Tillberg Design is riding the wave of success

This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2017 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.

Tillberg Design of Sweden faces a bright future as it continues to grow its team, its order book and its reputation. “We have recently grown to a 100-strong team, which we celebrated with a colourful event in Miami,” says Fredrik Johansson, partner in Tillberg Design of Sweden. “We are enjoying unequalled interest in our services and a fantastic working relationship with all our clients.”

The company recently announced that it is designing the new ultra-luxury ships for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, with the maiden vessel set to launch in late 2019. This unique project marks the first time a hotel brand has gone to sea. “It’s been a development process over a few years,” says Johansson. “It has been a unique opportunity, starting from a blank piece of paper and working closely with the client on all aspects of the ship until we are happy with it. It has allowed us the time to methodically design a totally new and unique concept that really optimises both exterior and interior areas of the ship.”

Ritz-Carlton stated that its new vessels will be in a class of their own with no queues, crowds or disturbances. Tillberg Design of Sweden is tasked with making that vision into a reality, designing spacious interiors for each ship’s 289 passengers to enjoy as they sail the Mediterranean, Caribbean and New England. “We want to emulate the experience of being on a large private luxury yacht, so creating a more casual but very exclusive boutique feel is the guiding star for the project,” says Johansson. “To achieve this yacht-like ambience we are creating intimate and informal areas, both inside each public space and outside on the open decks. We will be mixing dining with lounging with socialising and so on, to dissolve any strict division of the functions onboard. This also means using the spaces onboard more effectively and over the whole day.”

The yachts are the latest addition to a rich and diverse schedule. “We have approximately 25 ongoing projects right now,” says Johansson. “We are also designing for all categories of the industry, from very dedicated and custom-built explorer ships to floating family resorts.

We are very lucky to have an efficient and well-organised company structure – and a fantastic and dedicated team, making all this possible. It’s very inspiring and we are constantly fine-tuning and improving the way we do things.”

That level of organisation and dedication enables Tillberg Design of Sweden to stay up to date with the latest design developments – a key factor in its success. “There are no short-cuts here; you have to get out there and see what’s going on,” says Johansson. “We go to the most notable design fairs, stay in the most talked-about hotels and try out the new restaurant concepts and taprooms. It’s a tough job, but it’s essential to set aside the time and means if you want to stay in the forefront of development!”