Build first class yachts

Omega Architects is an international recognized Dutch company that merges yacht design, interior design and architecture. There are currently 12 yachts under construction, the one that stands out the most is the exterior design of CRN M / Y 138; For this reason, CEO Frank Laupman granted an exclusive interview for Amura Yacht & Lifestyle, where he allows us to see his career progress as he is currently one of the leading yacht designers in the Netherlands and in the world.

 

Omega Architects has won several awards and considers its most important projects at the mo-ment to be: CRN M/Y Yalla, Galactica Stars and CRN M/Y 138

 

 

Gisselle Morán: At what stage of your life did you decide to dedicate yourself to architecture and what motivated you to do so?

Frank Laupman: From an early age knew that for me the most important thing was architecture and design. Buildings and innovations are my main objectives. I have a commitment to architecture, to the exterior, to my surroundings. At the age of 16, we went on a trip to Croatia with my father and that trip led me to a clear vision about my dedication to architecture and design. At the age of 17, I started  my architecture degree at the Delft & Eindhoven Technical University in the Netherlands, finishing it with honors in 1981. It was in that year that the Netherlands and even Europe suffered a severe crisis, the architectural projects decreased. That made me change my perspective and join the Pieter Beeldsnijder team for yacht building; creating a transition from architecture to yacht design.

 

GM: What were your architectural influences?

FL: Pieter was a fundamental part of my career; I sat in a corner of the office drawing and listening for educational training in boat design. In addition to Mr. Beeldsnijder, the Italian magazine Ottagono was also an important part of my inspiration to divert my career towards yacht design

 

 

 

 

GM: What has been the most important in your career?

FL: Architecture has been the most important thing, to build and create. In 1983 I was helping my father with his company, dedicated to create amplifiers for musical instruments, especially guitars. Two years later, I returned to yacht design, being responsible for the interior design department at Heesen Yachts. At the age of 38, I created my own design team, an independent design group that for around 7 years managed to create concepts and designs that helped me become an important part of yacht building today.

 

GM: From the personal and brand focal point, where do you move and where do you want to go?

FL: In the month of January 1995, I decided to create my own studio, Omega Architects, where I brought together young designers who are until this day assisting me in exploring fresh design ideas.  With 25 years of experience in this sector, my main objective is to innovate: innovate in technology, in design. I have as main challenges My main challenges have been, creating timeless styles, keeping my company young and busy, challenging them, increasing their capacity and capabilities to design buildings, yachts, airplanes, super structures.

 

GM: What has been your most important project?

FL: Every project is important to me, I’m currently working with CRN, the Italian bespoke shipbuilder specialized in fully-custom megayacht up to 95 metres, on the 62-meter steel and aluminium CRN M/Y 138 and on a new 52-meter full-aluminium yacht, CRN M/Y 142. With CRN in 2014 I previously developed the iconic Yalla a 73 m. yacht characterized by sleek, slender lines, which make the profile particularly streamlined.

 

 

 

 

 

GM: Can you tell us about the construction and design process of the CRN M / Y 138?

FL: CRN M / Y 138, is one more step in my experience, since the shipyard has worked with great designers and architects; they already had a specific design, they had a planning, a structure. They wanted the exterior design to have fluid and sporty lines, cabins with natural light, striking spaces, large lounges, a beach club on the yacht’s deck, contemporary trim and spatial shapes. Omega Architects is part of the exterior design due to the experience gained, its knowledge of the harmony

and elegance of super yachts. The union of architecture and engineering demands quality, together with CRN we anticipate the trends and discover the taste and the needs of the customers.

 

GM: What do you think is and will be the main evolution in the creation of yachts?

FL: Sustainability is paramount today, it’s expensive right now and it would be great if in 5 or 10 years all yachts are electric or at least a significant part of the motors are electric. Today, cars have sustainable technology and the Dutch government supports this sector, the same must happen with yachts.

 

GM: What are your main objectives and planes for this decade?

FL: In this new decade many new features will come, important technological advances that will help yacht owners to have their lifestyle at sea, to explore from comfort. Customers are interested in conserving the planet and are looking for eco-friendly engines, recyclable materials, cleaner designs, monitors to help locate. Therefore, there must be a union between the builders and the clients, so that they can enjoy the planet and the natural environment, even if our yachts exceed the 60 m mark, regularly, as we can see at our current yachts under construction.

Omega Architects has won several awards and considers its most iconic projects at the moment to be: CRN M/Y Yalla, MY Home and CRN M/Y 138. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text: ± Photo: ALIA YACHTS-JEFF BROWN