An Exclusive Interview with Our Lead Interior Designer
An Exclusive Interview with Our Lead Interior Designer
Meet Atilla EREN, the talented interior designer behind the beauty of Cosmo Marine.
Atilla has over 20 years of experience in designing warm, inviting spaces that cater to the specific needs and desires of high-profile clients. His keen eye for detail and innovative thinking have created impressive interiors for Cosmo Marine’s projects.
Could you tell us about your background and how you became interested in yacht interior design?
I was born in Istanbul in 1980. I completed my high school education in Istanbul and graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Kocaeli University in 2002. My professional career began while I was still a student, allowing me to gain experience in various sectors of the industry.
My early work life taught me that every project is an experience that enriches the next. Since then, I have viewed every new project as a contribution to my professional knowledge. I continue to sharpen my expertise through fairs, seminars, lectures, books, and digital platforms. During my education, an internship in the yachting sector supported my work on mobile structures. I had the opportunity to study the spatial design approaches of leading local and foreign designers. I learned that interior design in yachts makes a significant difference in terms of visuals, functionality, and industrial application within minimal spaces. This inspired my passion for yacht interior design.
What are the influences that have shaped your design philosophy over the years?
I believe that exploring life inspires our design concepts and creativity. Every stone you touch, every minute spent in front of a fine work of art, the world you dream of while reading, or even the first person you say hello to—all of these factors constitute the synaptic network of our design world. A designer's primary responsibility is to seek and discover these factors.
How do you create comfortable and luxurious spaces that contribute to the vision of "Cosmo Marine"?
The Cosmo Marine brand prioritizes modernism and minimalism to follow evolving concepts of luxury while supporting the functional needs of the client. Since this perspective aligns with my own, it results in excellent spatial outcomes. Our goal is for clients to enjoy life on board without sacrificing personal comfort, feeling as though they are truly living at sea. This approach includes large windows, open balconies, spaces that interact directly with open decks, optimized crew routes to minimize interaction with guests, and a balance of colors and textures that harmonize with nature.
Can you walk us through the design process for the RHODEIA 125 interior and the inspiration behind its elegant aesthetics?
The RHODEIA 125 project began with a small design competition to find a designer who aligned with the spirit of the concept. I believe this perspective brought a unique passion to the project. Management successfully minimized time pressure, which allowed me to focus on finding the best possible concept. Since I believe elegance and aesthetics come from nature, we created a solution without unnecessary ornamentation. We focused on the continuity of natural light, allowing the form of the space to be dominated only by purposeful shapes. Here, the primary inspiration is natural light, and the spatial design serves as a form that allows light to circulate freely.
In confined spaces like those on a yacht, how do you balance the needs for comfort, functionality, luxury, and safety?
Spatial layout is generated by maximizing the use of the volume available. First, I establish safety requirements by integrating certification rules into the process. I determine the locations of access corridors and stair halls to minimize walking distances, reducing the impact of these functions on the overall volume. From my perspective, comfort is the second most important issue after safety. Once safety is settled, I focus on anthropometric and functional requirements to ensure the space is practical for the user. Finally, luxury is applied as a prominent element—much like jewelry. This is an iterative process until the optimal balance is achieved.
How do you incorporate eco-friendly materials into Cosmo Marine yacht interiors?
Certification, safety, and insulation standards dictate a portion of the material selection. Beyond these, the project’s level of environmental sensitivity determines the sustainability of the materials. For instance, choosing materials resistant to marine moisture that do not deform over time eliminates the need for frequent replacement. Additionally, using recyclable hard flooring as an alternative to natural stone, laminated semi-modified parquet instead of solid wood, and organic fabrics for upholstery reduces the impact on nature. We also design lightweight furniture to reduce the yacht's total weight, thereby saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, the strategic use of windows maximizes natural light, reducing electricity consumption.
How do you stay updated on design trends, and what are your favorite sources of inspiration?
As designers, we use many resources: social media, design and architecture magazines, industrial fairs, art, and culture. Nature, in its many forms, remains a constant source of renewal. Sources like Boat International, Robb Report, Trend Book, and Architectural Digest, alongside popular Instagram and Pinterest accounts, support my inspiration.
What aspects of Cosmo Marine yacht interiors appeal to the discerning tastes of your high-profile clients?
Our concept includes a perspective that utilizes technology appropriately in both production and use, supporting the user’s needs with a "marine spirit." The belief that functionality creates form, and that visual richness should not include unnecessary excess without compromising quality, are other factors that define the Cosmo Marine design philosophy.
Where do you see the future of yacht interior design heading, and what role will technology play?
The development of the global economy, marine culture, and the recent pandemic have increased demand in this field. High construction costs have made stakeholders realize that high-quality construction is only possible with excellent design and planning. While designers provide the greatest point of differentiation, those who use technology effectively will achieve successful and risk-free results faster. Success belongs not to those who simply own technology, but to those who know how to use it well.
In your opinion, what sets Cosmo Marine apart from other yacht builders, especially in terms of interior design?
What sets us apart is our focus on developing design solutions that are strictly aligned with user needs, and our belief that engineering must support this vision.
Do you have any exciting projects or design collaborations you can share?
Yes. For Cosmo Marine, a 16m motor yacht designed outside of conventional operations is currently underway. We have also started a 30m sailing project for one of the leaders in the industry.