MRM: When you think back to the early stages of RJ, what was the energy or intention that really started to drive the project forward?

AS: RJ is the result of a shared vision, a dialogue between cultures, disciplines, and sensibilities. It was commissioned by two highly cultured Northern European owners who are passionate collectors of contemporary art. Their goal was to merge top-tier maritime performance with serene, sophisticated interior architecture.

MRM: Was this one of those projects where different talents came together seamlessly?

AS: Yes, it was. I was entrusted with the interior design. Francesco Paszkowski designed the powerful exterior lines, while Cantiere delle Marche brought the yacht to life with their exceptional shipbuilding expertise. The project was collaborative from the very beginning, leading to a fresh and original result that transcends traditional yacht design.

MRM: How would you describe RJ?

AS: Externally, RJ is a strong and muscular vessel. It conveys serious seamanship with solid, assertive proportions and an authoritative stance. While the exterior is bold and commanding, the interior is a sanctuary of calm and clarity. It's a peaceful retreat defined by harmony rather than excess.

MRM: Was there a guiding idea that shaped the interior direction from the beginning?

AS: The owners wanted an interior that reflected their cultural heritage, rooted in conceptual minimalism but with warmth and emotional balance. This led me to develop a style I call "soft minimalism."

MRM: The term 'soft minimalism' is intriguing! Where does that concept come from, and how does it translate into the space?

AS: It's a design language of natural gestures, curved lines, and gentle transitions. Every surface is essential and emotionally resonant, avoiding coldness while maintaining clarity.

"The palette is calm and sensorial, blending soft brushed wood with Rosa Portogallo marble."

MRM: Stepping inside, you enter in a world of its own, where an ineffable atmosphere embraces you. Could you talk a bit about what materials and elements help shape that experience?

AS: The primary material is light Koto, a Japanese wood with a warm, buttery tone. Curved panels and enveloping surfaces create softness, while sculptural elements add moments of surprise, like coral-inspired ceiling forms, octopus-like handles, and organically lit cabinets.

MRM: Do any design elements stand out to you not just visually, but emotionally, something that resonates beyond the surface?

AS: The ceiling of the main salon is particularly poetic. It mimics the ripple effect of a stone dropped into still water, a visual metaphor for peace and balance.

MRM: There's a very calming quality to the interiors. How would you describe the overall palette of materials and colors you have chosen?

AS: The palette is calm and sensorial, combining soft brushed wood with Rosa Portogallo marble finished in a peach-skin honed texture. It creates a warm and harmonious atmosphere throughout the yacht.

MRM: As you developed the design, were there subtle influences—cultural or otherwise—that helped guide your choices?

AS: The design is subtly influenced by Eastern sensibilities, but it's never literal. It's a coded, integrated reference within an architecture that lives inside a vessel of undeniable strength.

MRM: What is the overall experience RJ offers?

AS: RJ is more than just a vessel for exploring the sea. It's a deeply peaceful, contemplative space, a home that offers both adventure and inner tranquility.

"RJ is more than just a vessel for exploring the sea. It's a deeply peaceful, contemplative space, a home that offers both adventure and inner tranquility."