Giulini Ben Brahim Design & Engineering recently reached the shortlist in two categories for the IY&A Awards 2014. Their project, Koot 54 , will compete for the Yacht Interior Design Award (click here to view) and the Power Boat up to 25 metres Award (click here to view). To enter the Awards please email awards@design-et-al.co.uk.
Francesco Maria Giulini
Name: Francesco Maria Giulini
Company: Giulini Ben Brahim Design and Engineering
Position within company: Co-Owner, Designer
Website: www.giulini-benbrahim.com
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
The new boats are now more discriminating. New factors are determining the choice of a yacht: ecological concern in the choice of materials, fuel consumption, innovative but slow ageing design.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are working on designing an 80’ and a 142’catamaran to complete the range of sail catamarans started with the launch of a 100’ in 2013. We are also in the process of studying the refitting of 3 power and 1 sail yachts for private clients.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
The great privilege of been a designer is that each project is different. The passion of approaching a new project each time is a tremendous source of energy for whatever else you do in life.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond:
– Absolute and attentive definition of the scope of each project
– Finding a great mental synergy with your clients
– Being up to date with the all the technology and new materials coming also from other sectors than the nautical industry alone
– Finding the correct balance between design, construction methods, cost efficiency, to achieve a product that will keep its looks and value in time
– Whatever you design will have to donate an everlasting sense of pride, comfort and joy to owners and guests alike
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
If you work for a private client remember that your mission is to give reality to a dream and synchronise and synthesize, through your experience and sensibility, what often is a chaos of ideas.
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Yacht and Aviation Awards is a sane tool to confront yourself with the ideas of you colleagues and an instrument to better understand the market tendencies.
How do you relax?
The company of your loved ones and the passion for cooking have in me a great regenerating force.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Since I am lucky enough to have people who believe in my work and that finding new project is not a concern, I would like to be better at delegating some things to find a bit more time for my private enjoyment.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
The one that can wheel me from one place to another
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
I love British Columbia, Canada
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
All of the above have to be simple, possibly with a good attention to service without false pretences, but very comfortable
The place that gives you the most energy?
The seaside or the mountains at sunset
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Being on a boat large enough to be comfortable, small enough to enjoy the sea life
Your favourite food and drink?
Oriental food, mainly Japanese. For a drink: Negroni