From the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the gleaming decks of high-performance superyachts, Giuseppina Arena has spent nearly two decades designing interiors that balance elegance and functionality. Her Miami-based studio, Giuseppina Arena Architecture & Design, specialises in yacht interiors, luxury residences and high-end retail showrooms, but her design journey began long before her first commissions. BOAT sits down with Arena to uncover her inspirational journey and standout projects...
Early inspirations
"I grew up in Sicily, embraced by two different seas. Whenever I need to recharge, I return to the water," Arena recalls. Her upbringing amidst rich architectural heritage and diverse forms of art in Italy ignited a lifelong passion for creating spaces that feel both personal and extraordinary.
Starting her career in 1998 at the Princess Cruises Design Centre, Arena was mentored by renowned architect Giacomo Erasmo Mortola, designing some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships. Her experience spanned every design stage - from general arrangement plans to detailed interiors - a foundation that would shape her approach to every project.
By 2003, she had joined Intermarine Group, gaining experience in military vessels, and two years later moved to CNL Admiral Shipyard, designing interiors for high-performance aluminium superyachts. In 2007, Arena became part of the Ferretti Group, where she conceived luxury interiors for the full portfolio of the Group’s brands. Her move to Ferretti Group USA in 2012 marked the start of her Miami chapter, where she established a specialised interior design centre for the Americas.
Nine years ago, Arena established her eponymous studio, driven by a distinctive design philosophy. “At the heart of my work is the idea that every element - shape, colour and light - should flow seamlessly, creating spaces that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation,” she explains. “My style combines functionality with elegance and timelessness. It could be eclectic, Baroque, minimal or contemporary, the design must always maintain a harmonious flow.”
EXTRA 110X Fast: Sporty and elegant
Arena is the creative force behind the interiors of the new EXTRA 110X Fast by Palumbo Yachts. Known for her signature balance of curves, volumes and light, she has shaped a design that resonates with both traditional owners and a new younger generation of forward-thinking clients.
Sporty elegance blends seamlessly with organic forms in this high-performance cruiser, resulting in interiors that feel fluid, inviting and practical. The layout is conceived around openness and a strong connection to the sea, with expansive skylights and panoramic windows ensuring a continuous dialogue with the natural world.
“On a fast performance cruiser, furniture design plays a crucial role,” Arena explains. “Pieces should reflect the yacht’s dynamic nature while featuring soft, rounded edges to minimise the risk of injury during high-speed manoeuvres.”
This attention to form is complemented by a refined palette, where contrasting dark profiles meet luminous tones to amplify both space and sophistication. Much of the furniture has been custom-designed and integrated into the architecture, while light oak flooring, tactile leathers, dark lacquered accents and fabric-layered glass panels complete the vessel’s distinct interior language.
Tankoa Stardust: A celestial-inspired interior
The 63-metre Tankoa Stardust concept demanded a visionary, celestial-inspired aesthetic. Arena collaborated closely with Abbasli Design to ensure the interiors dialogued seamlessly with the spaceship-like exterior.
"My initial concept embraced a warm, inviting palette,” Arena explains, "but the shipyard sought something with greater intensity - an aesthetic that felt more powerful and impactful. The name Stardust evokes imagery of a vast night sky illuminated by shimmering stars, so the final design explores this contrast - balancing deep, moody hues with dynamic lighting and rich textures.”
Custom furniture was designed to reflect soft curves and geometric forms, allowing the interiors to flow naturally, despite the bold and modern material palette. “For example, the cabinetry features textures reminiscent of sun-cracked desert earth, creating a rich contrast with the polished, high-gloss surfaces,” she continues. "We also integrated refined modern accents, such as metallic finishes on the ceiling, to elevate the overall sophistication of the space."
Benetti Bombay: A club at sea
Arena’s yacht projects demonstrate her ability to translate client identity into comfortable, functional spaces. The Benetti Bombay refit is a prime example. Originally delivered in 2016, the 50-metre motor yacht underwent a 2023 interior refit at Monaco Marine led by Arena. "The client operates a members’ club across multiple cities and desired the yacht to embody the same atmosphere - essentially, a private club at sea,” Arena explains.
The challenge was translating the club’s DNA into a nautical context. Arena incorporated the peacock, the club’s symbol, as a striking focal point in the main lobby, while creating custom furnishings such as a shisha lounge featuring a futon, bespoke sofas, tables and carpeting. The exterior furniture echoed the clubhouse style of the interiors.
"Post-pandemic material sourcing posed significant challenges, but with the support of luxury yacht outfitter F/LIST, we were able to identify alternative materials that were virtually indistinguishable from the originals,” Arena recalls. Completing the project within a tight four-month timeline demanded not only meticulous precision and efficiency but also seamless collaboration with skilled craftsmen and suppliers. The outcome is a vibrant and richly coloured interior that authentically reflects the atmosphere of the client’s club.
Riva Residenze: Yacht DNA on land
Arena’s expertise extends beyond the world of yachts. Her latest venture into residential architecture takes form in Riva Residenze - the first yacht-branded residence in the industry, set to break ground this autumn with a grand opening in 2028.
Arena’s residential experience extends across the globe - from Arrabelle Resort in Colorado to private homes in Bologna, the Hamptons and Miami - but Riva Residenze marks her first residential project of this scale and complexity. Rising 20 storeys and 36 bespoke apartments, the development translates Riva’s iconic DNA into a land-based living experience, with interiors that echo the elegance and heritage of the brand.
“We distinguished between the old classic and new Riva designs,” Arena explains. “The old Riva designs feature classic mahogany stripes and stainless steel details, visible in the lobby, rooftop and library. The new Rivas appear in the spa and gym, with contemporary lighter wood, stainless steel profiles, deep blue leather and touches of the brand’s iconic Aquamarine blue.” This fusion of heritage and modernity allows residents to experience Riva’s full DNA in a residential context.
Discover Giuseppina Arena’s visionary approach to luxury interiors for yachts, residences and beyond by visiting the Giuseppina Arena Architecture & Design website.
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