Brief
The design process rests upon the foundation of a briefing document that reflects our client’s requirements, preferences, desires and priorities. In the absence of a client supplied brief, it is normal for LOMOcean to develop the brief over the course of what can be a number of conversations and e-mails. The brief defines what we will design and a good brief results in a smooth design process and a boat that does what it is supposed to do.
Concept Design
The process itself starts with the development of a conceptual design, reflecting in broad terms, the major elements of the brief and usually presented in the form of a General Arrangement drawing, a simple specification and some colour exterior renderings.
The General Arrangement drawings are typically fairly detailed, showing accommodation, machinery, driveline, tankage, steering and elements of the exterior fitout in a series of drawings depicting side profile, inboard profile (longitudinal section on centreline) and then a plan view of each deck level.
The one page specification typically includes major dimensions (length, beam, water and air draft etc), installed power, tankage capacities, estimated range etc.
Colour renders offer a very good understanding of the exterior geometry, styling and general appearance of the proposed new vessel.
With a little supplementary information – predicted weight of aluminium for instance, some shipyards may be comfortable pricing the new build from this concept design package. In other cases, more information is required to accurately price construction.
Preliminary Design
The preliminary design process is intended to generate more detailed information for construction pricing purposes without the expense of the full, detailed design process.
It bridges the information gap between the conceptual design development and the expense of detailed design for production and generally includes a higher level of detail around construction, machinery requirements, interior and exterior fitout etc.
Detailed Design
The final phase of design is usually carried out once a shipyard has been selected and an understanding of the division of design roles is in place. Most shipyards have good inhouse capability for design of plumbing and plant systems, electrical and electronic systems etc – and often, yacht owners have a preferred interior designer in mind. LOMOcean works comfortably alongside other partners in the design process to offer a comprehensive suite of drawings and design information from which the boat can be built.
Typical deliverables include: Styling and exterior geometry, interior and exterior arrangements, machinery, tankage, driveline and steering arrangements, naval architectural analysis (hydrostatics, resistance, stability etc) structural engineering of hull, decks, internals, appendages, shafting, glazing etc, production engineering (NC cut files), exterior fitout (including rigging and sail plan on sail boats) etc.