Fredrik Johansson of Tillberg Design of Sweden reflects on what keeps customers coming back
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Anonym |
This article was first published in Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
How do you become a leader in your field? For Fredrik Johansson, owner and executive project director at Tillberg Design of Sweden, the key is creating a strong foundation based on an underlying company philosophy.
“All our clients understand the competitive advantage and business value of great design,” says Johansson. “We have an innovative and diversified team that is bursting with creative energy, and with great experience to boot. This enables us to successfully create designs for our wide portfolio of clients.”
According to Johansson, the company also has a strong focus on delivering quality, functionality and reliability.
“The interior of a cruise ship is a huge investment, and the end result has to be both functional and durable,” Johansson explains. “We know shipbuilding inside out, so what we design not only looks great, but also really works from a shipbuilding and a maintenance point of view. The design documents we deliver are accurate, relevant and arrive on time, which makes the lives of both shipyards and owners easier.”
The company carried out a series of projects for the MSC Seaside, which was delivered in November 2017. Johansson says it is always inspiring to be part of the creation of a new generation of ships.
“Seaside is developed specifically for the US market, and the owner envisioned a ship with a bit more variation and diversity in the design, compared to their previous ships that are more consistent and classical in style,” he explains. “The owners of MSC Cruises have a design vision that we very much share. The best designs are the ones that reflect the time when it was born, but still looks great over a long period of time – interiors that age with dignity.”
Tillberg Design of Sweden worked on indoor and outdoor public spaces on MSC Seaside, with a brief to appeal to the Miami market.
“The interior spaces were all designed with distinct identities and themes, while the open deck areas have a more consistent and crisp look, all with a very direct connection to the sea and the elements,” Johansson says. “The dramatic aft pool on deck seven and the wrap-around promenade on deck eight create a rather unique seafront promenade, and features some mind-blowing glass bridges.”
After a busy 2017, Johansson is pleased with the way the company is shaping up
for 2018.
“We saw four deliveries last year – Norwegian Cruise Line’s Joy, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 and MSC’s Meraviglia and Seaside,” he says. “The structure of Hurtigruten’s first new hybrid expedition ship structure will soon be towed to Kleven’s shipbuilding facility in Norway for final outfitting for its mid-2018 delivery.”
Johansson is delighted to report that the company is currently seeing an unprecedented demand for its services.
“We still need to always be at the forefront of the industry and offer our clients the best possible service, so we are working hard to constantly improve ourselves,” he concludes. “2018 therefore promises to be another exciting and busy year for us.”