Cristiano Gatto Design - Luxury Yachts & Residential
Cristiano Gatto Design is one of the most renowned studios on the international scene, primarily recognized for its contributions to luxury yacht design, encompassing both interiors and exteriors, as well as residential projects.
Cristiano began his educational journey at the “Academy of Fine Arts” in Venice, where he cultivated a deep passion for art and creativity. Specializing in sculpture, he acquired essential technical skills, including the study of forms, shadows, and proportions, which would become the foundation of his career. These distinctive elements, combined with a keen attention to detail, have rendered his projects unique in their integration of aesthetics and functionality.
The transition from sculpture to yacht design was a natural progression for Cristiano, who applied his understanding of three-dimensional forms to the design of vessel interiors and exteriors. From the outset of his career, he distinguished himself by creating luxurious yet functional environments where art and technology seamlessly merge.
Collaborating with prestigious shipyards such as Pershing, CRN, ISA and Leopard, Cristiano Gatto Design has established itself as a preferred partner for significant global projects.
Today, the studio operates from three strategically located offices: the headquarters in Venice, a studio in Dubai, and a recently opened office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This expansion reflects not only the studio’s success in the yachting sector but also the growing interest in its luxury residential design projects. While the Venice headquarters remains the creative heart of his activities, the offices in Dubai and Fort Lauderdale enable him to be closer to key markets in the Middle East, the United States, and the Caribbean.
Throughout his career, the studio has won numerous prestigious awards for its innovative yacht designs. One of his most significant achievements was winning the ShowBoats Design Award in 2013 for the 50-meter explorer yacht I-Nova, which was entirely designed by his studio. I-Nova, one of the first modern explorer yachts, marked a pivotal moment in Gatto’s career, showcasing his ability to combine luxury and robustness for long-range exploration while maintaining elegance and comfort. Due to the substantial number of 50-meter yachts he has designed, he has earned the nickname “Mr. 50 Meter.”
Additionally, his design for the Heesen yacht Home garnered recognition at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2017 and secured two Neptune awards from Boat International in 2018, further solidifying Cristiano’s reputation as a leader in the field. His design for the Majesty 140 yacht won the award for Best Interior Design in 2019, further establishing his status as a prominent figure in luxury yacht design. The studio continues to collaborate with top shipyards and has completed over a hundred projects in the superyacht sector, delivering aesthetically impeccable and highly functional designs.
Cristiano Gatto Design works with some of the most prestigious shipyards in the world, including Heesen and Van der Valk in the Netherlands, Gulf Craft in the United Arab Emirates, and Astondoa in Spain. Through these collaborations, the Venetian studio has created yachts of various sizes and complexities, from interior to exterior design, contributing to vessels that embody luxury and technical excellence. Their projects for Heesen, in particular, have drawn attention for their innovative use of space and the ability to combine comfort, elegance, and practicality.
The design signature of Cristiano Gatto Design is characterized by the ability to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. With great attention to detail, the use of premium materials, and meticulous care for proportions, his projects span from yachts to residential design and pure architecture. His artistic background consistently shines through, with a particular emphasis on sculptural forms and the interplay between light and shadow.
One of the most interesting aspects of Cristiano Gatto Design is its versatility. Although primarily known for yacht design, his work also extends to luxury residential design and architecture. In recent years, the studio has begun developing high-profile residential projects in Europe, Dubai, Florida, and the Bahamas—markets where his sophisticated style and meticulous attention to detail are particularly appreciated. The opening of his Fort Lauderdale studio is a natural extension of this success, allowing him to be even closer to his clients and the projects he is undertaking in this region.
Cristiano Gatto Design exemplifies how art and design can merge into a successful career. With over twenty years of experience and numerous accolades, his work continues to set new standards in nautical and residential design. His ability to transform spaces into luxurious, functional environments makes him a reference point for those seeking elegance, comfort, and innovation, both at sea and on land.