Designer in Profile: Dusan Antic – ARGO NAVIS

Name: Dusan Anticdusan antic - photo
Company: ARGO NAVIS
Position within company: Head of Design and Engineering / Founder / Partner
Website: www.argonavis.ae

. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
I believe a great example to express this is the current project we are working on, 70 Horizon. Basically a design/style of yacht that is out of the frame is becoming a standard. It might sound contradictory but it’s real. In order to make your client feel proud of what he owns or consumes you must offer something very unique. On the other hand I believe that time of futuristic design, where all the sharp lines are brought to the first plan, has gone.  Finally, a boat needs to look like a boat and not a racing car or aeroplane, speaking about the leisure market of course.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.
Classic lines (merged with a morph shapes in a “gentle” way)
Color combinations (Bi and Tri color arrangements inspired by car industry)
Eco-Friendly arrangements (utilizing renewable sources of energy)
Moderate speeds (offering more comfort and extended range)
More windows and natural light

. And key trends that we should be aware of?
Eco-friendly arrangements. Yacht industry will definitely follow the car industry where the perfect example is TESLA car. Few years ago, for electric cars, it was impossible to compete with the conventional cars in any aspect, but today… Just look at the figures. Same will happen in marine sector, its just matter of time.

. What projects are you currently working on?
Most of the time we are working on a new model of 80 feet that is actually an evolution of 70 Horizon.  Apart from that we are working on a complete fleet of sport boats starting from 32 to 45 feet for one of our clients. Worth of mentioning is a total refit on iconic Mangusta 80 where we are doing management and consultancy.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
More comfort, more space and more light.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
To be frank, not so easy, but we are managing. My wife is providing a strong support here, but due to her professional career she is travelling a lot as well.  Whenever we have a chance we do it all together with our daughter. Finally, with a good plan and perfect timing we are doing quite well. Time for any hobby is lacking though.

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
I believe it’s giving a great boost in front of the public for all newcomers. It is not the first time we are participating in this competition. In year 2010 we actually won it with the project where I was doing complete naval architecture and engineering part for a 63 feet mahogany yacht. At that time we had a lot of attention of key people from our business; this award helped significantly in shading light on our project practically overnight. Therefore, I strongly believe that we are doing the right move by participating and I am confident we have a great chance to win it.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
The absolute priority is to bring Horizon 70 on the water and hand it over to the Owner. As per schedule we are planning sea trials and final handover in Q2 2017.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Peugeot 508. Family needs comes first.
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Athens, Greece definitely.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Lagonissi Grand resort, Greece.
The place that gives you the most energy?
Office space
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Our weekend house at the river
Your favourite food and drink?
Roasted Salmon and Coconut Rice. Lemon mint juice.
Anything else interesting?
Horizon 70 project