In Profile:
Dasha Moranova Designs

Name: Dasha Moranova

Company: Dasha Moranova Designs

Position within company: Founder & Creative Director

Website: www.dashamoranova.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I graduated with a Master’s degree, (MA) Magister of Art, after 6 years of studies at the University of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague but had a chance for internship at prestigious Academies such as Design Academy in Eindhoven and MOME University in Budapest.

However, the biggest “university” for me was when I joined the Owner’s team on a new build project (Eclipse, 164 M) in Hamburg’s Blohm+Voss shipyard in the position of Interior Manager over 15 years ago. And this was the start of my Yachting career. The dream job, alongside the legendary yacht designer Terence Disdale.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Sophisticated, modern, with a touch of surprise element and heritage. Each space is designed according to its function. It can be relaxing or uplifting. I believe in innovative solutions and smart technologies being a beneficial part of our healthy lifestyle. Creating environmentally friendly interiors where our clients can relax and find their own tranquillity is what we care about the most. Wellbeing is the key word of my designs.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

“Mother nature” is the biggest inspiration. I love finding inspiration in corals, precious stones, but I also love to travel and get to know different cultures, different habits, food, scents. My biggest inspiration comes from Japanese culture. The way they think of spaces and energies which surround us is very inspirational for me.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Without a doubt to a greener one with sustainable solutions and materials. The world is moving very fast. The only interest should be proactive protection of our environment and our ecosystem.  With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and automation we see what happened 100 years in the past is happening now in 5 years. The technologies which are available to us now, we only dreamed about a few years ago. This is extremely inspiring for us designers but also our role is more important than ever as we need to make sure we use it all well.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

Wellbeing is always a number one for me. Sustainable designs. Sustainable finishes. Invisible & Smart technologies used in the correct way.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

 Everything that we surround ourselves with has a huge impact on our wellbeing. My advice, when you are buying your property listen to yourself how you feel in the space. Energy flows around us and can lift you up or not. In general, the simple things like lots of natural light, natural materials and natural finishes are very important and matter the most. When you are selecting your floor finish, remember this surface covers the largest area of your interior. Choose wisely. Focus on light, warm tones, but also on calming scents and uplifting music. All together will bring many benefits to your living.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

I don’t think I have one most favourite project as all of the projects we designed brought something very special to me. I like when the project is inspiring and brings to the whole team the right number of challenges and creativity.

However saying this I think we’ve been extremely lucky to be part of the most exciting projects. Our project Senses, here presented and shortlisted, is exactly what we love to do. We had been approached by the Naval engineers at Lateral (www.lateral.engineering) to design the interior for their most innovative FFB platform – Free From Bulkheads which intended to challenge the status quo and break all of the old ways of new builds (80M) superyachts. We enjoyed this amazing challenge and our collaboration.

And when Lurssen shipyard (www.Lurssen.com) and their leading exterior designer Jim R. Sluijter contacted us for the collaboration on the most innovative and sustainable Lurssen’s projects ALICE, we felt very honoured. These projects are the most satisfying when we are together creating something that has never been done before.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why? 

This was one of the land-based projects, a luxurious private villa in Mallorca. We needed to design, refurbish and hand over to the client the 2500 sqm property in only 3 months. We did it and it was a huge success. The client loved our work.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

These days it’s my iPad and its connected pencil but I still use my sketchbook a lot, for quick notes and sketches.

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?

These events are very important for us designers. We have a chance to present our work to a larger audience and it is always inspiring and very rewarding when you can receive validation for your creativity, ideas and your hard work.

What projects are you currently working on?

We have a mix of residential projects and 52 M Yacht refit. But I also started designing for Oceanco shipyard, we are very proud interior partners to Simply Custom 80 M.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To grow my business. My passion is in interior design but I am also giving a focus to product design and would like to collaborate with luxurious brands. I am very proud of my collaboration with Heirlooms linens on our collection “The story of nature”. I designed three collections of bed linen and towels and we are planning on more products.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Healthy lifestyle. Happy thoughts. Cold plunges and walks. Daily learning, reading, exercising and meditating.

Your most treasured possession?

My daughter. I am a very proud mummy to my 11 years young girl. We are a great team but sometimes (especially at this age) she can challenge me more than our most challenging clients.

Your favourite holiday destination?

For a weekend recharge, I like to travel back home for the hikes on the mountains in the Czech or Slovak republic. But I also love the coasts of Sardinia, Mallorca or sailing around Croatian Islands. When there is more time to travel, I love Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and diving in the Great Barrier reef.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

It’s really not that easy to share one or two… For the divine relaxation and most spectacular hospitality I vote for Fourseasons.com anywhere in the world.

Your favourite book, film & song?

 I love to read educational and motivational books and I would highlight Tony Robbins, Ray Dalio, Napoleon Hill, Eckhart Tolle and Shefali Tsabary. To highlight one movie I would mention Amadeus, created by genius Czech movie director Milos Forman and filmed near my home town. Good old 80’s and 90’s.

Your favourite food and drink? 

Sushi. Gin & tonic.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? 

Outdoor activities.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? 

A pilot.