Sirius Naval Architecture have been shortlisted for the Concept Over 40 Metres Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2021. Read more about Principal Naval Architect, Rosa Grandio, below:
Name: Rosa Grandio 
Company: Sirius Naval Architecture
Position within company: Principal Naval Architect
Website: www.siriusnaval.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I have a master’s degree in naval architecture and oceanic engineering from the University of Coruña. I have worked in different areas of the maritime industry as a designer, surveyor and as a researcher.
I am currently in charge of a naval engineering technical office, Sirius naval architecture, .
How would you describe your personal design style?
It could be summarise as clear and restrained.
The sea brings a sense of serenity that should not be altered by the yacht. I intend to minimize the barriers that distort the feeling of being in the middle of the ocean.
The ship’s structure and, fundamentally, the environment itself will respond to aesthetic needs by themselves. My designs seek to return to the essential elements, dispensing with unnecessary elements and without functional value.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes mainly from (building) architecture.
I was passionate about Zaha Hadid’s designs and currently my favourite architect is Ma Yansong (Mad architects)
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe that, with the latest events, we have become aware of the value of the essential in all aspects.
I would say that the design will move towards functionality and sobriety. We are being more aware of the value of the environment and it will be a fundamental element in the design.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Eco-friendly, innovative lines, personality, new materials and new technologies.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Each item must be useful and necessary, even the structures that initially appear as a decorative element can evolve to acquire functionality
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Every new project becomes my favourite one. Each ship is totally different and that is the best thing about this job.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
I would love to work on the design of a submersible yacht. It would be a technical challenge.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
I’m of the old school: a piece of paper and a pencil. Most of the time I just scribble while I am thinking, or while I’m working at the computer but I need to have a piece of thick paper and a soft pencil nearby
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
It is one of the most prestigious awards in the yacht industry. This is a great opportunity to publicize our designs. Although we have been working in well-known companies for many years, Sirius is a newly created firm, so being shortlisted is an honour for us.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are working on a system to optimize the shape of the hull using artificial intelligence. It will improve the behavior of the ship, reduce consumption and ultimately reduce noise and vibrations
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession are my children
Your favourite holiday destination?
Any quiet place near the sea..
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Hotel “O Semaforo de Fisterra” for its location, an old lighthouse on the Coast of Death, (Finisterre, Spain), on the cape that was considered the end of the world for centuries.
Living in Spain, a country with some of the best chefs in the world, it would be impossible for me to choose a favourite restaurant.
As for the bar, I could say Cove d’en Xoroi, in Menorca. A natural space located in a cliff on the south coast of the island.
Your favourite book, film & song?
L’Élégance du hérisson (Muriel Barbery).
Reservoir Dogs (Quentin Tarantino)
La mer (Jacques Brel)
Your favourite food and drink?
A salad of warm goat cheese and a cold beer
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Surfing, without any doubt,
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I could not imagine a job that I was more passionate about than ship design.
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers and suppliers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards, submit your application by clicking here.