This research project presented another opportunity for an interdisciplinary collaboration. The aim was to apply digital graphics, developed for clothing, at a larger scale in interior design, challenging the assumption that the covering of the body and the planes within interior spaces must originate from different conceptual design standpoints. By taking 2D fashion design research, based upon 'findesiècle' motifs, and up-scaling the linear design work for use in 3D spaces, such as wall surfaces, floor coverings and furniture façades, I aimed to explore the possibilities of a micro-to-macro design methodology. The central research question was whether visual motifs and techniques could be transposed from one design discipline to another, via changes in technical processes, without loss of authenticity. The resulting space combined the visual dynamics of a custom-made garment within the structural design of yacht, the Silver Sturgeon.

I sought to uncover approaches to revive body-scaled craft applications of wood and leather veneer marquetry within a contemporary context, and reinterpret the visual forms through the use of vector-based CAD software. My initial experimentation generated works that took the form of hand-sculpted leather pieces, moulded using traditional saddlery techniques, inlaid with wood veneer. The project included designs for the carpet that runs throughout the main deck of the yacht, two main bar façades and numerous lighting elements. These designs were developed from original graphics that were resolved into a repeat pattern, suitable for digital printing, and translated into leather applications onto clothing for the autumn/winter 2005 season. Both techniques were subsequently re-interpreted for the interior techniques that were used on board the Silver Sturgeon, primarily the graphic direction of the carpet, and the use of laser-cut leather and wood veneer for the bar facades. The venue was re-launched in April 2007.