Bannenberg & Rowell
Bannenberg & Rowell are probably best known for creating the interiors for Abramovich’s famous Eclipse, but that giant is just one of many vessels they have worked on. The company, which is headed by Dickie Bannenberg and creative director Simon Rowell, was founded by Dickie’s father, Jon. “He was the first to pull together all aspects of yacht design under one studio roof,” says Rowell. “His career and his legacy are well documented and he is still an important reference in the industry today.”
Bannenberg Sr once said, “It’s a very important thing—never to be forgotten— that all of these wonderful things we have done start with one person’s imagination.” His son also credits the yacht owners with being savvy and sophisticated enough to let the design firm take a modern, fresh approach. “By the time an owner reaches the purchase of a custom yacht, he or she usually has some experience in yachting and a progressive understanding of contemporary design,” Bannenberg Jr says.
It’s no surprise, then, that Bannenberg & Rowell’s creations are individual and innovative—from the Lancia Grand Tourerinspired Gulf racing colours, bespoke chrome cabinet handles and tyre tread carpet designs of the 37-metre Aurelia, to the built-in concealed backgammon set and “unusually large shower” in the owner’s cabin of the 73-metre Predator. “We treat each project individually and quite simply get a kick out of creating new solutions,” says Rowell. “Each yacht is effectively a prototype, which might lead to a stressful working environment… but that is offset by the fact that we work with similarly driven artisans and professionals.
“Some of our projects are pretty cutting edge; our current Palmer Johnson 48-metre interior has some of the most complex interior geometry that we have ever undertaken, with sources of inspiration as diverse as kinetic sculpture, animal armour and experimental architecture,” he says. “Even the boundaries of solidity, transparency and structure are blurred. It’s exciting stuff.” bannenbergandrowell.com