Donald Starkey

History

A former architect, it wasn’t until 20 years into his career – in the 1980s – that superyacht designer Donald Starkey switched to custom yacht design. Since then, he has become synonymous with several of the world’s most famous custom luxury yachts, both for his work on exterior styling and interior design. Citing influences such as Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, rock ‘n’ roll and Coco Chanel, Starkey is renowned for creating his own timeless elegance in the superyacht design projects he has undertaken.

Notable yachts

With a wide range of projects across all size brackets, Donald Starkey yachts include the custom interiors of 114 metre Luna, 72.6 metre Queen K, Nourah of Riyad, and Mylin IV.

Specialisations

Donald Starkey has not only worked for individual clients but has also been sought out by well-known superyacht yards. His work has garnered him a large number of awards including, most recently, for the 47 metre Alloy Yachts-built Loretta Anne.

Donald Starkey Designs has also created concept megayachts including a notable 200 metre design capable of carrying 36 guests and 70 to 100 crew, and a 75 metre design that aims to combine functionality and simplicity with a graceful form and timeless lines.