The beauty of yacht interiors often steals the spotlight, but what happens when we approach design from a completely different angle? Anita Rivera Turcotte, founder of Verge Yacht Design, brings a novel perspective to yacht interiors that places engineering and function squarely before style. Simultaneously, the studio challenges preconceived notions about luxury and sustainability in yachting.
From their studio in Savannah, Georgia, Rivera Turcotte and her team blend naval architecture into each of their projects. Unlike some traditional interior-design firms, Verge Yacht Design focuses first on structural and functional aspects before moving to aesthetics. “Anybody can make something pretty,” she explains, “but let’s make it work for that specific owner and that crew.” This philosophy stems from understanding that a yacht’s interior isn’t isolated from engineering constraints. Having naval-architecture expertise in-house allows Verge to create designs that respect structural limitations while maximizing space and functionality. Ultimately, this prevents the issue of abandoning beautiful design concepts because they conflict with structural requirements or systems.
Crew spaces receive particular attention in Verge Yacht Design’s design process, too. Rivera Turcotte firmly believes that “if you have a happy crew, you’re going to have a happy experience with the guests.” This translates into thoughtful consideration of storage, spatial awareness, and workflow for crewmembers. The design team considers how crew and guest spaces interact. By treating the yacht as two interconnected living spaces—front of house and back of house—Verge ensures both function optimally together.
What further sets Verge Yacht Design apart is its groundbreaking work with sustainable materials. Forget the notion that sustainability means compromise. Rivera Turcotte’s team develops fabrics from mushrooms, for instance, and even corn husks. They rival typical luxury materials in both beauty and performance. “I feel like sometimes people look at sustainability and automatically think a dollar sign,” she notes. “That is not the case at all.” Rivera Turcotte challenges the notion that sustainability must be expensive or time-consuming: “It’s problem solving,” she notes. “Our job is to make a better mousetrap each time.” One recent innovation involves using processed crushed stones to create fabrics mimicking stingray hide. It therefore eliminates using exotic animal products while maintaining luxury aesthetics.
Beyond its design work, the studio is actively shaping yachting’s future through mentorship. Specifically, the staff collaborates with the marine-design department of the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design. They’re passionate about introducing the next generation to career opportunities. With Savannah’s growing marine infrastructure—including Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center, Thunderbolt Marine, and a new IGY marina—the city is emerging as a significant yachting hub.
Finally, when asked what yacht owners ultimately want, Rivera Turcotte doesn’t hesitate: “an experience.” After all, “owners don’t have to be in yachting, they want to be in yachting,” she asserts. The design process itself, she explains, should be enjoyable, collaborative, and exciting.
The same word encapsulates Verge Yacht Design’s holistic approach. It’s the experience of creating yachts that function beautifully, respect both people and planet, and deliver unforgettable moments on the water.
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Verge Yacht Design vergeyachtdesign.com
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