Company Description
Design Unlimited is an award- winning studio specialising in interior design and exterior styling for both custom and production yachts. The studio was established in 2000 by Mark Tucker, who has 30 years’ experience within the industry. Mark has always had a passion for sailing and the sea, and both he and his wife Julie, the studio’ financial director, are experienced sailors who try to spend most of their free time on the water.
Early additions to the studio’ portfolio included Visione, at the time the largest sailing sloop in the world, Sojana and Pink Gin V. The studio’ reputation has steadily grown and these early projects were followed by others, including sailing yachts Bliss, Escapade and WinWin. Our previous motoryacht projects include 45m Karia (now Scout), Shemara and the recent refit of the 53m Feadship Mirage. Forthcoming projects include the new 53m Baltic Pink Gin VI, a 33m Vitters sailing sloop and the refit of a 45m classic motoryacht.
There are 12 members of our creative studio team, including design director Steve Rice, who brings a wealth and breadth of experience to the studio. The studio’ philosophy is “ our clients’ aspirations through intelligent design and shared passion”.
“ the past 15 years we have produced innovative yet practical designs for leisure craft of all types and sizes, both custom and production. Our ethos is based around listening closely to our clients to understand how they plan to use their yachts, and delivering fresh, imaginative style.”
— Tucker
List of core services:
• Concept development
• Interior design and space planning
• Exterior styling
• F&E - interior decoration and procurement
• Project management
Personality
Q: How did you become a superyacht designer and what or who inspired you into the industry?
My mother actually enrolled me on a product design degree while I was away sailing in the inaugural ‘ Spain’ race. I think that she despaired of me ever getting a ‘ job’ and was worried that I was going to spend the rest of my life sailing. After completing my degree, I was lucky enough to get a job at Camper & Nicholsons Yachts in Gosport working in the drawing office under Nick Maris. Projects that were completed whilst I was at the yard included Royal Eagle and Victoria of Strathearn, and I found it inspiring to see the work of designers such as Andrew Winch and John Munford.
Q: Of the projects you’ worked on, which was your most challenging and why?
All projects have their own challenges, but one of the most demanding has probably been the refit of Mirage. This was because the refit went on over a period of three winter seasons and the boat had to be ready for use in the summer months each year. We were involved in the design for each area over the summer and then we were fully immersed each winter liaising with the captain and crew, project managing the fit out and working alongside the interior outfit contractors. Although challenging, this project has also been one of the most rewarding that we have completed and the end result is outstanding.
Q: How do you go about understanding a client and their wishes for a project?
We make a point of spending as much time with our clients early on in each project as we can. It is important to visit their homes and existing yachts, if possible, so that we can really get to know how they intend to live aboard and what their ideals are. Initially we ask various lifestyle questions and then we produce mood boards and create an inspiration book to encourage discussion points that gradually get narrowed down into definitive choices.
