“The work we do is very tailored to each individual client. Sometimes we are doing refits; sometimes it’s a completely new boat from scratch. It’s a boutique experience—clients get to put their fingerprints on the boats, and it’s the little things that they may not even think about, like why a certain color makes them feel a certain way. I work with clients to help design a space that not only feels like them but also becomes their passionate place on the water, where they can stretch their boundaries. With my background in industrial design, we often take on projects that involve bulkhead placement and general arrangements, as well as the materials that help create the whole story.

“My goal is to create art on the water; it’s really sculptural. I treat it a lot like painting—like it’s an empty canvas. I section out certain areas that can’t be moved, and I start sketching. When it becomes three dimensional, I start applying materials. Some will react better than others, so it’s important to have durable ones throughout. When delicate materials are used, I make sure they are easy to remove and wash. Certain fabrics that we use contain solution-dyed acrylic—the composition of the fabric allows it to be mildew resistant and to not fade in light. We have custom throw blankets woven with solution-dyed acrylic that feel like chenille; we work with a rug company that uses the same material properties. It allows us to find a happy balance between sustainability and luxury, without compromising on durability.

“When the owners of this specific Morris Yacht came to me saying they wanted a new interior, we worked with them to change the fabrics and outfit the boat. This particular client has a cool, bohemian-chic style, so we selected beautiful Ralph Lauren fabric throughout and outfitted the galley with vintage brass flatware. There was a lot of design exploration before we reached our final outcome.

“The most important thing is that I listen to my clients, read between the lines, and draw on emotion. There’s a lot of psychology in the process, and I’m always coming up with new lists of questions that uncover the information I’m trying to get. We work with clients all over the world, and they can be tricky to reach, so the questions that I ask are important to tune in to their desires and style. If I can, I like to go to their houses and get a sense of their lifestyle. With that information, we create their passionate place on the water.”

-Kate Seremeth of TACK Studios