Baran Akalin

Good in Yacht Design.

Baran Akalin

About Baran Akalin

Baran Akalın is an architect/designer born in Istanbul.He always has passion about cars, boats and water since from his childhood.Like almost any kind of vehicles has engine in it. He even started naming car types before start speaking around age 2 according to car's voices with his unknown language.In the process of growth , the idea of creating a living space outweighed. He studied architecture and started working right away one of the best studio in Istanbul. After 2 years of hard work, he decided upgrade his profession because he was dissatisfied with the construction industry.But did not want to give up creating living space. In 2011 , he started to study at Academy of Art university 'Master of Industrial Design' program in San Francisco , for combine his profession and be qualified for the boat design.With the closure of the boat design classes due to student incompetence, he started searching for other alternatives. His drawing instructor told him secretly that he needs to change his school and go to the Italy to study Yacht Design Master and warned him not to tell anyone because he could fired from the University. In 2012 , Baran Akalın changed his university and started 'Master in Yacht Design' in IED Torino / Italy. After the master, he selected as a intern by one of the best yacht design studio in Venice. After he complete his internship , he returned his homeland and started working as freelance designer for the design companies and boat brands. At the present time he has been actively designing and managing from mass production boats to custom design yacht projects since 2015 in his company and and design partner of Turknonik based in Istanbul. He is also lecturer at Maltepe University ' Yacht Design Section' which is second bachelor Yacht Design program in the world. With these futures he is the talker and yacht design consultant at IDD ( Italian Design Days ). Besides these , he is playing drums last 15 years in many different semi-professional bands and he believes that making music has a very important role in the development of creativity.

  • Winner of 3 A' Design Awards.
  • Good in Yacht Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Yacht
Volcat 43 Power Catamaran

Volcat 43 Power Catamaran

Yacht Design

Hunters 40 Power Yacht

Hunters 40 Power Yacht

Yacht Design

Escalade Trimonoran Motor Yacht

Escalade Trimonoran Motor Yacht

Yacht Design


Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Sign-Up

Interview with Baran Akalin

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
B.A. ; I educated in the areas of architecture and industrial design in the U.S. and masters degree in Yacht Design in Italy. I always have passion about cars and boats. Basically I like the vessels with engine and loud sounds.At the same time , I really care about my living space and love to create them.And like most of people I love the water and sea. When we combine these elements , designing yachts was unavoidable. J.B. : Struggle at many schools and became architectural engineer
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Baran Akalın Design is a Yacht Design firm established in 2015 and reassures to crate perfect balance between aesthetic and functional system with timeless designs.. J. B. ; See www.anwigema.nl Many years of experience achieved by collaborating with some of the most renown design companies and shipyards brought me to become experienced in designing exterior/interior of custom yachts and serial production yachts, beginning from the conceptual drawings up to the production project and project management during construction. I am also academician on Yacht Design section and lecturer/concultant with Yacht Design at the Italian Design Days (IDD).
What is "design" for you?
B.A. ; Design is a piece of art that we can actually use or drive it. J. B. ; Result of combinations
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
B.A. ; I like to design mostly solid pieces with living space. Like 20 meters yacht. J.B. ; Finding possibilities
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
B.A. ; favorite one is my 20 meters concept design. Inspired by muscle cars and I called her a ' muscle yacht'. She has 3x 2500 HP engines and ready break the speed record. J.B. ; Still to come
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
B. A. ; First thing was a small 6.80 meters boat serial production boat. The shipyard is making 2-3 of them every month. It is called 'mini yacht' in the market. J.B ; Faster producing scale 1:1 detail drawings
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
B.A. ; My favorite material is stainless- steel. It doesn't get rust and stays the same for a very long time. J.B. ; People / situation / all
When do you feel the most creative?
B.A. ; When I have done all the things to do and when I am alone. J.B. ; Alone
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
B.A. ; Functionality and build process with high quality look. J. B. ; Alternatives
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
B.A ; I feel very exited and keep thinking all the time in my mind in every perspective. J.B. ; Less
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
B.A ; I can not describe them. But closest one is the feeling when I am fall in love. J.B, ; Doubts
What makes a design successful?
B.A. ; Has to be different and functional, but has to carry the some aesthetic rules at the same time. J.B. ; To exist
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
First I examine the functionality of the design. If there are some problems about it , the appearance is useless.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The designer should create new point of view on the design. Other wise we keep copy things and every thing looks similar.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design will never end. Every level of our future, there will be another object to design. I think there will be so much solid designs will be in the future because of the 3d printer technology.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My design style mostly is sportive and aggressive. Classic-muscle cars made me explore this style. 50 years old but still alive. I tried to make them as cool as possible and timeless.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
There are many good young designers in the market. I suggest the companies more working with them. Most of the companies stuck with old designers.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
Starting with sketches and going to 2D profile and layouts. These are very important to decide what the project will look like. After that 3d modeling and rendering. If every thing is good, starting to draw production project.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
First one my seat of course. I can't live without a comfortable seat. Second one is my working table. I made a spacial big one just for my self and I really enjoy to work on that. Third one is my decorative dusk light.Also stylish speakers and real artwork picture.
Can you describe a day in your life?
B.A. ; Going to studio in the morning and meeting with some friends after the work. J.B. ; Get up, live, go asleep
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Never limit themselves about the people around them and play an instrument , make a music. Specially being a member of a brand will keep them alive.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The negative thing is we spend so much time front of the computer/table. That effects your social life. But there are some positive things that ignore the negativity. Creating something from nothing feels priceless and honorable. Also another epic moment when I drive what I design is feels amazing. Only these things enough to spend all your time for designing.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
B.A. ; My golden rule is to create timeless designs that will never get old. J.B. ; Check, re-check, etc.
What skills are most important for a designer?
B.A. ; The most important one is ' Vision ' , others will follow. J.B. ; Knowledge
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Time is very important thing to manage. When I did my daily quests till midday , I start working to late night because 24 hours never enough. Most of the time I work on weekends.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends on the project. For example 12 meters power catamaran took 4-5 months to finalize. But bigger yachts like mega yachts take 1-2 years.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
Unfortunately the most question is about the price of the yachts. I would be happier if people ask me about the design I made. Because there is so much to tell about it but only very few people cares about.
What was your most important job experience?
Most important one is my first job experience. It was a freelance job but big one for me to have responsibility of 33 meters yacht interior design. That experience was actually taught me a lot; how to deal with the client , how to deal with the shipyard and how to organize your work/project.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
B.A ; Most I enjoy to design range between 20 and 30 meters yacht. Because these kind of yachts are more compact , fast and better for also daily use. J.B. ; Problem solving
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Making much better yacht designs and keep searching for the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Actually both. I am a design partner of another marine vessels company and also owner of my design studio.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I have been working on serial production power catamaran first time in my country's history last couple of months. It was quite nice experience that it was my first time designing a power catamaran interior and exterior.I enjoyed it alot.
How can people contact you?
B.A. ; www.baranakalin.com , akalin.baran@gmail.com J.B. ; E-mail: gjb@anwigema.nl, phone: +31 655 974 092

Designer of the Day Interview with Baran Akalin

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I started my carrier as an Architect and was working with one of the best architecture studio ( Atelye 70 ) in Istanbul. After 2 years I started to study Industrial Design Master in U.S and Yacht Design master in Italy. Now I have 9 years of experience in the market. 7 years in marine industry.
How did you become a designer?
That is an interesting story. I was always interested to art and creation. Also I love to create living space and that is why I started my carrier with studying Architecture. Meanwhile , I started to work in my uncle's architecture studio in Istanbul and we also have some Italian people working inside. We were working on very unique and huge project. Everything was fine I was so happy to work there.But , after two years of hard work , I realize that I am not enjoying working in construction market. But still I do enjoy to create/designing living space and from my childhood , I always passion about cars and boats ( basically the things has engine and I can drive ). So in this period , our architecture project has been canceled to provide more money income to build bigger buildings. That was the last drop for me.Then I decided to change my field to car and boat design which is Industrial Design subjects and my patients. While I was searching for master program , my close friend from elementary school, called me to his university in San Francisco. Which was quiet nice for me because they have qualified for car design and also they have boat design on optional class.So , I went to San Francisco to study master of Industrial Design. While I was there , I realize that car design is very fun but I am actually not free to design what I like , I have to design cars for thousands of people also for some car brand and carry their styles at the end. But boat design is totally spacial design project for the client only. That was so exited for me. So I decided to turn my face totally to the Boat/Yacht Design in that master program. But there was another barrier waiting for me. The master program was 4 years with doctorate and optional boat design class has been canceled because of the insufficient students. Then I was thinking to change my university but I didn't know which way should I go. All of my teachers were saying that I have to stay in that school and learn the job on the market while working. Except one teacher from Mexico ( he is the designer of '68 mustang interior and experienced on boat design ) He called me to the his room to be sure that no one is listening to us.Because they can fire him if he let me change the school! Thanks to him , he showed me the way of yacht design master program in Italy. Then as soon as possible I changed my school and went to study Yacht Design Master in Italy. After my master program, I had selected for Internship in very nice yacht design studio in Venice/Italy. After I return from Italy , I started working on similar project that I did on my Internship as a Freelance Designer. Now I have a design studio based in Istanbul and working worldwide. Also I am a Instructor at Maltepe university - Yacht Design Section which is second bachelor Yacht Design program in the world and speaker at the IDD ( Italian Design Days ).
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My main priority is staying away from standard designs and making unique designs as well as finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Creating things from nothing is the most satisfying thing for me and I feel so exited like I am in love.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Making Music and research about any thing I see. This sounds like a bit philosophy and yes it is.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
My future plan is making much better designs and trying to catch perfect balance in design. My dream project is to built fastest yacht in the world.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
My biggest advise would be; stay away from negative people who can effect your work and stay close to the reality as much as you can.
What is your day to day look like?
After I woke up , I don't spend time in my house , I go to my studio as fast as possible and I eat my breakfast on the way or in the studio. because I have found most concentration in the morning when I feel much more creative. And after the work I meat with some friends to chill out and start fresh for the next morning.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
They are highly important. They defines us as a good designer or not. To not following the trends feels like I am one step behind. I follow them mostly on the websites and colleagues from industry.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
If that design is unique , keeps the aesthetic rules , different and fully functional with ease of use , then I called it is a very good design.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Actually never decide that. If my design gives me the feeling what I need like excitement , that means I am on the right way.And project deadline decides when it should be ready.
What is your biggest design work?
The last one - Escalade - is the design that I most proud of. Because it is the real game changer and allow me create one of the most unique vehicle in the marine industry.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I play drums about 15 years and I was involved with many amateur bands during this time. Making music feels very good as much as doing design. I really love creating things.I really inspire from the music. I am also a camper. I love nature and once in a month we are going to camping with the friends right middle of the forest with wild nature. I also really like to have adrenaline that is why I was doing rock climbing in the past. Another thing that I like to do is care of my classic jeep ( 1979 ). I enjoy changing her parts , and doing also off-road with her while we are in the forest for camping.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
It is very important to know what you are doing and also very important what you are targeting. I always know my targets and always keep them perfection as much as possible.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
To make my self so clear for the people who does not know me before.

Extended Interview with Baran Akalin

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I educated in the areas of architecture and industrial design in the U.S. and masters degree in Yacht Design in Italy. I worked as an architect for 2 years but
How did you become a designer?
To create new things from nothing. And feels amazing when I drive what I draw.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design yachts and yachts only. I rejected many building projects by now. Mostly I like to design 2 or 3 cabin yachts because they can built for speed and living.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
They should ignore to think about money, of course we need it but focusing only to the money is blocks their vision to see the things on different perspective.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Good designer is combine the things that sees around , great designer is reach the almost perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
To make the perfect balance between ease of use and make it look great. good design is has to be always minimalist , pure, stylish and good quality.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design will carry the company up , if people like it , they will not hesitate to pay for it.
What is your day to day look like?
I would like to design most unique fastest yacht ever for the movie star.
Who is your favourite designer?
Barrell 20 meters fast commuter yacht. She has 3 x 2500 hp engines and she will be the world's fastest luxury yacht when she built.

Stay Updated with Latest Design News

By clicking Sign-Up, you are opting to receive promotional emails from A' Design Awards, World Design Rankings, World Design Consortium and Designers.Org You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time.

You are now at the right step

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.

Create an Account