Where Vision Meets the Sea
At CATRAN Naval Architects, we specialize in concept design for boats and yachts—bringing bold ideas to life through a seamless blend of creativity, engineering, and practicality. From the first sketch to early 3D models, we help clients shape vessels that are not only beautiful and innovative, but also buildable, seaworthy, and efficient.
Whether you’re a private owner, shipyard, start-up, or designer, we offer comprehensive concept design services to turn your vision into a solid foundation for development.
What Is Concept Design?
Concept design is the critical first stage of the yacht or boat design process. It’s where ideas are explored, refined, and validated—long before production begins. Our approach focuses on aesthetics, performance, space planning, functionality, and feasibility. This phase sets the tone for everything that follows, from engineering to construction.
At CATRAN Naval Architects, we blend art and science to deliver striking, high-level design concepts that inspire confidence, meet functional goals, and reflect your brand or lifestyle.
our Concept Desing services
1. Creative Ideation & Styling
We begin with inspiration: your vision, use case, and ambitions. Our design team develops original styling themes tailored to your intended market—whether it’s a sleek motor yacht, rugged expedition boat, or futuristic electric catamaran. We create mood boards, hand sketches, and digital renderings to help shape the vessel’s personality from the very start.
2. General Arrangement (GA) Planning
Space defines experience at sea. We carefully plan layouts that optimize functionality, flow, and comfort—above and below deck. GA drawings are developed in collaboration with you to balance technical needs (e.g., engine placement, tankage) with lifestyle priorities (e.g., saloon space, cabins, crew access).
3. 3D Modeling & Visualization
Using cutting-edge CAD software and rendering tools, we create accurate 3D hulls and deck geometry. Early visualizations, both interior and exterior, help stakeholders visualize the vessel in full form. These models provide a vital reference point for naval architects, stylists, and investors alike.
4. Preliminary Performance Estimates
Our concept design process includes baseline estimates for displacement, speed, range, and stability. We draw from proven design principles, CFD tools, and our extensive marine engineering experience to ensure your concept is not just stylish—but feasible, efficient, and ready for the next stage.
5. Innovation & Sustainability
We explore emerging technologies—such as hybrid propulsion, solar integration, hydrofoils, and lightweight composite structures—as part of the design dialogue. For clients focused on sustainability, we help define eco-friendly goals from day one.
Why choose us?
Designing a boat or yacht from scratch is a bold undertaking. Our studio brings together decades of experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, and industrial design to support you from the first pencil line through to production.
- Owner-Focused Design: Every line, curve, and detail is shaped around your needs and aspirations.
- Design for Buildability: We create concepts that can transition smoothly to detailed design and construction.
- Collaboration at the Core: We work closely with shipyards, naval architects, and suppliers from day one.
Concept Design for Every Vessel Type
- Private Motor Yachts & Superyachts
- Sailing Yachts & Cruisers
- Explorer Yachts & Support Vessels
- Electric & Hybrid Boats
- Tenders, RIBs & Chase Boats
- Commercial or Tourism Craft
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Whether you’re a first-time yacht owner with a dream or an established builder seeking fresh design energy, we’re here to shape the future of your vessel. The concept phase is where ideas become possible—and we’re ready to help you lead with innovation, style, and purpose.
Let’s Start Designing
Frequently Asked Questions
Concept design is the early creative and technical phase where a vessel's overall vision takes shape. It includes initial sketches, general arrangements, exterior styling, and rough calculations for performance, space, and weight. The goal is to define the form and function of the vessel while ensuring it aligns with the client’s goals, budget, and operational needs.
A concept design package may contain:
- General Arrangement (GA) plans.
- Exterior and interior styling concepts (renderings or sketches).
- Preliminary hull form and performance estimates.
- Outline specifications for materials, propulsion, and systems.
- Initial regulatory and classification considerations.