Camber Aviation Management & Alexander Craker have been shortlisted for the Private Jet Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023. Read more about Owner, Alexander Craker, below:

---

Name: Alexander Craker

Company: Alexander Craker

Position within company: Owner

Website: www.alexandercraker.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I suppose it’s been a rather non-traditional route into the design field – starting as an aircraft apprentice before moving into engineering, project management and sales. My experience has allowed me to develop a Design Systems approach to my work where understanding how design choices affect operational effectivity, delivery, cost effectiveness and long term customer satisfaction.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I like to create simple spaces where you can be at peace, clean lines with simple materials that make your eyes wander and find the wonderful little details.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

For me it can come from a variety of places. Nature, architecture, art, everyday objects, fashion, technology, research and trends, can all be sources of design inspiration. My biggest inspiration comes from the challenge of solving problems and telling stories through design.

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

Design is constantly evolving, so its difficult to pinpoint where it may be headed, however some current and emerging trends in design are focused on user-centric and experience driven design, data driver design, tactical and improvisational design, sustainable and ethical design. Using generative, procedural AI and machine learning to increase integration between design, technology and industry.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

– 1. User-Centered Design – Design with the user and their needs in mind. Keep in mind how the user interacts with the interface, how they understand and use it, and how they might feel while they are interacting with the product or service.

2. Universal Design – Design products or services to be usable and accessible by people of all abilities and backgrounds.

3. Interaction Design – Place the focus on the human-computer interaction in the design process, considering how people interact with the interface and how it can be improved to provide a better user experience.

4. Visual Design – Take into consideration how visuals, typography, and color can help to create a more immersive experience.

5. Accessibility – Design products and services that are accessible to everyone regardless of any disability or some other form of limitation. Work towards a solution that would benefit all users.

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

Always start by understanding your clients needs and objectives. Make sure you and your client have a clear understanding of their goals for the project and the desired aesthetic. Understand not only where the customer is today, but where they want to be in the future. Deliver them a design that is adaptable and can grow to with their personal and professional ambitions.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

One of the more interesting projects this year was a request from a customer for us to develop a concept for a “shadow class” aircraft that could be used to transport large items, cargo and staff on missions that they were unable to complete with their business jet. We proposed a Boeing Business Jet with a main deck cargo door, the cabin was divided into a dual zone configuration, with the forward zone for transporting the large items and aft area for passengers. As we developed the concept further, we proposed the possibilities for the fwd zone also being used for roll on / roll off cabin installations. We performed some pricing and engineering studies, and the customer is really excited by the project that they are now looking at it being their primary VIP transport for special missions. Overall, the concept provides a really flexible platform and opens up a number of new opportunities for how the client can travel across the globe.

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

One of my most challenging projects was a Flying Business Lounge within a 777-9 for an airline client, The scope of the project was vast encompassing a number of technical design challenges such as optimizing the private and social areas by creating light and airy spaces, as well as customizing the interior design to match the client’s specific aesthetic preferences. With such a large cabin space areas of concentrated design had to be well managed whilst considering all the relevant airworthiness and technical standards for commercial transport aircraft. In the end the concept was delivered on time and budget and the client was more than happy with the result.

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

 Pen, paper, the internet, credit cards and airmiles

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?

The yacht and aviation awards are viewed as tangible measures of success in our industry, as they demonstrate excellence and innovation in the field. These awards build brand recognition and credibility, attract new customers, increase public visibility and even aid recruitment efforts for top-tier employees. Additionally, the awards provide an opportunity for individual designers and agencies to discuss their achievements and improvise their professional profile.

What projects are you currently working on?

Im currently supporting an MRO for some aircraft maintenance projects, developing a range of furniture pieces for a Business Jet OEM and preparing two completion project proposals that we will tender later this year.

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

Travel more, drink less, focus on myself and enjoy time with my wife and the children

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

There’s not much to tell really, I enjoy a quiet life, I’m an average dancer, I don’t sing very well at karaoke, I’m getting old and my belly is growing. I’m always curious about my surroundings and how things work, whatever I look at I try to understand what decisions must have been made to get to this point, so most things are confusing to me, but day by day I am trying to figure it all out.

Your most treasured possession?

Family

Your favourite holiday destination?

The Maldives

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Shoreditch House, London

Your favourite book, film & song?

To Kill a Mockingbird

Shawshank Redemption

Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield

Your favourite food and drink?

As my wife will be reading this – her cooking

Coffee by day, Whiskey by night.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Sat with a long coffee, newspaper and the dog outside of a café people watching and silently judging them

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

Lost

Anything else interesting?

I am struggling to learn how to play the trumpet

Alexander Craker

---

design et al only work with the world’s leading companies in the Yacht & Aviation industry.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

How to Apply  /  The Categories