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Setzer Yacht Architects
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USA -
14 April 2025 -
Total Rating: 0
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$0.00
Setzer Yacht Architects
Setzer Yacht Architects is a premier yacht design studio offering bespoke design, styling, and naval architecture services for custom yacht construction, production vessels, and refit projects. With a portfolio spanning over 10,000 feet of waterline and more than two decades of collaboration with elite shipyards and discerning yacht owners worldwide, the firm is known for creating timeless, seaworthy, and smartly engineered yachts that redefine the modern cruising experience.
Founded by the renowned yacht designer Ward Setzer in 1991, the studio combines classic American yacht-building tradition with forward-thinking design philosophies. From expedition yachts and motor yachts to commuters and sport cruisers, Setzer Yacht Architects tailors each project to reflect the owner’s vision, lifestyle, and performance goals.
Custom Yacht Design and Naval Architecture
Setzer Yacht Architects offers end-to-end design and engineering services, guiding each project from conceptual development through full design documentation, construction support, and launch. Their approach is rooted in a service-first philosophy—“first in, last out”—ensuring that clients receive guidance and advocacy at every stage of the yacht-building journey.
Design offerings include:
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Custom Yacht Design – Tailored styling and architecture for new builds that reflect a balance between elegance, innovation, and practicality.
-
Production Yacht Services – Collaborative design and engineering for semi-custom and production yachts, delivering scalable luxury and performance.
-
Refit Design – Creative, functional updates that breathe new life into existing vessels while preserving their legacy and value.
-
Consulting & Project Management – Strategic advisory for yacht owners, captains, and builders including bid support, build oversight, and design evaluation.
Award-Winning Portfolio
Setzer’s portfolio includes a wide array of vessels, from the cutting-edge GTX50, which earned the 2014 World Yachts Trophy for Most Innovative Yacht Under 24m, to NISI 2400, a multi-award-winning power yacht recognized for design excellence across Asia and North America.
Notable delivered projects include:
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Outer Reef Trident 620
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Sorcha (46m)
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Magic (40m)
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Acadia (26m)
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Utopia III (46m)
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Keri Lee III (54m)
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Genevieve Refit (37m)
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Moon Sand (41m)
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Aspen Alternative (35m)
Each project illustrates the studio’s ability to marry aesthetics and engineering, resulting in yachts that are not only stunning to behold but also capable in the harshest bluewater conditions.
Philosophy and Process
Setzer Yacht Architects brings a collaborative and curious mindset to every project. Whether working with private owners, production builders, or commercial clients, the studio’s ethos centers around understanding the end user and solving design challenges with creativity and precision.
Key principles include:
-
Elegance & Practicality – Balancing style with function to ensure long-lasting relevance and value.
-
Seaworthiness – Designing with performance and ocean safety at the forefront.
-
Crafted Documentation – Delivering builder-ready documents grounded in real-world construction knowledge.
-
Innovation – Embracing advanced software, 3D modeling, and rapid prototyping to accelerate design-to-launch timelines.
Industrial Design & Product Innovation
In addition to yacht design, Setzer Yacht Architects extends their design services into the marine, luxury, and outdoor recreation sectors, offering product development support from concept ideation through market launch. Their industrial design process includes user research, prototyping, and strategy integration—ensuring that every product is functional, manufacturable, and resonant with its intended audience.
A Legacy of Excellence
From Palm Beach roots to international acclaim, Setzer Yacht Architects has shaped the modern American yacht aesthetic through its timeless, bluewater-ready creations. With more than 25 years of experience and a string of international design awards, the firm remains a trusted partner to yacht owners and shipyards worldwide.
Whether it’s crafting a custom motor yacht, reimagining a classic through refit, or designing a next-generation expedition vessel, Setzer Yacht Architects continues to set new standards in elegance, innovation, and performance.
Description
Setzer Yacht Architects
Setzer Yacht Architects is a premier yacht design studio offering bespoke design, styling, and naval architecture services for custom yacht construction, production vessels, and refit projects. With a portfolio spanning over 10,000 feet of waterline and more than two decades of collaboration with elite shipyards and discerning yacht owners worldwide, the firm is known for creating timeless, seaworthy, and smartly engineered yachts that redefine the modern cruising experience.
Founded by the renowned yacht designer Ward Setzer in 1991, the studio combines classic American yacht-building tradition with forward-thinking design philosophies. From expedition yachts and motor yachts to commuters and sport cruisers, Setzer Yacht Architects tailors each project to reflect the owner’s vision, lifestyle, and performance goals.
Custom Yacht Design and Naval Architecture
Setzer Yacht Architects offers end-to-end design and engineering services, guiding each project from conceptual development through full design documentation, construction support, and launch. Their approach is rooted in a service-first philosophy—“first in, last out”—ensuring that clients receive guidance and advocacy at every stage of the yacht-building journey.
Design offerings include:
-
Custom Yacht Design – Tailored styling and architecture for new builds that reflect a balance between elegance, innovation, and practicality.
-
Production Yacht Services – Collaborative design and engineering for semi-custom and production yachts, delivering scalable luxury and performance.
-
Refit Design – Creative, functional updates that breathe new life into existing vessels while preserving their legacy and value.
-
Consulting & Project Management – Strategic advisory for yacht owners, captains, and builders including bid support, build oversight, and design evaluation.
Award-Winning Portfolio
Setzer’s portfolio includes a wide array of vessels, from the cutting-edge GTX50, which earned the 2014 World Yachts Trophy for Most Innovative Yacht Under 24m, to NISI 2400, a multi-award-winning power yacht recognized for design excellence across Asia and North America.
Notable delivered projects include:
-
Outer Reef Trident 620
-
Sorcha (46m)
-
Magic (40m)
-
Acadia (26m)
-
Utopia III (46m)
-
Keri Lee III (54m)
-
Genevieve Refit (37m)
-
Moon Sand (41m)
-
Aspen Alternative (35m)
Each project illustrates the studio’s ability to marry aesthetics and engineering, resulting in yachts that are not only stunning to behold but also capable in the harshest bluewater conditions.
Philosophy and Process
Setzer Yacht Architects brings a collaborative and curious mindset to every project. Whether working with private owners, production builders, or commercial clients, the studio’s ethos centers around understanding the end user and solving design challenges with creativity and precision.
Key principles include:
-
Elegance & Practicality – Balancing style with function to ensure long-lasting relevance and value.
-
Seaworthiness – Designing with performance and ocean safety at the forefront.
-
Crafted Documentation – Delivering builder-ready documents grounded in real-world construction knowledge.
-
Innovation – Embracing advanced software, 3D modeling, and rapid prototyping to accelerate design-to-launch timelines.
Industrial Design & Product Innovation
In addition to yacht design, Setzer Yacht Architects extends their design services into the marine, luxury, and outdoor recreation sectors, offering product development support from concept ideation through market launch. Their industrial design process includes user research, prototyping, and strategy integration—ensuring that every product is functional, manufacturable, and resonant with its intended audience.
A Legacy of Excellence
From Palm Beach roots to international acclaim, Setzer Yacht Architects has shaped the modern American yacht aesthetic through its timeless, bluewater-ready creations. With more than 25 years of experience and a string of international design awards, the firm remains a trusted partner to yacht owners and shipyards worldwide.
Whether it’s crafting a custom motor yacht, reimagining a classic through refit, or designing a next-generation expedition vessel, Setzer Yacht Architects continues to set new standards in elegance, innovation, and performance.
