Questions owners ask.
About how we design, how a design becomes a yacht, and how to begin.
Design
How does T. Fotiadis Design approach superyacht design?
Every project begins with how the yacht will be used: by whom, where, and for how long each season. The exterior profile, the interior and the first general arrangement are drawn together rather than one after the other, on a real naval architecture platform. That way the yacht an owner falls in love with is one that can be built, classed and run.
What sizes of yacht do you design?
Motor yachts above 65 metres, for new builds and refits. Our published designs range from Neon at 78 metres to Spear, a 140-metre trimaran.
Do you design both exteriors and interiors?
Yes. Most of our yachts are designed inside and out by the studio, so the decks, the windows and the rooms behind them are drawn as one. We also take on interior-only or exterior-only commissions, and refit design.
Is naval architecture done in-house?
No, by choice. Naval architecture and engineering are always commissioned from independent naval architects and engineers, who are building other yachts at other yards at the same time. They know what is new before we do, and they bring it to our projects. No studio can be at the front of every field at once; this is how ours stays current in all of them, and how an owner gets the right people for each part of the yacht, with the design and the build still under one line of responsibility.
Can an existing T. Fotiadis design be customised?
Yes. Designs such as August, Neon and Spear have their engineering groundwork done and are ready to take an owner's brief: layout, interior, deck spaces and details are then developed for that owner.
From design to build
How does a superyacht design become buildable?
Hull form, weights, stability, propulsion and regulation are worked through with naval architects from the first sketch, and each design is checked against the build by Astra Nord before it is presented as final. Changes are found when a redraw takes an afternoon, not when a change order takes months.
Which shipyard builds T. Fotiadis designs?
Astra Nord, the German shipyard founded by Theodoros Fotiadis for new builds and refits. Every T. Fotiadis design is built there and nowhere else, so the drawing and the build never sit with two parties who can disagree about what was promised.
Where are your yachts built?
New builds with Astra Nord are planned in established shipbuilding facilities in Northern Germany. Refits run through Astra Nord, north and south: in Northern Germany and in Athens, for the Mediterranean.
What documents do you provide for a design?
A general arrangement, a technical specification, renderings and film, and the build route. They are sent from the studio, in confidence, and we are glad to walk through them in person.
Do you stay involved during construction?
Yes. The studio is present at the yard through construction and sea trials, so the yacht delivered is the yacht that was drawn.
Working with us
How does a project begin?
With a conversation, in person or by video. Share as much or as little as you wish about the plans, the timeline or the idea; everything is treated as confidential from the first message.
Do you work on superyacht refits?
Yes, design for refits of yachts in service, planned around the yard period and the season. Sweet Maryi, 52 metres, returned to sea in Athens in 2026 with new interiors and outdoor areas by the studio.
Where is the studio?
Kurfürstendamm 132a, Berlin. We travel to wherever the owner, the yacht or the yard is.
Are references available?
Yes, on request.