Introducing A&R DESIGNERS LOUNGE
Sorgiovanni Designs

SORGIOVANNI DESIGNS

INTENTIONALLY
BALANCED

From Fremantle, Australia, Sam Sorgiovanni brings the spirit of freedom, adventure, and individuality to his yacht designs.

SORGIOVANNI DESIGNS

DISTINCTIVELY AMBITIOUS

DISTINCTIVELY AMBITIOUS

A longtime creative partner of Abeking & Rasmussen – notably on the 82-metre Secret – he has been involved in numerous international projects. Known for combining relaxed elegance with meticulous finishing, his studio creates yachts that feel like private resorts on the water. Personal relationships, like the one with A&R on Secret, are central to his work and vision.

... from down under to the world.

... from down under to the world. His passion of blending artistic creativity with technical precision is one of his outstanding characteristics.

BJÖRN BENECKE | SALES MANAGER YACHT DEPARTMENT

The motor yacht Secret is undoubtedly an extraordinary presence – and her name says it all. At the express request of the owner, both his identity and the yacht’s details remain strictly confidential. The only known fact is that her maiden voyage took her around the entire globe.

On one hand, it’s a pity that so little is known about such a remarkable yacht. On the other, this discretion stands as a clear statement – from both the designer and the shipyard – who together created a vessel that speaks for itself, even if only a few can attest to it firsthand.

DRAFTS

Simplicity & Purpose

INTERVIEW

IN DIALOGUE WITH
SAM SORGIOVANNI

Can you still remember your first attempt at a yacht
design? Does it still exist?

A&R 01

Gosh, my first attempt would have been soon after graduation from University but my first attempt at a design that was real was during my time at Oceanfast.

SAM SORGIOVANNI

Was this career always your dream, or did an unusual opportunity lead you in this direction?

A&R 02

For sure, yacht design did not come to mind until I graduated from University in Industrial Design. I had my eye on another industry but I received a call from one of my Uni lecturers to say they recommend me for a role with a company that builds boats. It was Oceanfast and after a short interview I was successful in securing a role as a junior designer. Oceanfast was building yachts designed by the godfather of yacht design, Jon Bannenberg.. so over 11 years I worked my way up to be Chief Designer for the group and was mentored by Jon to gain a unique understanding of design and practical implementation of designs into reality.

SAM SORGIOVANNI

Is there a specific design that is particularly close to your heart? If so, why?

A&R 03

I guess it’s MY Aussie Rules, it was a 69m designed for Golf great Greg Norman . It was a very unique ‘expedition’ type vessel before the category even existed. It was so ahead of its time and as my first full interior and exterior design from my own newly established studio it was its success that saw me gain other great contracts.

SAM SORGIOVANNI

What was the quirkiest or most unexpected request from a client?

A&R 04

I think it would the the lizard Terrarium on MY Nirvana. The enclosure was designed in collaboration with a zoologist specializing in reptiles to ensure the environment was perfect. However we never envisaged that the animals would get sea sick…!

SAM SORGIOVANNI

What was the most unusual material you’ve ever used in a yacht?

A&R 05

I’m always very careful to ensure sustainability sourced materials. One of the most unusual would have been Puffer Fish skin supplied by Natured Squared from sustainable sourced skins. Nature is truly spectacular and if we can reuse what would normally be waste into something beautiful then I believe that is always a great outcome.

SAM SORGIOVANNI

Do you have a funny anecdote from a project with Abeking that you can share?

A&R 06

Well nothing that comes to mind other than sharing some great and proud moments when we have worked together but also sharing many laughs and good times socially. What I love about working with A&R is that it’s a very personable group of people that still feels like the family owned business that it is. You always feel like you are welcome and a part of the team!

SAM SORGIOVANNI

What is the most important advice you would give to new yacht designers?

A&R 07

It’s so important that new designers understand that you need to expect it will take time to gain the experience to develop the skills needed. To take on the responsibility of designing a multi million dollar project for a client you must be able to add value and to do this you must first learn how to and how best not to do things. Without years of experience you simply ‘don’t know what you don’t know!

SAM SORGIOVANNI

What role does sustainability play for you and your clients?

A&R 08

This is always an important considerations as many of our clients a highly regarded high profile people . So ensuring we look after the environment is very important so we need to always consider sustainability sourced materials , quality that’s lasts and ensuring that the vessel has a long usable life to reduced its overall impact and footprint over its usable life.

SAM SORGIOVANNI

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