Ken Freivokh

Ken Freivokh Design

Ken Freivokh Design is a multi-disciplinary design team specialising in custom superyachts and top-end production motorboats and sailing yachts. Ken was born in Los Angeles, California and, following architectural studies in Peru, completed post-graduate studies at The School of Industrial Design at The Royal College of Art, London. The Ken Freivokh Design practice is based at Eastlands Boatyard, on the shores of UK’s river Hamble. Superyacht projects completed by Ken’s team include the 88m sailing yacht ‘Maltese Falcon’, the 88m yacht ‘X’ presented for the first time at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the 108m sailing yacht Black Pearl, the 141m four-masted schooner Dream Symphony, the 64m schooner Mikhail S Vorontsov, the classic motoryacht ‘Atlantide’, the art deco yacht Sycara built by Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Ken’s production yacht work includes work as exclusive designer for Sunseeker for over 14 years, more recently the Magellano range of boats for Azimut. Ken was also responsible for the design of a Global Express jet for the chairman of Bombardier as well as a Global 5000 for the owner of ‘X’. Architectural work includes a 60th floor penthouse for Tom Perkins in San Francisco, a house for Peter de Savary in Chelsea, England. The company’s design philosophy can be described with one word: Innovation. Every single project has been the result of a careful evaluation and understanding of the client’s requirements, and a fresh interpretation of such brief with an approach which aims to avoid preconception and stereotype solutions. Lateral thinking and out-of-the-box solutions are seen as Ken’s trademark.

Q&A

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration in my case seems to follow analysis and problem solving.   In the process, I find answers, many of which are unconventional, and perhaps that is the hallmark of our studio’s work.

What is your biggest challenge in your work?

Main challenge is to arrive at unique design solutions in response to a client’s brief.

How do you manage balance in your life?

Design is fortunately my passion, but it does alternate with sailing, diving and wildlife photography.

Where are you the happiest?

Diving in an amazing location or on safari

If you could choose one location for your next travel adventure, where would you go and why?

Galapagos yet again, or the highlands in Peru.

What does it mean to you to be an ISS judge?

A marvellous opportunity to exchange views with a very knowledgeable and friendly ISS team

What do you like about the ISS Design & Awards Gala?

The very friendly and positive atmosphere.

What advice do you have for the next generation?

Be creative and enjoy your work.