Name: ARDOIN Cedric
Company: ARDOIN YACHT DESIGN
Position within company: CEO & Naval Architect
Website: www.ardoinyachtdesign.com
. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
The trend in superyacht is often to increase the living space onboard. A larger and bigger yacht allows developing more recreation space, with lots of new toys and big tender. For discretion and aesthetic raison, recreational area is hidden behind hydraulic panels, or extendable platform.
New tendency for superyacht exterior design, seek to develop complex shape supported by the innovative composite fiber reinforcement technology, as new motor trimaran.
The return to the natural element is increasingly present, keeping the connection with ocean, like for example larger window for the sea view, and beach club area on swimming platform.
We are working on a project with the green label, made by small change of technology, with different items and product. Moreover with my partners, we always focus on the more appropriate solution, to achieve the request of owner, and we process step by step with necessary time.
Often, small improvements put end to end, it is possible to save money and make a nice gesture for the environment.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design.
1.Listen and watch: listening thoroughly the owner’s request and watching in retail carefully.
2.Understanding the real needs of owner, and then interpret
3.Suggest solutions: sometimes be able to see below than initially
4.Solving technical challenges
5.Checking, monitoring, and maintain a good communication with all involved during the implementation period, up to the final outcome
. And key trends that we should be aware of?
«Green» «Efficient» «Strict» «Simple»
Yachting can be green, or greener!
Then, the design combines luxury and elegance but not to the detriment of functionality and accessibility. Easy and clever solutions are possible to reduce the maintenance costs of superyacht.
Strict because ever more standards to respect and understand!
Stay simple, and be careful not to over-complicate the yachting industry at the expense of real pleasure to be on board. And enjoy your superyacht for our beloved owner!
. What projects are you currently working on?
The fleet of yachts is starting at 35m until more 70m, based on French Riviera, Monaco, and Italy. I work repeatedly for different Flag authority, to implement the standards on commercial yachts, stability check, weight estimation, safety plans, structural calculation, structure plan…
Currently, I am working for a private yacht of 50m (Benetti), I have to refresh the design, and change the layout of upper sky saloon.
And yacht of 50M (Feadship), for approval Safety Plan.
I’m still working on “Deep Blue” a design for a 20m support vessel with private submarines, it’s an exciting adventure!
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
The brainstorming time with the team at the office and on the site is a very important step, because is often there where new ideas and solution appear. Also problems are often avoided in this way.
The 3D modeling tool is the key tool to anticipate, solve and visualize most difficulties that could appear down the road. Modeling via the 3D tool often helps to figure out parts of the final solution.
. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Personally, I am not only a Yacht Designer, but also a Naval Architect, with a marine engineer educational package, so it is more possibilities.
But finally Naval architect, when you work for your own firm, it is closer to “show-business” what else?
You need to trust in yourself, be positive, break your own boundary, and be yourself, and work hard with passion, and probably after a long period, you look back and you can see a career and a life! How time passes!
. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Yacht & Aviation Awards are famous awards, and Ardoin Yacht Design team is really proud for being shortlisted already. Of course an Awards should be a great recognition for our firm, attract the spotlight on our work also.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
It’s kind of secret but I’m involved with a new service as “Owner Representative”, could be a great story, isn’t it?
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
The car you drive?
BMW
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
French Riviera is very suitable for Superyacht
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
The Blue Gin Bar at Monaco Bay Hotel, the Fairmont Hotel it’s such a nice place as well, and the cooking of Chef Philippe Joannès is wonderfull !
The place that gives you the most energy?
The highlands in Scotland, I need to go back each time is possible.
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
My private garden, I like to garden and tinker a lot. And I also like to go to sea or to beach, because I can enjoy life!
Your favourite food and drink?
My favourite drink: I really appreciate good Champagne and sometimes a glass of Talisker 18 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky!
And I like refined food!
Anything else interesting?
I am always enthusiastic for new challenge in my job!