ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers - (Page 48)

On the MOVE Niche designers ﬁnd that transportation can be broadening indeed. BY MARIA LAPIANA The project was ﬁnally complete and the client was utterly satisﬁed. He wanted to show his appreciation, but a thank-you note just wouldn’t do. So designer Christine DeLashmutt, ASID, was invited to spend some time in the space she’d designed—the client’s luxury yacht. “It was unforgettable,” says DeLashmutt. “We dined on this phenomenal meal on the aft deck with a cool breeze blowing, listening to a reggae band playing across the marina. It was so rewarding to be involved with a client who is fulfilling his dreams.” Granted, this kind of a perk may be out of the ordinary … but there are deﬁnite rewards to designing spaces that move—from planes and trains to automobiles (not to mention yachts and cruise ships). Designers who specialize in such interiors definitely go places! Transportation design is a niche specialty, a subset of hospitality in some ways, with a few twists: While budgets are generous, designers often work in uncommonly small spaces where everything they do is subject to very stringent fire codes, weight limits and federal regulations. Further adding to the challenge, nearly everything needs to be bolted down. So what is it like to shape unique interior spaces for clients who travel? We talked with four designers who shared the ups, downs, ins and outs of transportation projects they’ve worked on. While it’s safe to say they’re all specialists in their fields, opportunities are limited, so three of them do other interior design work as well. We came away with business insights, special considerations and a glimpse into how “the other half” gets where they’re going. COURTESY LAZZARA YACHTS PHOTO: SCOTT PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY Joining the Yacht Club On staff for Lazzara Yachts in Tampa, Fla., DeLashmutt specifies the interior ﬁnishes and furnishings for motor yachts ranging from 68 to 116 feet, most owned by individuals who are experienced boaters. Yacht design requires a strong sense of balance (and not just on deck). “Remember, you are creating an interior that brings the clients’ dreams to fruition,” explains De Lashmutt, “while all along keeping to a strict production schedule.” While landbased design principles hold true in boats of all sizes, there’s more to consider when creating a sophisticated yacht interior. Weight is a serious concern because it affects performance and fuel consumption, so materials like marble, granite or onyx must be cut down to 1/8 of an inch and veneered to an aluminum substrate. Scale and stability are also important. Even in a large cabin, the size of the furniture matters. And loose glass is never allowed: “Our concern is not so much to keep the glass from breaking as it is what the glass will harm if it is thrown from its base in rough seas.” Similarly, the designer avoids furniture, lamps and accessories that can be easily tipped. Yacht owners tend to put a lot of faith in your expertise, says DeLash- 48 ASID ICON | THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers Contents President’s Message Good to Know Innovations Breathing Life into a Building Designs for Senior Living On the Move Thinking Green Aging in Style Industry Inside ASID Grassroots ASID National Industry Partner Focus Showroom Advertisers Resource Guide Annual Articles Index

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

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