China

Eastar yacht

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Alessandro Pulina</a> has a wealth of experience garnered from working with established Italian shipyards, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>. Since founding his design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Pulina Exclusive Interiors</a>, in 2014, he has undertaken projects worldwide, with a growing emphasis on the superyachting sector in China coupled with a dedication to sourcing sustainable materials for the interior design of superyachts.<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Superyacht Times</a> had the opportunity to speak with Founder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Alessandro Pulina</a>, to delve into his background, the inception of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4774" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pulina Exclusive Interiors (Company)">Pulina Exclusive Interiors</a>, the firm's design philosophy, and its ongoing projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295422/image/large-de56c8286bd4759c0c42b0fc41631a4c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295422">Tell me a little about yourself, including your background, education, and how you entered the yachting industry.&nbsp;My connection to the yachting industry dates back to my youth when my father owned a small motor yacht and would spend ample time onboard. This memorable experience not only fuelled my passion for yacht design but led me to choose it as my final course during my studies at the University of Florence. I was very fortunate to meet Guido Spadolini, an innovative architect and visionary who helped me work on my thesis, which focused on the design of a 21-metre fast open yacht.After graduating in Architecture, I enrolled in a unique master’s degree program, established through a partnership with the universities of &nbsp;Florence, Genoa, and Pisa. This master’s course played a pivotal role in my entry into the yachting sector. Immediately following its completion, I secured a position as an interior designer with the shipyard Filippo Picchiotti (FP), owned by one of the members of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> family, previous owners of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> brand. There, I collaborated extensively with the exterior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Paolo Caliari Design (Company)">Paolo Caliari</a> on the Jaguar brand, a series of &nbsp;yachts ranging from 21 to 27-metres, that were sold in the American and European market. Unfortunately, the shipyard fell into bankruptcy in 2008.After FP, I joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> as style manager for their fibreglass projects for approximately 10 years, mostly managing production in Viareggio and Fano. I successfully managed around 500 yacht projects, overseeing the intensive production process. Notable projects included the development of new series yachts such as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Crystal, Mediterraneo, Tradition, and the Classic Supreme series. As style manager, I was also responsible for developing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> Grande project; we delivered the first unit of the series to a client in Hong Kong. &nbsp;During this period, I extensively travelled worldwide, gaining insights into the yachting industry across different countries. The experience in various shipyards equipped me with the tools and knowledge necessary, allowing me to refine my creative vision. The combination of these experiences eventually inspired me to establish my own design studio in 2014, which is approaching its ten-year anniversary next year.&nbsp;Can you share how the firm has evolved over the years and elaborate on the projects you are currently involved in?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295443/image/large-c1be7d8714fb13fa0bbc24ac320dadb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295443">Over the years, our firm has undergone significant growth, expanding to two offices, one located in the heart of Pisa with a team of 15 employees, housed in a beautiful historic building just a short distance from the iconic Tower of Pisa, and another strategically positioned in the art centre of Shanghai. Moreover, I have also been recently appointed as a consultant for the Chinese government in the yachting sector.&nbsp;Our international presence across two continents has played a pivotal role in our ability to undertake multiple yacht projects worldwide, spanning three continents. We've been involved in diverse projects, ranging from Australia, where we collaborated on the 35.25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silver Yachts (Company)">Silver Yachts</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8564" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Space Cat35.25m (115'8&quot;)Silver Yachts2022">SpaceCat</a> delivered in 2022, to Italy, working on the 38.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5302" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maori Yacht (Company)">Maori</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8464" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="K+38.2m (125'4&quot;)Maori Yacht2022">K+</a> delivered in 2022 and the 2022 62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a>. Moreover, we have also worked with the Chinese shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3780" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pride Mega Yachts (Company)">Pride Mega Yachts</a>, where we contributed to the interior design of the 88.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5634" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion Plus88.5m (290'4&quot;)Pride Mega Yachts2018">Illusion Plus</a>. Our most recent project was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 40.8-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mia 240.8m (133'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2023">Mia 2</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295428/image/large-bb47339f799749c0d150a49f1b6733cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295428">Our studio reflects our increasingly international perspective, with designers hailing from various countries, including China, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and, of course, Italy. This diversity in the team aligns with our commitment to effective communication, especially crucial when engaging with clients from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The studio's approach on embracing diverse cultures enhances our ability to connect with a global clientele.Furthermore, we've undergone a recent significant evolution by expanding our scope of work beyond interiors to include exteriors. We are currently involved in a project on both the interior and exterior design of a series of new yachts, covering a range from 15.24 to 36.8-metres in China.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295430/image/large-2cc40d651f5067f77f29922bbe868515.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295430">Could you elaborate on the collaborative process with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>&nbsp;regarding the interior design of the 62-metre &nbsp;yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a>?The project of designing the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RIO62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">RIO</a> was intriguing due to the robust communication and deep understanding between our design team and the client. This dynamic relationship enabled us to capture the client’s vision and generate an interior with a welcoming familial atmosphere and a tropical inspiration. In order to achieve this we gathered a lot of elements inspired by the vibrant colours found in tropical forests, for example. The result was a harmonious blend of colours, carefully orchestrated to avoid a random or disjointed aesthetic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295423/image/large-17a23d2e28c5834ed5fd6f12aa5f05b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295423">Moreover, given the yacht's numerous and distinct decks and rooms, we conducted thorough studies on how to manage colours seamlessly and a cohesive experience throughout the many floors in the yacht and create a unified, purposeful design. The collaboration with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> team and the owners was instrumental &nbsp;to this success. A core principle of our design philosophy is recognising the importance of a cooperative approach. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295425/image/large-4eb3bf9959fd0e53947940ae38c8080e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295425"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295427/image/large-478e588b0e66a933f99c84419b6d0a29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295427">At the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> you showcased the latest innovations in biotechnological materials for yacht interior design. Could you elaborate on the goals and objectives of the project "Aligned with Sustainability" ?Our initiative 'Aligned with Sustainability,' showcased at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show 2023</a>, &nbsp;emerged from a noticeable growing client interest in sustainable interior design materials for yachts. However, addressing this demand posed a challenge due to the lack of what I often refer to as 'tools', comprehensive resources and materials to support sustainable projects.In order to address this gap, we initiated research, collaborating with the university Sant'Anna in Pisa. Our aim was to identify companies producing sustainable materials, including biomaterials and bioplastics. The goal was to curate finishing products and materials that, when combined, could contribute to a design that is 100 percent or close to 100 percent sustainable. In the course of our research, we identified a company that develops biomaterials derived from sources like oranges and lemons.&nbsp;This endeavour aligns with a broader movement in the industry where dedicated research and innovation are focused on creating new materials for the future. It's a crucial consideration, as we stand at the threshold of the future, prompting us to think about the well-being of the next generation. Personally, as a parent of three children, I find it imperative to shift our approach from traditional methods to conducting research for a sustainable future.&nbsp;When you are designing a yacht, how do you ensure that the design remains stylish and relevant when the yacht is eventually launched?Addressing the question of maintaining style and relevance in yacht design is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges a designer faces especially with interior yacht design. The goal is to cultivate a contemporary interior design that emanates a perpetual sense of freshness, resists the pull of passing trends and ensures an enduring appeal that stands the test of time.During my involvement in the design of the third hull of the Crystal series, the 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soy Amor42.0m (137'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2014">Soy Amour</a>, achieving synchronisation with the owners proved to be a meticulous process. This often entailed multiple revisions to ensure perfect alignment and harmony between the design vision and their preferences. This summer, I had the opportunity to revisit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Soy Amor42.0m (137'10&quot;)Benetti SpA2014">Soy Amour</a> after approximately 18 years, and it still radiated a sense of freshness and contemporaneity.&nbsp;The success of this enduring appeal can be attributed to my design approach in eschewing a fixed historical period, and embracing a heritage process that transcends time. Yacht refits are common after seven to eight years, but our aim is to extend the longevity of our designs.&nbsp;If you could purchase your own yacht or advise a client, is there one design feature you feel contributes most towards a luxurious experience onboard?Absolutely, when considering yacht design, our approach is to reimagine life onboard. The market traditionally adheres to standard layouts with a fixed number of cabins and public areas. However, our experience, particularly in designing villas in diverse locations such as China and Abu Dhabi, has revealed a shift in client preferences. Now, it's less about a specific number of guest bedrooms and more about creating versatile spaces that foster communal activities.&nbsp;We're exploring concepts like winter gardens and chill rooms where people can engage in various activities. Clients are seeking modern office spaces on yachts, deviating from the traditional setup. The contemporary onboard office is designed as an experiential space equipped with technology, multiple screens, meeting areas, and a setting conducive for conducting business. Our vision is to revolutionise the yacht experience, moving away from the conventional desire for a set number of cabins to a more dynamic and multifunctional onboard lifestyle.Finally, any exciting projects or developments you would like to unveil?Whilst I can't disclose specifics, I can share that in China we have entered into a collaborative venture with prominent car brands for an innovative yacht project. Additionally, we're also engaged in projects with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yihong Yachts (Company)">Yihong Yachts</a> as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eastar yacht (Company)">Eastar Yacht</a>. Closer to home in Italy, we're underway with a refit project for a 55-metre superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295421/image/large-7537bf0d751362c5540917a40199ebaf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295421">

Meet the Italian designer informing China's superyacht sector

Superyacht Times had the opportunity to speak with Founder Alessandro Pulina who has undertaken projects worldwide, with a growing emphasis in China.