It’s not unusual for a yacht builder to form a strategic relationship with a design studio. Although naval architects and interior designers may find themselves collaborating on multiple projects, they rarely forge formal alliances. But, that’s just what Pascoli International and Carla Guilhem Design have done. Their respective teams see it as an all-inclusive benefit for clients.
Kristian Pascoli, the founder of Pascoli International, specializes in naval architecture and exterior styling. The studio is in Monaco, where Pascoli himself was born and raised. Prior to setting up his studio in 2023, he worked for Espen Øino International for two decades. Carla Guilhem Design, meanwhile, has headquarters in Miami. Guilhem grew up in Brazil, moving to Europe to pursue a career in residential design before expanding into yacht design in 2018 stateside.
Asked to describe what yacht design is all about, Pascoli says, “Proportions, performance, purpose.” Guilhem defines yacht design as “Elegance, innovation, and emotion.” They believe yacht owners can benefit from a one-stop approach, where technical unites with artistry. Additionally, the alliance means owners can tap into a network of artisans, other specialists, and even shipyards.
“Kristian brings a rare sensitivity to form and proportion,” explains Guilhem. “Together, we can translate that precision into interior atmospheres that are deeply human and timeless.” Put another way, she says, this means “design that breathes emotion into structure.”
Pascoli sees equally strong precision and sentiments in Guilhem’s studio. “Working with Carla and her team opens up a new dimension of creativity,” he asserts. “Our collaboration unites architecture and art, discipline and feeling.” Although some people might think that interior design and naval architecture have nothing in common, Pascoli disagrees. “We share a common language of beauty and performance,” he says.
Ultimately, each designer is eager to get down to business. “Who doesn’t want to work with Carla?” Pascoli asks. Similarly, Guilhem says, “Who doesn’t want to work with Kristian?”
Carla Guilhem Design carlaguilhem.com
Pascoli International pascoli.mc