Name: Frans van Hapert 
Company: Air-Craftglass
Position within company: CEO and Owner
Website: www.air-craftglass.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).

In 1984 I finished my study as an Architect at the “Gerrit Rietveld Academy” in Amsterdam. With this background I tried to always be original with my business approach and tried to build up the business I had in a different way.

What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

I see that there is a big demand for environmental friendly products or products which can help to reduce the CO2 footprint (in our case weight and material reductions). Products should be produced with a minimum reduction of the natural sources we have and which has to be used in the most respectful way as we should be responsible for the next generation too.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.

– Environmentally friendly
– Simplicity
– Easy to understand
– Honest
– Colourful

Where do you feel product design in the yacht and aviation industry is going in terms of schemes?

A more home and hotel look and feel.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on various projects in the Aircraft industry (both VVIP and commercial), the automotive industry and the superyacht (sailing vessels) industry. Due to the confidential character and the signed NDA’s we can’t give you more details.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Think outside the box!

What products/services could you not live without when designing?

New products exists only when there is a specific demand. Designing just for designing is not an option.

How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

It gives you a perfect platform to get some recognition in what you are doing as it sometimes can be a very lonely life!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To bring our full Air-Craftglass collection to the market in the Aircraft, Automotive and Marine industry.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Amalfi Coast, Italy

Your most treasured possession?
Family life.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant and bar?
Hotel – Mandarin Hotel, Miami
Restaurant – Hakkasan, Chelsea London
Bar – Harry’s Bar, Venice.

Your favourite food and drink?
Food – Steak Bearnaise
Drink – Campari Orange.

The place that enables you to totally relax?
Macul in Nicaragua.

The place that gives you most inspiration?
Shanghai, China.

Anything final thoughts?
Every place with inspiring people.