I became aware of Adam Lay Studio whilst visiting 107’ S.Y. Inukshuk at the 2013 Monaco Yacht Show. Seeing one of Adam Lay Studio’s interiors in the flesh as opposed to in a magazine made me appreciate the feeling that could be achieved and I wanted to achieve a similar ambience on my new 112’ S.Y. Liara.We gave Adam and Kelda a clear explanation of what we wanted, based on capturing the atmosphere and feeling of the Channel Islands. They put together a design scheme in a very efficient manner, requiring a minimum number of meetings to confirm the design.
The lean and efficient approach continued throughout the build in the transfer of design information, bolstered by their ongoing relationships with Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and Baltic Yachts.
We were simply amazed and delighted when we saw the final results. Adam’s attention to detail is second to none and made the project a most enjoyable experience. I would recommend Adam Lay Studio to anyone thinking of building a fully custom superyacht.
Owner, Sailing Yacht Liara – July 2019
We at Edmiston proposed a number of experienced and proven designers for the styling of the HAIDA restoration project at Pendennis. Adam Lay immediately attracted the attention of the owner due to his sharp eye for detail, his attentive and swift understanding of solving problems. Above all, he clearly showed his talent when he drew by hand in front of the client the vision being discussed demonstrating his creative flare. Always the diplomatic gentlemen, he worked in parallel with the shipyard at all times and on time whilst maintaining the owner’s concept. We would have no hesitation in recommending Adam Lay Studio again.
Alex Busher, Edmiston – July 2018
We thank you, you helped create a dream! Somehow you managed to sneak a good dose of fairy dust onboard… everyone can feel the magic.We thoroughly enjoyed the work process and collaboration with Adam Lay Studio. It is always important to have big projects like this grow organically through creative discussions. We felt that Adam always looked for constructive solutions and always kept a very positive spirit through the entire project. In fact we felt that each discussion took us a step closer to all solutions.
We had quite distinct ideas of what we wanted the boat to feel like. Adam picked it up right away. In fact Adam would sometimes draw a cabin as we were speaking, so a thought would appear on paper perfectly translated by Adam, it was like “printing an image from our imagination”. That was amazingly helpful.
We had a clear idea and vision of what we wanted the layout to be, but as the process went on, we were gratefully rethinking some of it, thanks to Adam’s very relevant input.
We had a budget from the beginning. We made a number of additions and also took away some initial ideas that we did not like any more, but the budget was kept at all times. The collaboration between Adam and the builder, Ian Cook (Yachting Developments), also helped control the cost. We felt that they had a very serious commitment to stick to the budget, which often isn’t the case when you build something significant.
As owners with tight schedules, we have to say that the collaboration with Adam was extremely smooth and flexible. We always could reach each other if and when we needed to, we always could communicate in a very friendly, yet efficient way. We made decisions all the time, in fact, I don’t think we were ever “stuck”.
Adam and the shipyard really worked hand in hand. As owners we never had the slightest problem or disagreement with either, but I also know that they never had any hard talk between themselves, both were highly professional and kept a sense of humour at all times. I often tell people that it was the most fun and smooth process ever.
The main reason for us to build a new (bigger) boat was that we wished for all six of our now adult children to be able to come on board simultaneously. The boat offers ample and welcoming space for everyone – just the way we wanted.
Hopefully our new boat will last forever for us, we love it so much – but we would recommend Adam Lay Studio in a heartbeat. Adam Lay Studio is creative, open minded, has the ability to perfectly catch the vision of the owner, even translate a not clear thought into exactly what the owners mean. The style is elegant yet highly relevant for real sailing. It may look like a boat, but it actually is a magic place.
Owners, Frers 110′ – December 2016
We selected Adam Lay Studio to design the interior of our new-build Moonen, Bijoux, having been through a ‘beauty parade’ of four well known designers. Adam stood out as the most empathetic to our needs and he listened carefully to our comments, teasing out the special nuances that would make our boat both personal and practical. He also interpreted the mood – the DNA – of how we wanted our boat to feel. In that early stage he outshone all of the competition – a fact that was pleasingly emphasised when we took up his references.As the project proceeded he was incredibly diligent in tracking the build process and added many clever features to the construction. He also guided my wife and me through the myriad details that go to make a yacht special, shouldering the bulk of the ‘slog’, and keeping the build process enjoyable for us.
His relationship with the shipyard was constructive and encouraging without ever losing sight of the fact that the quality had to be of the highest level. This relationship is, in my opinion, the very essence of achieving a great boat- you can only achieve so much by beating the desk!
The finished product has achieved universal applause (I am pleased to say) and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in using Adam again. I can emphatically recommend Adam (and his wife Kelda) to any prospective client and I am happy to be contacted in that regard.
They are a pleasure to work with.
Owner, Motor yacht Bijoux – July 2016
Daddy’s boats are good… no they’re not, they’re better than good, they’re brilliant. No they’re not… they’re even better than brilliant, they’re awesome!
Martha Lay, aged 7 – September 2016
Adam Lay was asked to join the Inukshuk design team as a result of his outstanding reputation as a leading edge, creative and highly competent interior designer. I was apprised of his reputation by my yacht broker, and the Naval Architect Germán Frers.Adam has exceeded these expectations in every way. He worked to a very specific design brief, and hit it on the very first rendering. He fine-tuned the interior layout and cockpit spaces to maximise stowage and functionality, blending creative finishes with practicality, longevity, light-weight construction, and suitability for the marine environment. At every stage, Adam demonstrated technical skill, appropriately demanding expectations, a high sense of detail and yet did so with the utmost of concern for team collaboration. He also kept me fully informed along the way.
This was a very successful project and I intend to work with Adam again!
Owner, Sailing Yacht Inukshuk – July 2013
We worked together with Adam Lay, a truly talented yacht interior designer, on one of our superyacht projects during 2011-2013. I sincerely hope we can cooperate in the future and I would not hesitate to recommend Adam to any luxury superyacht builder.
– Matti Laurila, COO Baltic Yachts – September 2013
Adam was indispensible during our 60m Lürssen build. His time, dedication, and attention to detail put him far above other designers bidding for the job. His ability to produce rough sketches of our thoughts as we described them greatly helped us. Most designers we’ve seen merely produce the equivalent of cartoon drawings, but Adam’s final drawings were very detailed and easy to develop into CAD drawings. In addition, Adam’s deep understanding of motor yacht and sailing yacht design kept us from running into problems on many occasions. Not only was it a joy to work with him, but we are proud to call him a friend and we hope to have an opportunity to work with him again in the future.
Owner, Motor Yacht Lady Kathryn V – March 2012
Adam Lay recently completed the interior refurbishment of M/Y Red Anchor. Adam worked tirelessly and efficiently to deliver an excellent result. Deadlines were met while maintaining an incredible eye for detail and closely managing contractors and suppliers right through the process. Importantly Adam worked within a strict budget and was still able to achieve an excellent and on-brief result.
Owner, Motor Yacht Red Anchor – April 2011
When Adam was appointed to undertake the interior refit of Red Anchor it was clear that the yacht’s busy schedule would not allow all the work to be completed at the same time or in one location.Adam was unfazed by this and efficiently and cheerfully organized and coordinated the refit to be carried out in three phases to fit in with our schedule, one in Viareggio, one in San Remo and one in Palma, Majorca.
Adam was onboard to supervise the contractors on-site and he also visited the contractors at their workshops to ensure that he was happy with the finished articles before they were sent out to the yacht.
Adam communicated with us onboard throughout the whole process to ensure that we were happy and prepared for the next upcoming phase. He also helped us out with many smaller projects which were outside his original remit.
It was a pleasure to work with Adam and I look forward to working with him again in the future, the refit was completed on time and on budget and the owner is very happy with the finished product.
I would not hesitate to recommend Adam to any other yacht that is looking for a creative and attentive designer to carry out the wishes of the owner and work closely with the contractors and crew.
Captain, Motor Yacht Red Anchor – May 2011
Adam Lay worked as the sole designer to complete an extensive refit on our motor yacht Blue Attraction in two phases, the first in 2005 and the second in 2006. Adam was introduced to me by Burgess who also managed the project which was completed in Palma, Mallorca.Adam worked with the project manager/captain keeping within a strict budget and tight time-frame to transform the existing dated interior and exterior deck spaces, to bring the yacht fully up-to-date to comply with all the relevant MCA regulations, and to apply a style and feel with which my family and I feel comfortable.
Adam held meetings with us in London on a regular basis and with the use of drawings and mood-boards he kept us updated with the development of the design. My family and I stepped aboard after each phase, having not seen the progress during the works, and we were very happy that Adam had achieved what we set out in our brief.
Adam did an excellent job and I would not hesitate to recommend him to any future potential clients.
Owner, Motor Yacht Blue Attraction – May 2011
What a fabulous experience it is to work with Adam Lay Studio Limited on designing and decorating my dream SY Inmocean. Adam Lay and his team are true professionals and it was a pleasure to work with. He knows how to listen to my ideas and develop them into something well beyond my dreams. Our project (from layouts and selections to installations and invoicing) was handled in a first-class manner. Adam’s work is distinguished by his exceptional style, design skills, attention to detail, and experience. He is organized, responsive, and stands behind his work 100%. He calls or emails back with the answers to everything!We would highly recommend Adam Lay Studio to anyone wanting a beautiful Yacht.
Owner, Sailing Yacht Inmocean – May 2011
I confirm that Adam Lay of Adam Lay Studio, has worked on two new yacht builds for me as Interior Designer.The hull and Naval Architecture were designed by Dubois Naval Architects for a 44m sloop and later a 45m sloop. Adam worked very closely with me to interpret and set down in drawings, the atmosphere and style I wanted to achieve on the yachts, he did an excellent job and was also exceedingly good value.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Adam to anyone and I am happy to speak to any prospective clients he may have if they choose to do so. I would re-employ Adam if I did commence a new project.
Owner, Sailing Yacht Salperton – April 2011
I was the Shipyard Project Manager of Salperton III. I found Adam very professional through the inevitable challenges such a build presents. Managing and delivering on client expectations while maintaining a working relationship with the Shipyard is a special skill. The ability to negotiate solutions openly with the yard to achieve the desired outcome was something Adam did very well. His unwavering pursuit for the best, at times demanding, ultimately delivered. I can recommend Adam Lay Studio to both client and shipyard.
Shipyard Project Manager, Sailing Yacht Salperton III – October 2015