DESIGNERS IN PROFILE: Richard Colwill, Henry Ward and Andrew Collett

Henry Ward of Henry Ward Design (At Monaco Yacht Show)

Henry Ward, Henry Ward Design

Richard Colwill, BMT Asia Pacific

Richard Colwill, BMT

Andrew Collett

Andrew Collett, A Sea Marine

 

Name: Richard D Colwill / Henry Ward / Andrew Collett

Company: BMT / Henry Ward Design / A Sea Marine

Website: www.bmtyachts.com / www.henryward-design.com / www.aseamarine.com

 

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

Richard: For yachts – greater clarity of form layered with additional auto inspired “New Edge” panel forms.

Andrew: Social awareness and new countries entering the market are really changing how we perceive yacht design and ultimately how customers use the end product, pushing a real change in design form to blend in environmentally and have a seamless transition between external and internal spaces.

What projects are you currently working on?

Richard: Floating resort lodges featuring underwater bedrooms.

Henry: Two superyacht tenders, a land-based holiday lodge and an exciting range of poolside furniture…

Andrew: We have a few projects running still in their early stages at the moment ranging from pure concept work to full production design consultation.

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

Richard: Marry a great woman who catches the things you drop, and don’t drop too many.

Henry: By not sleeping much! I think it’s important to get the balance right so although I work a lot I always have a break to see family, friends and go out with my girlfriend (who’s already good at catching the things I drop!).

Andrew: I am lucky at the moment that our office and workshop are where I live, so I don’t miss out on my family life.

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

Richard: Efficiency, Environment, Economy & 2 other things beginning with E.

Henry: … Extent and Emotion?!

Andrew: I’m in agreement with Richard and Henry here although I may swap in “Extraordinary” as this is now what customers are expecting as the norm.

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

Richard: Know where you want to go.

Henry: As above but it’s always good to explore as many different avenues as possible to begin with so you make sure you’re on the right path to where you want to go.

Andrew: Keep it simple, normally the simplest well rounded ideas go the furthest.

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

Richard: Oh yes, very.

Henry: I am sure the awards mean a lot to most of the winners, but as a young designer to have my talent promoted as a finalist in such a prestigious award is a real achievement so early on in my career.

Andrew: It’s a great spring board to show what is being achieved in design and recognition for that should always be a priority to keep our industry alive and fresh.

How do you relax?

Richard: Family, friends, fun et. al.

Henry: Seeing family and always up for a laugh with my mates and my girlfriend… I especially like to take my boat out and relax on the water.

Andrew: Hit the beach or forest for a refreshing walk.

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

Richard: Sell some Award Winning Tri60s and our Sea Suite series houseboats/floating lodges.

Henry: As above! I also aim to keep working my way to the top of my chosen career and building on the success of the past 12 months…

Andrew: To continue building on an already productive start and see the first Tri60 launched.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive?

Richard: I live in Hong Kong – so its Green minibus or Mass Transit underground

Henry: Audi A6

Andrew: I am currently between cars, so its always an exciting time choosing the next. I’m seriously considering an electric hybrid 4×4.

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

Richard: New Zealand

Henry: When choosing a holiday I like to go somewhere new each time. However I do always look forward to going to Monaco for the annual superyacht show!

Andrew: With so much to experience in this world, I try and book somewhere different every time.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

Richard: Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Henry: The Cove – Maenporth Beach

Andrew: Our family tent, a roaring barbecue and drinks into the night with friends.

The place that gives you the most energy?

Richard: Big Wave Bay Beach, Shek Ko, Hong Kong

Henry: On a snow-covered Piste, hurtling down on my snowboard

Andrew: The Alps, so beautiful and every view is full of inspiration.

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

Richard: Sai Kung Country Park, Hong Kong

Henry: The family home on the bank of the River Feugh in Scotland

Andrew: We have a beach hut on the south coast and on a crisp winter morning, there is no better place to relax.

Your favourite food and drink?

Richard: Dim Sum

Henry: Fish and Chips / Fresh Orange

Andrew: Currently I’m favouring Italian again and my growing collection of Japanese whiskies.

Anything else interesting?

Richard: My favourite participation sport is Underwater Hockey

Henry: I sleepwalk a lot which results in some very interesting stories…

Andrew: We as a family have just taken on a puppy, so things are pretty chaotic this year already.