Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

4 1 says Walton. “For instance, the shipowner may want to update elements of the décor scheme, or the shipyard may ask to reconfigure the layout of a venue to make it possible to build. This can be frustrating because it’s time consuming to produce new drawings and you might have to redesign the space multiple times before everyone is happy. “It would be easy to let ego and emotions take over, but this often leads to people saying or doing things they regret and that’s not helpful for anyone involved in the project. Instead, it’s important to take a moment, listen to the person’s explanation, and stay patient and open-minded so you can work with them to devise the best possible solution.” Walton regards the ability to listen attentively to someone else’s perspective and take the time to truly understand what they are saying – and why they are saying it – as the most important quality any designer could have. “Communication and collaboration are critical during cruise ship projects and listening to people properly the first time is the easiest way to ensure that you’re able to deliver something that meets and exceeds everyone’s expectations,” he explains. “Too often when someone is talking to us, we listen to the first few sentences, jump to a conclusion and immediately start preparing our response. However, if designers want to develop fruitful partnerships with clients, shipyards, contractors, product suppliers and other stakeholders, they must learn to consider everyone’s perspective to be as valuable as their own. Not only does this prevent conflicts from arising but letting everyone have a voice also provides the opportunity to bounce ideas around and develop bigger and better designs.” Whatever the project, says Walton, it’s crucial to remember that great design is rarely achieved by one person alone. Instead, it’s very much a collaborative process where open-minded people share ideas and work together to achieve the optimal solution. “Ultimately, we have to trust that everyone involved in the shipbuilding project has the same objective as Studio DADO: to create a vessel with the types of onboard spaces and amenities that will deliver the safest, most memorable and most enjoyable cruise experience to guests,” explains Walton. “Once you realise this, projects run much more smoothly, and everyone involved is happier and more fulfilled. “I’ve been involved with designing passenger ships for more than 30 years and I can honestly say the cruise industry is more collaborative than any other sector. It’s special to see how everyone works together to overcome issues and produce amazing vessels.” CFR COVER STORY CANINE CRUI SER Possibly the most popular member of the Studio DADO team, Enzo the Italian greyhound is a familiar face to many in the cruise industry. When he’s not providing the Studio DADO team with inspiration and support, he’s visiting cruise executives and shipyards to keep an eye on the progress of the firm’s latest design projects. Read his ‘interview’ to find out more at www.cruiseandferry.net/ articles/i-jumped-off- my-chair-and-started- running-laps-around-the- boardroom Studio DADO used natural colours and materials to bring a sense of tranquillity to the luxury cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay