Company Description
BMT Nigel Gee is an independent naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy. Founded almost 30 years ago by Nigel Gee and John Bonafoux, the company’s diverse portfolio spans specialised vessels in four key markets: yachts, commercial, offshore energy and defence.
The company made its début in the marine industry in 1986 with a team of just three. With a keen expertise in high-speed craft the company grew rapidly and established an enviable reputation for excellence in design whilst demonstrating an innovative approach to problem solving for projects with demanding specifications.
Since its first superyacht commission in 1992 the company has grown a significant technical capability and portfolio in the superyacht market and today employs around 55 naval architects, structural and marine engineers. BMT does not undertake interior or exterior styling but supports designers and stylists in the early stages of yacht projects to ensure that the designer’s ideas and creativity are delivered within technically feasible parameters.
At any one time the company has a broad spectrum of yacht projects, ranging from support to designs and clients for new build projects through to the provision of naval architecture, detail design and engineering to some of the world’s leading shipyards for yachts from 30m to in excess of 100m.
Services offered:
• Naval architecture
• Mechanical engineering
• Concept design
• Contract level design
• Classification level design
• Engineering for refit and repair
Personality
Q: How were you introduced to the world of superyacht design?
When I started working at the company, it was quite small. Like many small businesses, work was rarely, if ever, turned away. This meant that there was always a varied range of projects, mainly on specialised commercial vessels, but occasionally large yachts. As we gained a reputation, our yacht work grew to such an extent that it took over the business. When we decided to actively promote ourselves in the yacht industry I took over the role of leading that section of the business. Today, over half our staff specialise in large-yacht naval architecture and engineering.
Q: Where does the inspiration for new projects come from?
For every project it is slightly different. We support some designers who can really think outside of traditional constraints. They, in turn, tend to attract clients who also think the same way and this combination can deliver some very challenging projects.
Our industry has some exceptionally creative designers and stylists, and I believe a good project draws inspiration from everyone involved. Starting with the client’s imagination, which the designer will ‘translate’ into something tangible using his/her design skill and creativity.
Q: If there were an award for the best design of all time, which one would you choose?
What a challenging question! Design is so multi-faceted that making comparisons on a purely objective basis is impossible. Like many design elements there is emotion involved in judging design. From purely a functional design perspective, simple elegant designs of everyday objects that challenge convention often grab my attention; how about a spork?!
Thinking more emotionally, and as a sailor and naval architect, the classic yachts of the early 20th century marry a perfect blend of form and function. My all-time favourite is the 1928 Fife 41m Cambria. The Bugatti 100P aircraft is truly beautiful — it just looks right, as is the Dino 246 and Porsche 912. There are so many choices, but these are my favourites!
