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Commercial experience

The functional space planning and interior styling of Raffles is by Donald Starkey Designs (DSD) established in 1989, widely recognized in the mega yacht industry as one of the leaders in this field, and recipient of many awards from their peers. Don himself, now in his 60’s is intimately involved with Raffles bringing to it a unique blend of experience, expertise and taste.

Unusually Donald Starkey, trained as a civil architect and had 20 years experience with some of the leading London architectural practices before turning his attention to yachts in 1989. With his strong commercial / industrial background he brings to Raffles design and construction an unequalled understanding of the ultra strict regulatory, statutory, structural and safety restrictions that are involved in building and outfitting a commercial passenger vessel, that are typically absent in most yachts.

Very few interior designers and even fewer Naval Architects have the knowledge and experience to blend the physical attributes and the limitations of suitable marine materials with the required form, function and style in one complete and attractive design package.

Unique in his industry Donald Starkey also has prior large commercial passenger ship experience with his work on the 5,000 tons, 5 masted, 133m (439ft) sailing (cruise) ship Royal Clipper, delivered in 2000. This is currently the world’s largest sailing ship, a replica of the tall ship “Preussen” carrying 228 passengers in 5 star luxury. Now Donald Starkey is involved for the same Swedish owner with its even larger successor at 157m (515ft) destined to overtake Royal Clipper and to become the largest sailing ship ever built, due in service in about 2009 carrying about 400 passengers.

In designing the interior of Raffles Don’s task is different again to both sailing ships, mega yachts without the freedom of the latter and the romance of the former.

In executing DSD designs for Raffles it is fortunate that DSD will be working once again with “Viamar” who also managed the construction of the Royal Clipper in Belgium.

Emphasising his versatility Donald Starkey has also designed the interior of BBJ737 private jets, is currently involved with a new private Airbus A-320, and is still involved in architectural design of houses and apartments, mainly for his yacht clients.