Lufthansa Technik have been shortlisted in the International Yacht and Aviation Awards with their project “Long Range Traveller” entering the Private Aviation Interior Design Concept category

Name: Michael “Skyboek” Reichenecker

Company: Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg

Position within company: Aircraft Interior Architect

Website: www.lufthansa-technik.com

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

Design includes but is not restricted to aesthetical considerations. First of all it must work. In aviation it more often than not needs to support, if not enable the client’s way of life or doing business.

What projects are you currently working on?

A few wide-body jets, plus also the Lufthansa “Superstar” Lockheed restoration project (More information here: http://dlbs.de/en/index.php).

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

Look for projects that you want to do. Passion creates energy.

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

Light weight Design.

Economical Design, including easy maintenance.

Lighting in Design.

Completion downtime saving Design including certification aspects.

Design something you have not done before. Take the risk.

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

Find out as much as possible what your customer needs. Translate that into a design of lasting value.

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

I think very important. A lot of design work in VIP aviation is confidential and that makes it harder for designers to get public recognition. That’s why it is important to include concept studies. By entering concepts studies designers have a platform to share their information advantage.

How do you relax?

Play one of my great blues guitars.

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

Come up with arresting designs and smart solutions.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your favourite place to travel to in the world? – Berlin. Miami.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? – There are lots.

The place that gives you the most energy? – Relaxing at home with friends and family.

And the place that enables you to totally relax? – Home as well.

Your favourite food and drink? – I don’t have that.

Anything else interesting? – My favourite movie: Blade Runner. I think for designers a ‘must’.