BAZ Yacht Design

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer BAZ Yacht Design ("BYD") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

BYD : Barbaros, our head of naval architecture and yacht exterior design, graduated from Istanbul Technical University, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering department which was a childhood dream as grew up in the lovely city of Izmir on the Aegean coast. Worked for yacht builders and refit companies till 2014 till he met Bilge, life and business partner in BAZ Yacht Design. Bilge, our head of yacht interior design, studied architecture at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul. After expertising prestigious interior design studios, her yacht design adventure started after meeting Barbaros when they established BAZ Yacht Design together in 2014. Since than, she only focused on yacht interior and exterior design projects.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

BYD : To solve problems and create meaningful experiences, blending creativity and precision. In yacht design, it’s about bringing mutual visions to life and making the owner's dream come true—a process that’s both inspiring and deeply fulfilling.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

BYD : Becoming a designer was a choice driven by passion. We love what we do!

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

BYD : We design yachts, from conceptual sketches to detailed exterior and interior design, ensuring we are involved in every step of the process. This holistic approach makes us a "one-point solution" for creating functional, elegant, and innovative spaces.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

BYD : A good designer creates functional and beautiful solutions. A great designer crafts timeless and inspiring designs

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

BYD : When evaluating a yacht design, we first prioritize aesthetics and functionality, ensuring it meets both visual appeal and practical needs. We also consider the quality of materials and craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, underscoring our commitment to responsible and cutting-edge design practices.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

BYD : Good design enhances functionality, aesthetics, and user experience, making products and spaces more efficient and memorable.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

BYD : If we had the time, we would love to design a "zero emission" yacht for the right owner who shares our passion and is willing to invest and develop this vision together.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

BYD : Our dream is to partner with the ideal client who shares our passion and vision, bringing Project KAI to life and making it a reality.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

BYD : We’re inspired by masters like Jon Bannenberg, who revolutionized yacht design with his innovative approach, Christian Liaigre, whose refined and luxurious interiors set new standards, and Philippe Briand, whose cutting-edge and sustainable designs continually push the boundaries of yacht architecture.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

BYD : Our greatest design would be Project KAI. What makes it truly exceptional is its seamless blend of innovation, luxury, and functionality. The fully enclosed owner’s deck ensures ultimate privacy, while the use of eco-friendly electric engines shows our commitment to sustainability. The attention to detail in the interiors, the smart tender storage solution, and the expansive beach club area make it a standout. It’s a project that balances aesthetics, technology, and comfort in a way that I believe will stand the test of time.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

BYD : For us, design is the art of solving problems with creativity and functionality. It’s about creating spaces and experiences that resonate emotionally with the user while also being practical and sustainable.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

BYD : We support each other in every aspect of life—both as business partners and life partners. Our shared commitment to each other’s growth and success has been instrumental in reaching the heights we’ve achieved. We also enjoy the unique bond of being cat parents together, which adds another layer of support and connection to our partnership.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BYD : Our own passion!

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

BYD : Our next projects in the KAI family, which truly reflects the soul of KAI, include the 39.5m KAI catamaran and the 12.5m KAI Limousine tender, both in the drawing board. We are also working on the "superyacht interior design" features for the 19-meter Renda 62, a party yacht currently under construction in Istanbul, TR.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

BYD : Our ultimate goal as a designer is to create timeless designs that resonate deeply with their owners, enhance their lives, and leave a lasting impact.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BYD : Design improves society by solving problems, enhancing experiences, and promoting sustainability. It creates functional, beautiful spaces and products that improve quality of life, foster innovation, and bring people together for a better future.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

BYD : Our next projects in the KAI family, which truly reflect the soul of KAI, include the 39.5m KAI catamaran and the 12.5m KAI Limousine tender, both currently in development. Additionally, we are working on the "superyacht interior design" features for the 19-meter Renda 62, a party yacht under construction in Istanbul, TR.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

BYD : Project KAI with platinum A'Design Award.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

BYD : More eco friendly applications which reduces our carbon foot-print.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

BYD : The timeline to finalize a design project varies depending on the project's complexity, scope, and client requirements. On average, for a yacht design, it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to complete the design phase, including conceptualization, refinement, and final details.