Evan Marshall

Evan Marshall moved to London from his native New York City in 1990 to pursue his dream of becoming an internationally versed yacht designer. Evan grew up in the city boating with his family on various cabin cruises they owned throughout the 60s and early 70s. After earning degrees in Naval architecture and architecture Evan started his professional career in the mid-80s at Sparkman Stephens in New York City, working right opposite the legendary Rod Stephens. During his tenure at the firm Evan raced regularly on S&S designs competing in everything from the Maxi series to the Newport Bermuda race and on various IOR designs. Following his time at S&S Evan worked for three years with Andrew Winch Designs and in 1993 he hung his own shingle establishing the design office Evan K Marshall Ltd in London on the banks of the Thames. In a career that is has now spanned more than 39 years Marshall has focused his work efforts on Custom & Production yacht exterior and interior designs, as well as residential project. The company has established a unique reputation by embracing a variety of styles and tastes which the office continues to pursue as they take on new and exciting design challenges.

Q&A

What does it mean to you to be an ISS judge?
I always enjoy having the opportunity to be inspired and celebrate my colleagues in the industry as they endeavour to create beautiful and valued projects for their own clients. Being a part of a process of reviewing and selecting outstanding designs is a very rewarding experience for me.

What do you like about the ISS Design & Awards Gala?
Like any industry it is important that we acknowledge our achievements and what better way to do so where we can get together with our colleagues and friends and have a wonderful celebration.

How did you get your start in the yachting industry?
Considering that I sketched my first boat at the age of five it would be fair to say that I got my “start” in the industry during that period of my life boating with my family with my sketchpad always with me. From that early age I never had any other career aspirations other than becoming a boat designer.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I would say there are two aspects of my work that I find the most rewarding. The first is that initial creative flush at the stage one realizes a great idea is starting to take shape. The second most rewarding part of my work is when a project reaches its completion and is handed over to its pleased and satisfied owners.

Who has influenced you the most?
I drew some of my most important inspiration and design philosophy as a young child gazing at boats designed by the American yacht designer David Martin who was responsible for the design of our Pacemaker 31’ as well as many other American production boats from the mid 60s and early 70s. His clean crisp lines and timeless styling forms the backbone of my approach to yacht design.

What is the most effective daily habit you possess?
The ability to stay focused and concentrated on my work

What advice do you have for the next generation?
Love what you do!