NAVIREX – Mario Grasso Design have been shortlisted for Concept Under 40 Metres Award & Interior Design – Concept Yacht Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2022. Read more about Owner, Mario Grasso, below:

---

Name: Mario Grasso

Company: NAVIREX – Mario Grasso Design

Position within company: Owner

Website: www.navirex.it

Tell us a little about your background in design:
Mario obtained his Master’s degree on March 24^th, 1982 at Genoa University as Naval Architect and Marine Engineer. From 1992 to 2012, Mario was Managing Director of NAVIREX Srl, where he managed more than 50 projects of Yachts and Ships and also managed more than 160 Loading Computers to calculate strength, intact stability and damage stability for big Ships. Then from 2007 to 2012, Mario worked as a Contract Professor at the University of Genoa where he taught students about naval architecture on the nautical design course. Since 2013, Mario works as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer under the name of NAVIREX – Mario Grasso Design. He has managed more than 20 projects complete or partial for Yachts and Ships and manages a team of engineers, designers and technicians in order to carry out a preliminary, feasibility and detailed projects to be delivered to the Shipyard for construction.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I like to design thinking about the client and trying to understand what their requests are. Once this is done, I then run a draft that combines the lines that seem most appealing to me according to my design style and finally I combine them in an environment that is as sustainable as possible in all aspects.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
The inspiration for my projects comes first of all from the experience of more than thirty years of work. This without forgetting to keep myself updated on the innovations proposed by the market both in the field of design and in the field of eco-sustainability.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that the actual design is moving towards obtaining a large beach area from small boats up to the large vessels.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.

– Accessibility
– User friendly
– Green
– Low consumption
– Well studied lines in way to obtain a nice looking project

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
To design following the most important things like a nice sight, well designed paths, well studied lightings, nice beach club.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Motor Yacht 44 Metres H2OME on 2011, because I liked the linear design.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
The Motor Yacht 101’ Hybrid of Fabiani Yacht Shipyard, because I like the challenge to sail with the solar panels only for many hours and with a large boat with nice exterior lines.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Without my great team.

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
They are very important for the very large number of people that are following them and the quality of the service supplied.

What projects are you currently working on?
On the complete series of Fabiani Yacht Shipyard green yachts.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To begin the construction of the Motor Yacht 77’ Hybrid and then the Motor Yacht 101’ Hybrid.

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

Your most treasured possession?
My interesting work.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Capri Island.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Grand Hotel Excelsior Palace at Portofino Coast.

Your favourite book, film & song?
Divina commedia, High Noon, Knocking on Heaven’s Doors

Your favourite food and drink?
Fish and a good white wine.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
On the boat at anchor with a glass of red wine.

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

Anything else interesting?
I am also interested in luxury jets too.

NAVIREX – Mario Grasso Design have been shortlisted for Concept Under 40 Metres Award & Interior Design – Concept Yacht Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2022.