Yes, I have flirtations with a more modern style. I’m working on a modern sailing boat at the moment. It includes wood and leather, along with stainless steel. I don’t really know what to call it—perhaps comfortable modern or comfortable contemporary.

Recently, I’ve completed Detroit Eagle, which is sharp, shiny and modern. It was nice to use the other side of the brain for a change. The interesting thing is that even though the style may be modern, you still use classic proportions, which is a Golden Rule technique. The shape and functions of modern or traditional may be the same, but the style will be determined by the emphasis you put into the presentation, detailing and decoration.

To what extent do you accommodate your clients’ requests? Do you or they have the final say on how their yacht will look?

I suppose clients are the final design editors in a way. You are designing and building it for them; they are the ones who will use it. They have an idea when they start, and then they select designers—both naval architect and interior designers—that probably most suit them style-wise and comfort-wise, because you do have a relationship with that person for over three years.