Name: Matteo Cappellazzo and Mattia Piro 
Company: PC Design
Position within company: Founders, Owners & Chief Designers
Website: www.pcdesign.it
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).
MC: I have a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and a master’s degree in Yacht and Cruising Vessel Design. I have worked in the design field since 2010 and in marine design since 2012. I worked with E.T. Yacht Design in Santa Margherita Ligure and with Maori Yacht and Novamarine in Costa Smeralda, dealing with design, construction and refitting of luxury vessels and sport yachts but also professional crafts. In 2014, together with my friend and colleague Mattia Piro, we founded our independent studio PC Design.
MP: I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Yacht and Cruising Vessel Design. I initially worked in a yacht design office and then headed in a shipyard, where I deepened the knowledge in the production field of fiberglass, aluminium and steel yachts. And lastly, PC Design.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
We are witnesses of the pursuit of extreme dimensions and sizes and of the increasing influence from other design fields, especially the automotive one. At the same time advanced technologies like automation and connectivity will characterise more and more new designs.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
Originality – intended as innovation, because a winning product must successfully stand out despite the rest.
Attention to detail – which creates a unique product.
Open-mindedness – because today’s world is subject to fast and continuous evolution and change and a designer has to understand and catch new trends that deserve to be followed.
Simplicity – because, especially with new technologies, user experiences are projected to ease and friendliness of use and this also has to be done in the marine industry.
Functionality – intended as the character and the technical quality of a product, must remain the primary function.
Where do you feel yacht design is going in terms of schemes?
Widening of horizontal spaces, fusion of areas related to modularity and convertibility, intense use of new technologies and innovative materials. Also, yachts are transforming from sailing objects to luxury vacation floating hotels.
What projects are you currently working on?
At the moment we are designing a 52 feet luxury tender, a 50 meter explorer vessel, a 76 meter superyacht and we are preparing some interior design proposals for a 72 ft yacht.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
A designer should focus his job on the solution, on the idea, and not on the shape and on the appearance.
Also, functionality and design must meet: as professionals we always have to keep in mind the function that the designed object has to do once it has been realised. Finally it is crucial to find the right balance between innovation, material use, and customer needs.
What products/services could you not live without when designing?
First of all books and magazines for inspirations. Then, for the real practical work, computers and softwares, anything that starts with “Computer-Aided” (design, engineering, manufacturing) and “3D” (modeling, scanning, prototyping). Also, lighting and sound design.
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Yacht and Aviation Awards are a unique occasion for our company to stand out in the industry. They are an important part and further step in our professional path. The Awards makes them an interesting challenge and the awards ceremony being held in a marvellous place such as Venice increases its charm. Being shortlisted is already a great result but now we want to believe in victory.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Completing and delivering all the projects in progress, starting new ones and closing the talks for project ITALIA in order to send it to production.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
MC: In particular, Africa, but all the world should be seen.
MP: Everywhere around Italy
Your most treasured possession?
MC: My motorbike, a Limited Edition Yamaha YZF-R6.
MP: My gozzo, the Italian classic boat.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant and bar?
MC:
Hotel – Capo Caccia in Sardinia, Italy,
Restaurant – Le Pacha 1901 in Cairo, Egypt,
Bar – Mango’s Tropical Cafe in Miami Beach, USA. But not only…
MP:
Hotel – Al Salvatore in Lipari, Italy,
Resturant – Osteria della Corte in La Spezia, Italy,
Bar – Belo da Bica in Lisboa, Portugal.
Your favourite food and drink?
MC: Italian fresh pasta, Sardinian homemade mirto.
MP: Italian pizza, beer.
The place that enables you to totally relax?
MC: An isolated and reserved seaside.
MP: Gallipoli, Italy, in September.
The place that gives you most inspiration?
MC: Silent cliffs and mountains, the beach at dawn and at sunset and… the office!
MP: Portovenere, Italy, in the surroundings of La Spezia.
Anything final thoughts?
We just would like to thank anyone that accompanied and is helping us in our path and The International Yacht & Aviation Awards for this opportunity.
