Thu, Dec 3, 2015
Award-winning international design studio Andrew Winch Designs will celebrate 30 years of success next year with new branding and some exceptional projects.
Since the early days when Andrew and his wife Jane started the business from their cottage in Barnes, the company has grown organically from a fledgling yacht designer to a leading international design studio, now comprising a team of 65.
To mark the occasion, an evolution of the brand, including a new website (www.winchdesign.com), has been unveiled.
Acknowledging where the business is currently and plans for the next decade, the new look celebrates design excellence in all areas. Now called Winch Design, in recognition of the multidisciplinary approach, with a commitment to designing not just objects or spaces, but lifestyles.
The scale of the operation means that Winch Design is approached to handle some of the largest and most complex design projects in the world, whether a superyacht or a palace. The plan for the future is not specifically about growth, but about working on inspirational projects which push both design and technical boundaries, says Andrew Winch.
“We have enjoyed substantial growth over the recent years and now employ more than 65 talented individuals working in three teams – yachts aviation and architecture and interiors,” says Winch.
“Our underlying passion for the design, commitment to the original ethos of the business and focus on delivering the highest levels of service to each and every one of our clients is the heart of what we do,” he says.
Whilst some things are evolving, most aspects of the business remain the same. The Winch heritage is firmly rooted in yachts, whilst the ethos and “family” feel will continue to sit at the heart of the company. In fact, the entire team still has lunch together every day!
To celebrate the 30th year, a commitment has been made to support The Blue Marine Foundation with a major fundraising event - a London to Monaco Bike Ride will take place next September with the aim of raising £500,000. Many people from Winch Design will be taking part as well as people from the wider industry.
Winch comments: “I am so proud of all that has been achieved over the last 30 years. We have a meaningful heritage and an exciting future with a talented team, who each bring something unique to the business. I am passionate about design, about what we do and about making dreams come true for each and every one of our clients. We now want to tell the story of how we work, the people involved and what makes us tick. I believe our new website, books and branding will do this perfectly.”
Winch designed the first boat, a Swan 36, in 1986. In 1994, the company delivered its first motor yacht – White Rabbit. 2002 was a fairly pivotal moment in the development of the business as it delivered its first aviation project, a BBJ–II.
Similarly, 2009 was a turning point for the Architectural team as it was commissioned to create a 4000 sq m private chateau. “It is still in build but is an awe-inspiring project and I cannot wait to see it completed,” says Winch.
2014 was also a highlight as Madame Gu was launched and not only did she win awards, she became a talking point in the industry.
On current projects, Winch says: “So many are confidential as always but we have some exceptional projects due for completion over the next two to three years in all three sectors.”
The Yacht team is working on a boat at Luerssen which is the largest volume boat ever built. The Aviation Team is working on the first privately owned Dreamliner 787-9 and the Architecture Team is working on several projects around the world including an iconic project – a Yacht Club in Europe.
In addition, the team has created some outstanding concepts including the Halo Project – the first residential airship. The colossal craft would have enough living space to accommodate 20 suites and bedrooms, multiple grand saloons and dining rooms, work and conference spaces, a spa, a cinema, a ballroom and much more.
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