This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features Designer Touches, finalists from the Residential Over £1M category in the SBID Awards 2016. SBID interviews the imaginative minds behind the projects to give an insight into their creative process and how they tackled some of the industry’s biggest and best projects.

Company: Designer Touches

Project: Mega Yacht ABILITY

Location: Italy

What was the client’s brief?

Full refurbishment and re-fit of the Ability Group’s flagship vessel, the Mega Yacht ABILITY, a 41.4 meter luxury super yacht, formally owned by the fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. The brief included the desire for the interior to be sympathetic to the yacht’s history and previous owner’s flare for design, and to ensure the yacht stood out from the crowd.

What inspired the design of the project?

We took inspiration from the catwalk using a couture colour palette and contrasting textures to provide an injection of drama and atmosphere. This was combined with opulent leathers, animal prints and natural fabrics to create a lavish yet elegant and tasteful interior, worthy of the yacht’s history and status. We were able to have fun with the design and think imaginatively to create spaces with flair and originality that radiate modern Italian style.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle that our team overcame was managing the project overseas.  The logistics and tracking deliveries were sometimes problematic. However, we had such a fantastic team based in Italy that any issues that arose were swiftly dealt with due to the good working relationship between our two teams.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project was designing the focal point of the yacht – the main saloon.  We had a lot of fun with its design which has been styled to look like a fashion runway with seating either side. Many of the key pieces of furniture within this room were sourced directly from Roberto Cavalli’s furniture range, creating a luxurious space to relax and unwind after a day of sailing.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

 We entered The SBID International Design Awards as it recognises innovation and rewards design excellence within the industry.  It is fantastic recognition of us and we are extremely proud to have been nominated.

Questions answered by Mary Georgiou, Founder and Principle Designer at Designer Touches

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If you missed last week’s project of the week with Virserius Studio – Click Here

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We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Additional Images from the Mega Yacht ABILITY Project

Designer Touches | SBID International Design Awards 2017