MEET THE DESIGNER

AN INTERIOR DESIGNER OF YACHTS DRAWS ON NATURE FOR INSPIRATION

What's the most difficult part of designing interiors for yachts? The challenge of any room on a boat is creating space, both visually and physically. Also, one can never rely on right angles and perfect measurements like in a home. What's the most fun part? Creating a natural flow between the indoors and the outdoors is something I completely enjoy. I think it's one of the most important parts of designing yachts because of the incredibly close relationship between nature and man. Whatever a client's style, a smooth transition of interior and exterior space is paramount. Do you also do residential interiors? I do Manhattan apartments—the same premise really, trying to create more space than there really is! What's your design philosophy? Learn from current trends but don't necessarily follow them. What's your guilty design pleasure? Having a big budget. Are you an avid boater? My father was a commander in the Navy, so being on the water was an integral part of my childhood. My fondest family memories are the annual fishing trips in Montauk, where my parents now reside full-time and where I spent my summer years growing up. Boating is how I rejuvenate myself. What's your favorite boat trip in Connecticut? Crossing the Sound and landing in Montauk. Name a source of inspiration: Nature. In nature there is simplicity and in simplicity there is detail. Also, my husband and family. Passion about one's work and the ability to pursue it is a strong belief in our family. It's about loving what you do and sharing the value of it with others. What are your favorite materials? Stone, exotic woods, metals and natural fibers. What's at the top of your wish list? Designing a mega-yacht. Name a dream client: Larry Ellison and his 454-foot Rising Sun, the world's largest private yacht. What's the name of your boat and what was the inspiration for it? Dreams Come True...because they have to. When is your most creative time of the day? Sunset and sunrise. What is your greatest extravagance? Travel and seeking inspiration from far away places. Culture and diversity is a way to step out of our own mind-set and step into someone else's. It can create clarity in our own lives.