Name: Destry Darr Pethtel
Company: Destry Darr Designs
Position within company: President / Interior Designer
Website: www.destrydarrdesigns.com

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

The trend toward cleaner and more contemporary design is going to be here for a while. We take our direction from our Clients. They shape the outcomes much more than design trends. Historical design styles were honoured for so long that the experienced yacht owners are now confident in creating their own look and desire something more comfortable and sophisticated.

. What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on a number of larger privately owned yachts and also some residential projects for our yacht clients.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

Love of design, love of the business, a committed and efficient staff and family. I couldn’t do it all without my family. My husband is also my business partner. We are very busy at work and at home with our 6 & 9 year old boys. We have a lot of local family who help us with our children. Owning our own business and having such an efficient staff, helps us to be very flexible.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

The three most important themes to always consider when approaching a project is Time, Budget & Technique! Two other very important themes to consider is how the Client plans to use the yacht and what new materials are out or will be coming out during the build.

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

Listen to your Clients and interpret their tastes and styles in a functional, fashionable and quality manner.

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

The International Yacht and Aviation Awards are very important. They not only inspire designers and builders to continue to strive and pioneer the best of the best, but they also arouse owner’s passions for the yachting lifestyle.

. How do you relax?

I relax with my family.

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

To oversee my existing projects to successful deliveries and begin creating designs for new projects.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive? Mercedes, Suburban and an antique 1950 Dodge
Your favourite place to travel to in the world? I travel a lot whether it is for business or pleasure and love to explore new places and have new experiences all the time! I can’t choose one place that is my favourite.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Again, I rarely frequent one place because I love to try new places, experience new tastes and take in the sights and designs around me.
The place that gives you the most energy? When I am at work designing and really on a roll with a design or when I am at a shipyard or a boat show.
And the place that enables you to totally relax? The ocean
Your favourite food and drink? Any kind of seafood, including sushi and I am always drinking hot tea, day and night!
Anything else interesting? Having a father as a yacht broker, I grew up in the yacht industry and was around mega yachts and boat shows at a very early age taking a great interest and absorbing everything I could. Yachts became my first love!