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Autumn 2016 DESIGN | REFURBISHMENT | PLANNING | INSPIRATION | INTERVIEWS | INTERIOR SUPPLIERS Subline for secondary headline here Publishing partners: Subline for scondary headline here BETTER BY DESIGN Meeting the needs of each and every client INJECTING NEW LIFE Reinvigorating the QM2 111 COVER STORY Maritime Design Broadening horizons cm-DESIGN has he brainchild of Ralf Claussen and had brought in a lot of American designers Kathrin Matthiesen, cm-DESIGN for the project. But Richard was not sure worked on a number was established in 2000 if this was the right way to do the design “Having first worked together in with just US designers, who might find it of the interior spaces 1996 at another Hamburg design more difficult to understand European or company, we thought it might be worth German taste.” for TUI Cruises’ range setting up on our own,” says Ralf Claussen, Claussen explains that somebody at TUI co-founder of the company. “So in 2000 we suggested cm-DESIGN. Although the of Mein Schiff cruise started from ‘zero’ – meaning no contract or company was vastly experienced in interior vessels. Sean Dudley job – with cm-DESIGN. We were well-versed design at that time, it did not have any in projects involving hotels, restaurants and experience in the cruise business. spoke with Co-Founder wellness areas, and for a long time this was “Richard contacted us, and gave us TUI’s the main focus of our business, and is still one thoughts,” says Claussen. “From the first Ralf Claussen to find of our focuses today.” meeting to the ‘ok we are onboard’ only Claussen admits that the firm’s move into took seven days, and then suddenly we were out more about the the marine industry was not necessarily in the cruise ship business. Now, some years intentional, but having been approached to down the line, we have worked on a number company’s work work with TUI Cruises, he and Matthiesen of ships together.” realised that cm-DESIGN was in the perfect cm-DESIGN was also given what Claussen position to broaden its horizons. describes as a ‘look and feel contract’, as well “In 2008, we got a call from Richard as a contract to carry out specific elements of Vogel, former CEO of TUI Cruises, who at the work on TUI’s Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship. that time was looking for a German design This meant cm-DESIGN reviewed and – if company to add to a pool of designers for needed – advised on the work of other design their new Mein Schiff brand,” Claussen companies working on the vessel. This was explains. “Royal Caribbean Cruises to help ensure their designs were suited to a Limited – the co-owner of TUI Cruises – European market. 14 Cruise & Ferry Interiors cm-Design’s interior design work on the Mein Schiff 5 included the reception of the SPA & Meer wellness centre (left) and the Schmankerl Austrian themed restaurant (below) “At the beginning of our work on Mein “From Mein Schiff 1 to Mein Schiff 5, we dedicated kids area on each vessel and on Schiff 1, our company only had four were responsible for the SPA & Sports areas, all Suite-types, and a ‘homely design’ for employees,” says Claussen. “So we were given each of which followed different themes each of the staterooms. four areas to focus on – the Schau Bar, the which were given to us by the owner,” says “One of our highlights on Mein Schiff 5 Atlantik Restaurant, the TUI Bar and the Claussen. “For Mein Schiff 3 we developed a was the Grosse Freiheit area, which features a Himmel & Meer Lounge.” Neo Asia concept, and for Mein Schiff 4 we transition corridor, a steakhouse ‘surf & turf’ However, the scope of work cm-DESIGN created a Scandanavian concept. For Mein restaurant, the diamond bar and ‘Schmankerl’, was contracted for expanded – both on Mein Schiff 5, the concept we were asked to create a new Austrian restaurant,” Claussen says. Schiff 1 and subsequent Mein Schiff vessels. was based on Thai culture.” “An architect from New York had designed Beyond these sections, cm-DESIGN the Grosse Freiheit area on Mein Schiff 3 and also worked to create the TUI Bar, Mein Schiff 4. But we were given a briefing reception areas, the Tag & Nacht Bistro, telling us to make it more open and casual, so and the Hanami restaurant. Furthermore, we did a redesign of the area for Mein Schiff 5, the company was asked to create the and we’re delighted with the result.” ” From the first meeting to the ‘ok we are onboard’ only took seven days, and then suddenly we were in the cruise ship business” 15 COVER STORY Maritime Design cm-Design, led by Ralf Claussen and Kathrin Matthiesen (top right), has worked on every Mein Schiff vessel to date cm-DESIGN is not ordinarily what you’d “The internet is helping a lot, with sometimes adjustments are still possible, call a ‘self-promotional company’, preferring so many platforms where we can get and we have to look to make designs that to get on with their work quietly and information on things like new designs, can go further than just one season. We prioritising pleasing their employers. new restaurant types or spa trends,” explains need to make our designs as high quality Claussen explains: “Since 2000, business Claussen. “The internet is allowing us to be as possible and as neutral as possible. Very has come to us without any action from our up to date, and we work with open eyes in often we use colours and elements which side, and we are happy with that. Our office order to see what is going on in the field.” can be changed easily, specifically in now has 10-12 employees, plus freelancers, Claussen explains that what is unique terms of cushions, curtains and armchair and we realise what we are doing is working.” about designing for marine spaces fabrics. Also, instead of bringing too many In an industry where trends are in constant compared to projects ‘on land’ is the fact trending colours into fixed furniture, we transition, how does cm-DESIGN go about that designs are created in parallel with try to work with coloured lighting and approaching each new project to which the the construction phase of the vessel, rather neutral materials.” company is assigned? than before construction. For example, Having become familiar with the specific “Before we start on a new vessel or interior the designs for the upcoming Mein challenges of interior design in the marine area, we normally get a creative or venue brief Schiff 7 were drawn up between April industry and honed its craft while working from TUI Cruises,” says Claussen. “They and July 2016, while the ship was under on the various Mein Schiff vessels, what does give us their ideas and thoughts, and we take development. But the vessel will not be the future hold for cm-DESIGN? it from there. And being based in Hamburg, launched until 2018. This naturally can “We know – and it’s not a secret – that we have the opportunity to study a range of cause some headaches when it comes to TUI Cruises is to develop the sister ship thingshere in the city.” keeping up with the latest trends. of Mein Schiff 7 – Mein Schiff 8,” says Claussen recalls that not so very long ago, “Say we create a suite around a new Claussen. “We are waiting on the decisions quarterly design books were bought and trendy colour – this could potentially from TUI Cruises and Royal Caribbean trawled through to help employees identify be out of style two years down the line,” Cruises Limited as to what kind of areas we the latest trends. Claussen says. “That’s how it is, but at cm-DESIGN are to focus on.” C&FI 16 Cruise & Ferry Interiors FEATURE Maritime Design The finer detailscount Marine interior specialists are always looking for ways to stand apart from the crowd. Leading players in the industry tell us why the finer details make all the difference verybody’s heard the old adage: co-founder of cm-DESIGN. “Many president of PR and marketing Ana Albert. ‘look after the pennies and components have to grow together to get a “In order to deliver on high expectations, the pounds will look after wonderful result, like the flow, materials, the inner workings of each project need to themselves’. Similarly, when it light, sound and acoustics, mood and the be on point,” she says. “The finer details of comes to designing interiors for finer details. It’s not a taxi-ride from A to B our modernisation work involves the flow cruise ships and ferries, focusing on every – it’s a space for humans, and that thought of the materials and starts, prior to the detail and leaving no stone unturned can helps us focus on what is required.” drydock, during planning and throughout give a company a competitive edge. In the marine space, the finer details come the delivery. Almaco’s focus is on ensuring “The details are what matter,” says Ryan in all shapes and sizes. that materials move as planned, on time and Fiorentino, director of design at Fathom. “In such a demanding area of expertise, reach their correct destination within the “It’s a busy world – whether it’s e-mails, the whole interior study is a combination of project at the precise moment. We focus on work, politics – everything seems so hectic small and fine details,” says Takis Drakatos, bringing the right item at the right time.” in modern society.

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