24 October 2022 – YSA Design has appointed Jan Krefting as its new Chairman, in a move timed to take greater advantage of collective working as the Oslo-based ship design company responds to an upturn in cruise industry concept and project work.
A partner and YSA Design Senior Architect, Krefting is well-known to industry decision-makers for his collaborative approach in interpreting owner aspirations and converting them into elegant, practical and deliverable designs, based on a 35-year career in ship design. With cruise ship newbuilding projects restarted and demand for refurbishment of older vessels re-emerging fast, Krefting said he sought to sustain the internal collaborations which often mark out YSA Design’s best and most original work.“First and foremost, YSA Design is a team and – like any team – its best results are achieved by working together to exploit the range of skills, talents and approaches available. Collaboration that is focused and led from the center is also beneficial because it keeps all of us in touch with the latest design trends, and with developments in the cruise and ferry sectors.“As well as design flair and developing ships for new and challenging locations, we need to offer solutions which take account of fuel emissions regulations, new energy sources, sustainable materials, and efficient solutions for air conditioning, water and waste management. We also need to design for the full life cycle of the ship, up to and including its sustainable disposal.”The appointment also represents a division of labor which will allow former YSA Design Chairman, Trond Sigurdsen, to give greater focus to the innovative design and project work for which the company is also recognized, Krefting said. Sigurdsen remains a member of the YSA Design board and a company partner, and will continue to make a hands-on contribution to YSA Design.Krefting’s appointment coincides with an expansion of the YSA Design board to include Anna Storbraaten, as an Executive Member. A Partner and Senior Architect with YSA Design, Storbraaten joined the company in 2009 and has since demonstrated her passion for optimizing the balance between functionality and good design across a range of projects.Anne-Mari Gullikstad, Chief Executive, YSA Design, commented: “We are delighted that Jan has agreed to take over as Chairman, to offer the experience and guidance our teams need as we focus our efforts on renewed growth in challenging times. We also welcome Anna as the first woman to join the board, and look forward to continuing to work closely with Trond as he switches focus to the creative and development work which has always been such a vital part of his contribution to YSA Design.”
About YSA Design
Founded in 1985, YSA Design is one of the world’s leading architects and design studios for the cruise ship industry. It has decades of experience that extends from the concept stage, to General Arrangements, interior and exterior design solutions, materials selection and project management in the shipyard. In recent years, we have also completed a growing number of land-based commissions.Our philosophy is to deliver designs that are both functional and unique: we do not limit our customers to one style; instead, we offer diversity and designs that are tailor-made for each commission. YSA Design’s creative process rests on three pillars: close relationships with clients; our talented and innovative staff; and the skills and experience of our founding partners. For more information, visit www.ysa.design.
