When it comes to superior yacht design, the UK is a force to be reckoned with. The nation’s maritime history and longstanding design pedigree have given rise to a vibrant and high-calibre industry renowned the world over.

Many stalwarts of the exclusive British yacht design scene have been around for the best part of a century, having masterminded exquisite architecture and interiors for many thousands of vessels during that time. And many newer entrants to the market have proven that innovative thinking can transform how we look at traditional design, too.

Let’s look at 7 of the best British yacht design studios you need to know about.

 

1. Winch Design

London-based Winch Design – named after its founder, Andrew Winch – is one of the global yacht design market’s most influential players.

Founded in 1986, the studio employs over 100 people – and over the last 35 years, it has amassed a portfolio of the world’s most exquisite yachts. Winch Design also works across land and sea, with numerous private jets and multi-million-pound properties to its name.

Its notable projects include the 99m Madame Gu, which won Superyacht of the Year 2014 at the World Superyachts Awards in Amsterdam. The team also designed the strikingly beautiful interior of the Cloud 9 (recently sold and now named Lady Jorgia) a 74m yacht which features helipad, spa and swimming pool.

 

2. Terence Disdale Design

Terence Disdale is another legend of the yacht design world. Often dubbed the “Rockstar” of the industry, Disdale and his Richmond-upon-Thames studio are behind many of the most famous and celebrated superyachts today.

His 40-year career began in notably humble fashion, as he didn’t receive any formal training in yacht design. Instead, he was tutored by the iconic Jon Bannenberg, whose studio also paved the way for several other leading designers, including Andrew Winch. 

Disdale’s more casual style – with his famous mantra of “beach-house not penthouse” – continues to be highly sought-after. This can be seen in the 53.5m Hurricane Run.

 

3. Design Unlimited

Founded in 2000, Design Unlimited provides an innovative take on traditional yacht design and has won awards for its fresh approach.

One look at the sailing yacht, Pink Gin VI will tell you all you need to know about the team’s quirky ethos. Design Unlimited’s founder, Mark Tucker, boasts an impressive CV, having cut his teeth at Camper & Nicholson’s Yachts and worked his way up the ranks at Ken Freivokh Design before taking the plunge with his own consultancy.

Custom projects include the 65m Shemara, in which the team completely refitted a 1930s gentleman’s motoryacht. It brought the entire vessel up to modern standards, while retaining her classic charm.

 

4. Seymour Diamond

Fiona Diamond’s eponymous studio is called upon by clients the world over to design the interiors of not only superyachts, but also luxury property and aircraft. Diamond worked closely with Terence Disdale for many years before launching her Mayfair-based company in 2010. 

Despite being a relative newcomer within the yacht design industry, the business is making a name for itself as the go-to interior specialist of choice. Seymour Diamond prides itself on a hands-on approach and exquisite attention to detail. It recently worked on the 92.5m Royal Romance, which cost upwards of $200 million.

 

5. Adam Lay Studio

Founded in 2003 in Stockbridge, Adam Lay Studio is a boutique design house that has won countless awards for its iconic projects.

Mentored by John Munford for seven years, another noted custom superyacht designer, Lay has built a reputation for discretion. He also prides himself on truly getting under the skin of client briefs, to not only deliver what owners are looking for – but to exceed their expectations.

The studio’s projects include the Lady Kathryn V, an ornately styled superyacht that evokes the classic and timeless elegance of years gone by.

 

6. Bannenberg & Rowell Design

The name Bannenberg holds a lot of sway in the world of superyacht design. Jon Bannenberg is considered the Grandfather of the modern industry, having pioneered an entirely new aesthetic in the 1960s which is still adhered to today. 

And it’s clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Bannenberg & Rowell, now arguably one of – if not the – most famous yacht design studios in the world, was set up by the late Jon’s son, Dickie and his business partner, Simon Rowell. Despite being a company steeped in history, the team remains at the forefront of cutting-edge creativity, working with each client to create something that perfectly matches their style.

Notable projects include the award-winning 65m Galactica Star, a £50 million superyacht which was chartered by Beyoncé and Jay-Z for a holiday in 2015.

 

7. Gresham Yacht Design

Founded by Bahamas-born Steve Gresham, the Gresham Yacht Design studio is now based a little closer to home, in Hampshire.

Having originally worked as part of the engineering team at Williams Formula 1, Gresham moved into superyacht design and launched his studio in 2013. Utilising his keen eye for detail, alongside a desire to continually innovate, Gresham’s work is renowned for its technical excellence. The studio often collaborates with Seymour Diamond, with the former leading on yacht design and the latter handling the interior fit-out and finishing touches.

Gresham’s most famous work includes the MV Alucia, a luxury, 56m research and exploration yacht that played a key role in filming footage for BBC’s Blue Planet II.

 

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