In this instalment of BOAT's design Q&A series, we profile British designer Adam Lay on taking inspiration from the natural world and his love for the J-Class sailing yacht Endeavour.
Your big break?
Being asked to design the interior of the 44 metre sailing yacht Salperton (now Palmira) in 2005.
Source of inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere but I take my inspiration mostly from the natural world.
First boat you designed?
Fairline 36 Turbo aft cabin cruiser in my second year at Coventry University. We had to build a scale model.
Favourite yacht design?
The J-Class sailing yacht Endeavour. I was fortunate enough to work on her refit in 2015.
Most admired yacht designer?
John Munford. He was my mentor for seven years before I started my own studio.
Toughest project?
The 70 metre motor yacht Reverie (now Freedom) while I was working for John Munford. She was the biggest vessel by volume Benetti had built at the time.
Favourite non-yacht design?
The Aston Martin DB4 Zagato.
Ultimate design fantasy?
To design and build my own house.
If you weren’t a yacht designer?
I’d be a professional windsurfer.