Name: Michael Reimer
Company: Flying Flipper
Position within company: CEO/Owner and designer
Website: www.flyingflipper.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).
I gained a Master degree in media & design communication, I then went on to work with exclusive sports cars and boat design.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
More and more personalisation. It is important to express yourself, stand out and show who you are. this really reflects the time we are living in, with people showing and publicising their life on social media.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
– Eco friendly design and materials
– Personalised and individual design
– Pure sharp and edgy shapes but still with a soft flow
– New or recycled materials used for new purposes.
Where do you feel yacht and aviation design is going in terms of schemes?
There is more individualisation and profiled design, and fewer stereotypes when designing.
What projects are you currently working on?
Superfly GTO (Open version of the boat with a large aft sun deck.) And also a new Superfly 55 ft.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Never copy. Be influenced, inspired and develop you own design language. Look ahead, but also remember and learn from the past.
What products/services could you not live without when designing?
Pen & paper!
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
I think the Awards are a perfect arena for new and upcoming designers to reach a broader audience.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To confirm and spread the new design profile of Flying Flipper yachts and to deliver the first boats in the new Superfly series.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
My summer house in the south of Sweden, Santa Margherita Ligure/Italy, Malaga – Spain, New York and of course what ever harbour I arrive into with my boat!
Your most treasured possession?
My boat.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant and bar?
Hotel – A small family hotel in San Remo – Italy,
Resturant – Ystad Saltsjö bad restaurang – Sweden,
Bar – Surf Shack bar – Huntington Beach California,
Your favourite food and drink?
Italian pasta with good wine.
The place that enables you to totally relax?
My boat
The place that gives you most inspiration?
My bath-tub or driving my car
Any final thoughts?
Design is like whipped cream, it can easily be dated and quickly go from good to bad. But good design is timeless and always tasty!