrated approach positions BAZ Yacht Design as a unique, one-stop solution in the yachting industry. Their primary goal is to ensure yacht owners experience unparalleled joy and create unforgettable memories on their vessels.
DI: What is "design" for you?
BYD : Our approach to design is holistic. It's about harmonizing shape and function, blending technical expertise with creative vision, and ultimately delivering “the yacht” that exceeds our clients' expectations. Design, to us, is about crafting experiences that resonate deeply with those who interact with our yachts, whether they're cruising the open waters or relaxing onboard with their beloved ones.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
BYD : We feel utmost pleasure in both conceptual yacht design and the hands-on work of new builds and refits. While the design process is immensely satisfying, nothing compares to the thrill of seeing our creations come to life on the water.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
BYD : We draw inspiration from a diverse array of designs / designers across multiple disciplines. To be honest, singling out just one or two would be quite challenging given the wealth of creativity and innovation that influences our work.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
BYD : In 2014, our first project at BAZ Yacht Design was the Heritage CT45, a 45-foot classic axe bow yacht designed for serial production.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
BYD : We don't have a single favorite material, platform, or technology, as our preferences vary depending on the project. We continually explore and integrate a wide range of innovative materials and cutting-edge technologies to deliver exceptional yacht designs tailored to the unique needs and visions of our clients. Material samples play a crucial role in this process, allowing us to assess the aesthetics, durability, and overall suitability of each material in real-world applications, ensuring the highest quality and satisfaction for our clients.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
BYD : Collaboration within our team is the cornerstone of our creative process. By exchanging ideas and blending our expertise, we ignite innovation. Diverse perspectives and insights lead to fresh, unexpected solutions, and we deeply value every contribution, as each one broadens our horizon. Moreover, visiting shipyards, attending boat shows, and staying current with advancements in naval architecture and yacht design are vital sources of inspiration. Observing technological evolution and how other designers push boundaries motivates us to continually innovate and enhance our cutting-edge designs.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
BYD : Overall, our approach to yacht design is comprehensive and multifaceted, combining technical expertise with creative vision to create bespoke vessels that exceed expectations in terms of performance, beauty, and functionality.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
BYD : Designing a yacht is an emotionally rich journey, filled with excitement, inspiration, fulfillment, and pride. Winning Platinum and Bronze Awards adds a delightful layer of validation to this journey (laughs). Each phase of the design process brings its own unique emotional highs, making the experience dynamic and deeply rewarding. Ultimately, our passion and dedication to creating extraordinary yachts drive us through this never-ending adventure. Finally, when the project is complete, and we see the finished yacht, there is a profound sense of joy and pride.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
BYD : When our designs are realized, it's an incredibly emotional and gratifying experience. Seeing a yacht that started as a vision on paper transform into a tangible, exquisite vessel fills us with pride. There’s a deep sense of joy in knowing that our hard work have come to reality. Receiving Platinum and Bronze Awards for our projects is the ultimate validation of our dedication and passion. It fills us with pride and motivates us to continually push the boundaries of design and innovation in the yachting industry.
DI: What makes a design successful?
BYD : Our platinum and bronze awards defines that we have achieved this perfect balance in our designs, delivering yachts that are not only technically superior and visually stunning but also deeply resonant with our clients’ wishes.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
BYD : When evaluating a yacht design, we first prioritize aesthetics and functionality, ensuring it meets both visual appeal and practical needs. We also consider the quality of materials and craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, underscoring our commitment to responsible and cutting-edge design practices.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
BYD : We prioritize eco-friendly practices, integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies into our designs. Our goal is to create zero-emission yachts that minimize environmental impact, setting a standard for the industry. By upholding these principles, we aim to craft designs that not only delight and inspire but also contribute meaningfully to society and the environment, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
BYD : The future of design will be about creating innovative, sustainable, eco friendly and deeply personalized spaces that enhance the quality of life and respond to the evolving needs of the environment.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
BYD : As yacht designers, we do not have exhibitions that we can show our products. However, some of the yachts that we have been in a part of the design are shown in several boat shows.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
BYD : The ocean itself is a profound source of inspiration. The fluid lines of waves, the intricate patterns of marine life, and the natural beauty of Mediterranean coastal landscapes all inspire our designs. Observing how nature solves complex problems efficiently and aesthetically helps us incorporate organic shapes and sustainable solutions into our work.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
BYD : While we could easily describe our style as modern, sophisticated, and timeless, we believe such labels limit the true essence of our work. At BAZ Yacht Design, our primary goal is to understand and embrace the unique wishes and tastes of each yacht owner. By starting with their vision, we craft bespoke yachts that reflect both their dreams and our expertise. This collaborative approach results in a diverse array of styles, unified by our vision yet uniquely personalized for each client.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
BYD : We live on the beautiful coast of the Turkish Riviera, where the sea and nature inspire us daily. We often work from our sailboat, which serves as a second office, providing a peaceful and focused environment. Soon, we will be opening our Hamburg branch studio to support our upcoming projects in Europe.
DI: How do you work with companies?
BYD : We collaborate with companies where needed to understand their vision and requirements, creating tailored yacht designs that meet their specific needs and exceed expectations.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
BYD : Working with a designer requires clear communication, collaboration, trust, flexibility, and constructive feedback. When selecting a designer, consider their portfolio, experience, reputation, communication skills, cultural fit, innovation, and budget transparency. By focusing on these aspects, companies can build successful partnerships with designers, leading to exceptional and impactful design outcomes.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
BYD : Our design process combines creativity, technical expertise, and close collaboration with our clients. Through comprehensive research, innovative design, meticulous attention to detail, and hands-on supervision, we craft yachts that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations, ensuring each vessel is a true masterpiece.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
BYD : We do not want to share (laughing)
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
BYD : Our design process is deeply rooted in nature, often beginning aboard our sailboat where we draw inspiration from the surroundings. We refine concepts through sketching and then collaborate closely with clients, owner representatives, and management teams in online meetings. This ensures we integrate natural elements seamlessly into our yacht designs.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
BYD : While many might advise avoiding mistakes, we believe that life is a continuous learning journey where mistakes are inevitable and valuable. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and remain open and wise to learning. Additionally, taking breaks during the design phase, especially in the creative stage, is crucial. Pausing clears your mind, sharpens your focus, and allows you to approach your project with a fresh perspective.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
BYD : As yacht designers, we have the privilege of crafting unique and luxurious vessels that embody elegance and innovation. It's incredibly rewarding to see our designs sail the seas and provide unforgettable experiences for their owners and guests. However, the complexity of integrating sophisticated engineering with exquisite aesthetics can pose challenges.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
BYD : Understand and don’t underestimate the client’s needs and wishes.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
BYD : A good yacht designer needs to be creative, detail-oriented, and technically skilled in both engineering and design software. They should communicate well with clients and builders, solve problems effectively, and stay updated on industry trends, materials and equipments.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
BYD : we rely on several essential tools to bring yacht concepts to life. We use an iPad for sketching initial ideas, which allows for quick and flexible brainstorming sessions. For detailed 3D modeling and visualization, we utilize Rhinoceros 3D, a powerful software known for its versatility in complex geometric designs. To enhance our visual presentations, we employ rendering software such as Vray and Corona, ensuring realistic and captivating representations of our designs. In addition to digital tools, our inspiration is enriched by a collection of yacht design magazines and books that provide insights into current trends, innovative techniques, and historical references. These resources play a crucial role in shaping our creative process and maintaining a pulse on the evolving world of yacht design.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
BYD : Managing time effectively in yacht design is crucial due to the intricate nature of the process. We prioritize tasks based on project timelines and client needs, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Regular planning and scheduling help us allocate time for research, sketching, 3D modeling, client meetings, and revisions. Communication with our team and clients ensures everyone is aligned, reducing unnecessary delays.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
BYD : The duration of designing an object varies based on the complexity and client needs, ranging from weeks to several months. Flexibility and collaboration with clients are crucial to meeting both creative goals and deadlines effectively.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
BYD : Clients frequently ask about the timeline for completing a design project. They are keen to understand how long it will take to move from initial concept development through to the final design stages and ultimately to delivery. This question is crucial as it helps in managing expectations and planning for various stages of the project efficiently.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
BYD : Our biggest achievement so far is Project KAI, which won the Platinum Design Award. It's a project we're very proud of because it reflects our passion for yacht design. Project KAI was conceived to push the boundaries of yacht design by combining cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance. We aimed to exceed expectations in luxury and performance. We integrated innovative features like smart hybrid engines and large battery banks for silent electric cruising, aligning with today's focus on sustainability. Designing Project KAI allowed us to showcase our studio's capabilities and vision. Every detail, from initial sketches to final plans, was meticulously crafted to embody our values of innovation, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
BYD : In the yachting industry, a significant portion of clients comprises high-end society individuals who prioritize privacy and prefer not to have their identities revealed online.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
BYD : Every type of project has its own journey.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
BYD : We are in the period of establishing our Hamburg, Germany branch office and plan to expand our services on a more global venture.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
BYD : We have a team. Here we would like to thank them all one by one!
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
BYD : We believe Project KAI has a soul, therefore we decided to make a KAI family. Therefore a 39.5 meters KAI catamaran and 13.5 meters KAI tenders are on the design table.
DI: How can people contact you?
BYD : website: bazyachtdesign.com Instagram: @bazyachtdesign LinkedIn: BAZ Yacht Design
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
BYD : Special thanks to the jury members and every individual involved in the A'Design Award & Competition.