Laura Pomponiwas born in Rome but grew up in Ancona where she studied at the Polytechnic University and got a Degree in Engineering. After Laura’s graduation, her career started with working for the large Italian tech company: Telecom Italia Mobiles. It needs no explanation that this involved lots of traveling and international business. However, the ability to really understand the base elements of interior design, and a deep interest in colours, shapes, art and architecture was always simmering beneath the surface. Please tell us a little about your background I grew up surrounded by fashion designers (including my grandmother). However, I chose to study engineering because I am passionate about maths and complicated equations. What truly fascinates me about the construction of a yacht is the complexity of the process. It is like a DNA spiral, and I love solving these issues. Strong passion for art and design, my love for material research and finding innovative applications made me to start my own business. Luxury Projects Design Studio and Atelier headquartered in Ancona (Italy) was founded in 2008. Now, several years down the line, we are challenged with complicated projects and experiencing new cultures, both the ingredients for creating innovative and amazing interiors. A brief description of your company and what you do The overall philosophy of the Luxury Projects’ team aims to provide clients with an enrichment of their daily life extending through to their yachting experience. Luxury Projects’ dedicated team of Architects, Interior & Lighting Designers, Engineers and Naval Architects continuously seek improvement at every step. We can create the perfect design for your new yacht, give your present yacht a fresh new look with the latest in interior design, or completely redesign the yacht’s interior, providing a second life to the entire ship. Luxury Projects’ knowledge of project management ensures all projects are delivered within a timely manner, within each client’s needs, style and budget. Do you have any upcoming projects that you are able and willing to talk about? We are currently working on a contemporary warm interior for a 74m vessel, where space, convertible areas, elements of surprise and details are the keywords of the project from scratch. New architectural features include creating welcoming atmospheres, warm colours, special custom-made light features and bespoke furniture in a new 60m yacht.
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What have been your professional highlights from 2018? We are so proud of all the successful projects delivered by Luxury Projects on time and within budget, unfortunately most of them cannot be mentioned! The most rewarding thing as a designer is and remains the relationship built with the client and when the project is completed. What would you name as the main factor that separates you as a designer/company from your peers? True understanding of yacht building, the whole process. Though I must admit we are not the only Interior design studio that is capable of this but still, we are quite unique in this sector. What do you feel, as an industry expert, are the biggest challenges the superyacht/private aviation industry is both currently facing and will face in the years to come? It seems like the market is somewhat shrinking, though some yards are doing well others face difficulties. It looks like Sailing yachts have become less popular while Explorer vessels momentarily are a hype. New generation owners coming into the high-end luxury “toys” market: their new approach to yachts and business jets is foreseen by my studio simply as a new extra challenge. Do you have any plans or news that you would like to share with the industry coming into 2019? We are working on getting some innovative projects. That will allow the Luxury Projects’ team to express their creativity and innovative approach to them. Final thoughts – tell us a little more about yourself… Your favourite restaurant? I love food and cooking, therefore always a special trattoria as well as a gourmet restaurant! The place that gives you inspiration? Being close to nature in any season and visiting top Italian artisans experimenting new material, finishes and lights. The perfect drink ? A glass of really good red Italian wine. Final thoughts or words of wisdom ? Luxury is in details, but simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.