Name: Sam Wright
Company: Samuel Wright Design
Position within company: Director
Website: www.samuelwrightdesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I am graduate of Industrial Design from the Central Institute of Technology in Perth, Western Australia. Since 2005 I have worked at two world class shipyards specialising in building large aluminium vessels. During this time I have been involved in over 20 new build projects including several private luxury yachts, built under the Oceanfast & Echo Yachts brands. More recently I have been working on concept designs for a mix of vessels including luxury yachts as well as fast tenders.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I’m a big fan of less is more. If you can create something that is effective, has a beautiful aesthetic and is practical you are definitely on the right track. I always attempt to stay true to this theme, favouring clean lines and a lightness of volume.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I get inspired by all sorts of things, a lot from nature, the automotive industry is another great source. I also really enjoy seeing what the film industry come up with, some design that is done for sets and props is unbelievable.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
It does feel like we are moving towards a “funner” future. It seems, especially in the marine industry, that design is increasingly becoming more playful and possibly a bit more casual. More and more yachts you see are centred around adventure and exploration capability and I do get the sense that this will continue to develop further as owners become increasingly daring.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
-Be kind to nature, the goal should always be to leave everything better than what you found it (difficult but not impossible in the Yacht world).
-Stay on brief, it can sometimes be possible to stray from what the client actually requested so it’s important to always keep sight of the end goal.
-Sweat the details, these small decisions all add up to the sum of the product so every choice needs to be considered very carefully.
-Collaborate, it’s impossible to know everything about everything so building relationships and sharing ideas with people in your industry can be greatly beneficial to the finished product.
-Enjoy the process, even when you find yourself in a great big pickle always try to take the positives from every experience.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I like to be straight forward, so I would say don’t be over complicated. Have a clear vision of what you would like to achieve and attempt to execute it in the most effective way.
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
For where my career currently stands I feel like it could be extremely important for me personally. In such a competitive industry it can be difficult to make inroads so I am treating the awards as real opportunity to build a profile.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working in the Echo Yachts design team on an 84m aluminium trimaran. Also working with Dingo Yachts on a titanium RHIB prototype.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My goal in the next twelve months is to be commissioned to design a new-build vessel under the Samuel Wright Design brand.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? -My photo albums
Your favourite holiday destination? -Ningaloo, Northwest of Western Australia
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Geordie Bay Cottages on Rottnest Island, North Street Store, Ocean Beach Hotel
Your favourite book, film & song? –Human Dimensions (design nerd), Dumb and Dumber, AC/DC Back in Black.
Your favourite food and drink? -Fresh sashimi and coffee (not together).
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? -Surfing perfect warm water waves with friends and family somewhere remote.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? -Photographer
Anything else interesting? -I love fishing!