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Yacht Design Alumni stories

Elisabetta Pianta, student of the I edition of the Specializing Master and today Founder of the studio Pianta Design tells us about her experience.

On the occasion of the 20th birthday of the Specializing Master in Yacht Design, we interviewed 20 alumni of the first MYD editions who have distinguished themselves in the world yachting scene. Here is our interview with Elisabetta Pianta, student of the I edition of the Specializing Master and today Founder of the studio Pianta Design.
Discover her path!
1. Can you tell us “who you are”, what do you do today and what role within the company / reality where you work?
After a professional experience in Italy with Ferretti – Apreamare and Zuccon International – between Rome and Sorrento, I moved almost 18 years ago to the United States where I continued my career as a yacht designer at studios and shipyards in Miami, Florida. In 2013 I began designing interiors for luxury homes and cruise ships, including the most expensive home in the United States – $ 500Million dollars in Bel Air, California -, the 1000 Museum penthouse in Miami designed by Zaha Hadid, and numerous million dollar residences in Florida, California, New York and Colorado. I currently have my own company – PIANTA DESIGN – based in San Francisco, California and I continue to work in the world of luxury.
2. What was the role of training, and in particular of the Specializing Master in Yacht Design at the Politecnico di Milano, to get to where you are today?
The Specializing Master course was fundamental for me because it opened the doors to a niche sector that 20 years ago did not yet have a wide diffusion. As a woman in the nautical sector, I have found many obstacles, but the knowledge acquired during the Master has given me solid foundations to be able to face many difficulties.
3. An important moment or a memory from your experience at the Specializing Master?
The Specializing Master – and I attended the first edition – was full of funny anecdotes because both we students and professors were somewhat the “guinea pigs” and the forerunners of this course at the time subsidized by the European community. Probably 80% of the course was focused on sailing, hydrodynamics and the design of NON motorboats. What did I present for the thesis instead? A power catamaran … Vallicelli hated me …. ahahahaha
4. The first word that comes to mind when thinking about the Specializing Master.
PRESTIGE.
5. What advice would you give to a young person who dreams of becoming a yacht designer / undertaking this training course?
Attending the Specializing Master of the Politecnico di Milano allows you to have a solid cultural foundation and work at construction sites, which is important for learning the know-how on the battlefield. In my opinion, starting directly from studies is more difficult. I think you have to see, touch, smell fiberglass to increase passion and specific knowledge. In this the Master in Yacht Design stands out.

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