C O N C E P T
Our fundamental objective for every project is understanding and fulfilling our client’s dreams. This process begins by acquiring a feel for their lifestyle and appreciating the way in which each client wishes to use their yacht – be it racing in regattas, arctic exploration or exotic adventures with the family – to establish a design brief. As dreams, these objectives are sometimes difficult to verablise, so our process begins with dialogue and hand-drawn sketches before the creation of presentation renderings for discussion. These renderings form the foundation upon which the project’s interior and exterior style is based. This development typically sees a rapid turnover of concepts to ensure that the project has the right foundations from which to grow. This key stage is a close collaboration between the design team and the client to maximise the potential of the concept, to create an innovative and homogeneous design solution.
Within a given volume in every yacht interior there is a balancing act that takes place between form and function. We integrate all the technical and engineering elements that run through these spaces to ensure that form is not compromised.
Working closely with each client, we develop a unique interior and exterior to meet their exact needs and design tastes, compliment their lifestyles, and realise their dreams. Within this planning process we not only ensure that the guest areas flow seemlessly into each other but that they are ergonomic and can be serviced discretely by the crew.
Once the general space planning is complete and the Owner is happy with the overall lifestyle element of the design, RYD then reviews and rationalises everything from the structure of the boat to the sound insulation and air conditioning piping, to ensure every last millimetre of space is used efficiently.
G E N E R A L D E T A I L S
While the concept stage is the broad strokes of the design, the General Details phase fine-tunes the concept with accurate detail. Artistic renderings combined with computer drawings of furniture details – exact to the millimetre – create a library of design details, which create the bones upon which the rest of the project grows. These drawings not only show dimensions and aesthetic forms but also feature material finishes, veneer types, grain directions and construction details.
These will form a key for sourcing veneers, fabrics, stone or state of the art finishes. If the design requires it, we will also produce custom designs for the interior hardware – from light switches to door handles and cabinet locks – all detailed to meet the specific needs and requirements for each client.
High-performance yachts have specific technical demands, fundamentally balancing cost, durability and weight. Our extensive knowledge and dedication to detail has allowed us to design some of the fastest lightweight boats in the world; without compromise to the interior quality.
As the concept develops it is important that the team understands the project aesthetic and a key part of this is the visualisation of ideas. At Rhoades Young we utilise both hand drawn sketches for rapid development of ideas but, when required, full 3D CAD-rendered models. These photorealistic visuals allow our clients to feel completely relaxed in knowing what is being produced for them, and allow the whole team to quickly understand the unique challenges of each custom yacht under construction.
CABIN DRAWINGS
Once the general details have been agreed the project moves into a highly involved phase of technical drawing. Every bulkhead, furniture piece, sole and overhead is produced – every space is detailed. Scale drawings not only include the decorative layout and detailing of the rooms and furniture, but also the technical installations behind. Lighting plans are produced and every material, fitting and installation is incorporated.
Ergonomic requirements are at the forefront of a successful interior. Whilst this includes fundamental measurements such as bed widths, step heights and headroom, it also covers portlight locations and deck saloon detailing to ensure unobstructed sight lines from within the yacht. All drawings are developed to enable the seamless integration of technical services into the interior layout to maxmise volumes, practicality and accessibility. Accurate co-ordination of items such as air conditioning, sound and vibration control and engine ventilation is vital to ensure cabling and electrical cabinets integrate perfectly with the joinery, allowing crew access where required for maintenance.
D E C O R A T I V E D E S I G N
Whilst the joinery and technical installations are developed, full consideration is given to the interior decoration. It is our attention to detail that defines the quality of the end product; from the fabric selection to the choice of tap fittings and the design of bespoke furniture pieces. These details add to the character of the interior that makes each yacht unique and tailored to the client’s personality. Due to the unique nature of yacht interiors, both the interior hardware and loose furniture pieces often require the design and production of custom solutions to compliment the interior style.
Encompassing all elements of the interior from dining chairs and tables to chandeliers and mirrors, design drawings are produced for each item ensuring an holistic approach applies to every aspect of the interior, down to the smallest detail.
E X T E R I O R D E S I G N
With a strong pedigree of external design for both sailing and motor yachts, Rhoades Young Design has collaborated with some of the world’s finest naval architects on a wide range of projects, from 30ft production yachts to state-of-the-art superyachts. Whether designing a complete exterior, cockpit area, carbon bimini or folding platform we ensure that not only do these elements perform functionally but that they are also sympathetic with the complete yacht aesthetic. By considering the interior and exterior of the yacht together, we aim to achieve a cohesive feel to the project that blurs the interior and exterior relationship, making each space feel like an extension of the other. Working closely with engineers and naval architects we are able to realise all aspects of the exterior design, from profiles and deck plans to helm consoles and exterior graphics.
P R O J EC T M A N A G E M E N T
Close, continuous communication is maintained between all parties involved in the project, especially the client. Maintaining good dialogue throughout the design and build process ensures that all the hard work undertaken in the design stage translates into the quality of the final product. During the construction process, it is vital that all design drawings are completely understood and agreed upon before any material is cut.
Constant communication with the shipyard and furniture outfitters not only saves time and money but also ensures that every detail is completed as planned. Our experience in running projects for a large number of custom and production yachts has put us in good stead, and our design team regularly visits the shipyards and furniture outfitters throughout the build process. This means that potential problems are often averted before installation.
Our attention to detail is applied to all aspects of the build process, from air conditioning to audio visual, wood selection to watertight doors. This communication often continues beyond launch, ensuring that the yacht performs to the client’s expectations.
