In the this instalment of our designer Q&A series, we profile French designer Philippe Briand on his ultimate design fantasy of creating an ocean-front glass villa and the first yacht he ever designed
Your big break?
Through family business. My father was an Olympic sailor and owned a sail loft.
Source of inspiration?
Automotive design, architecture, modern art.
First boat you designed?
A 7.6 metre sailing quarter tonner – I was a naval architect and designer at the age of 16.
Favourite yacht design? (Not yours)
The 58 metre sailing yacht Ngoni. It’s a real sailing yacht. Unusual in this size and the crown of a career.
Most admired yacht designer?
Philippe Starck – he can steer a client to think out of the box.
Toughest project?
The 67.2 metre Vertigo because of the size, the Perini Navi Grace E and our design of Pavilia Bay in Hong Kong because of regulations.
Ultimate design fantasy?
A glass villa in front of the ocean.
Favourite furniture designer?
Christian Liaigre because his design is advanced but still provides you with the experience of traditional materials.
Favourite building?
The Gherkin by Norman Foster – it’s design by engineering.
If you weren’t a yacht designer?
I’d be an architect.