43 Aran chair is made from a combination of renewable and recyclable materials. “Products like Aran feel very innovative, and it’s something that I think we’re going to see more of going forward,” she says. “I aim to be progressive in my choices for projects, and I think choosing products like these is an important part of moving the needle on the way we think about sustainable interiors.” Liz Schneider is putting her design principles into place on both land-based, residential work and projects at sea, and she suggests that staying open to developments on land can help designers find inspiration in places they might not have expected. “Design is a huge part of people’s everyday lives, and I think as brands continue to grow, there’s a need to look to what’s happening on land,” says Schneider. “If we’re thinking about how to make people comfortable, it’s helpful to look at the places they call home. Trends in residential design can carry over to marine projects as a great inspiration for creating a space that feels upscale but is comfortable for guests to spend time in.” Another source of inspiration for Schneider is her recent work designing spaces onboard research vessels for the University of California. “There are only crew members onboard these vessels,” she says. “It’s made me think about what is being done for crew onboard cruise ships, and how the design of those spaces can be improved. We should be looking at how we can recreate at sea that great feeling you have on land of being able to find a place to relax together with other people after a long day at work.” Schneider has also been consulting with Holland America’s team on how to design accessible cruise interiors in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. This is a uniquely rewarding challenge, says Schneider. “It’s something I studied at school, and I think accessibility is at the heart of good design,” she says. “Our designs are what enable people to be able travel in comfort when they might not otherwise be able to, and I believe that is incredibly important.” Schneider cites the connections she’s made within the industry and with the guests enjoying the ships she’s helped to create as the highlights of her cruise design career to date. “The sense of community has been the most rewarding thing for me in the industry,” says Schneider. “I started my own firm during the pandemic, and people have been there supporting me at every step. I also love when I get the chance to visit a ship while guests are onboard and I can see people enjoying their holidays. That’s a big motivation to do the best I can to help make those memories special.” SECRETS OF THE SKY The sparkling constellations in the night sky of our cover image are revealed here to represent iconic forms of cruise ship interior design, by Liz Schneider Interiors. Liz worked alongside Cruise & Ferry Interiors graphic designer Libby Sidebotham to create this mysterious and majestic scene, which evokes a sense of exploration and discovery, and the formation of lifelong memories. Choosing innovative products is an important responsibility for a designer, says Schneider Photo: Liz Schneider
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