How do I become a Yacht Designer? 

There are various areas of yacht design, some designers are have a pure design role, taking a clients vision, and turning it into a design. These designers often come from an industrial or automotive design background, be it formal training or experience, and then bring their skills and vision into the marine sector. These designers often have a degree in industrial or automotive design, from UK universities such as Coventry University, or Staffordshire University. Some yacht designers may have a particular speciality such as interior design.

There are then the yacht designers who are more technically based, supervising and designing the construction of recreational watercraft. They plan boats in accordance with specifications that establish the basic size, weight and speed of a yacht. They design the waterlines and sectional curves of hulls to establish gravitational centres and buoyancy. They may work closely with marine engineers in order to develop specifications for propulsion systems, ventilation and heating systems, engine room machinery and refrigeration equipment. As this type of designer, you might also lead development teams in order to test prototypes and evaluate yacht designs.

This second area of design requires a level of formal education, be it in general naval architecture which can be studied at a number of UK educational establishments such as the University of Southampton and City College Plymouth, or with more small craft specialised naval architecture courses such as those found at Solent University and the University of Southampton

Designing yachts and other luxury watercraft requires a sound background in design and an understanding of naval architecture but as with all aspects of the marine technical sector there is a need for continual improvement.  

The YDSA has reviewed the current courses available and through the completion of one of these courses can offer access to our membership to help you start your professional journey. 

If you don’t have a qualification but are looking to become a designer using your marine related experience then you may also enter as a provisional member and we can assist you in gaining the experience or training needed to achieve accredited level.

See our Membership Application Matrix for more details.