CANA GÖKHAN · Co-founder
Interview with Red Yacht Design Co-founder Mrs.CANA GOKHAN for 8th March International Women's Day
A Heartfelt and Inspiring Interview with Ms. Cana Gökhan, Co-Founder of Red Yacht Design, on International Women’s Day
Starting your academic journey in architecture and later transitioning into yacht design is truly remarkable. What inspired you to pursue this field, and could you share your journey with us?
To be honest, my journey into yacht design was not a result of a lifelong dream but rather a combination of coincidences and uncertainty. Architecture had always been my childhood dream, but yacht design wasn’t even on my radar until my senior year at university. As I approached graduation, I found myself unsure about what I truly wanted to do. While I was completing the degree I had always dreamed of, my internship experiences didn’t bring me the fulfillment I had anticipated. However, as time passed, I came to appreciate the value of architecture more deeply.
After graduating, I started working for a furniture company in the yacht industry by chance. That experience turned out to be a pivotal moment for me.
Most people often talk about pursuing a career they are passionate about, something that they’ve always dreamed of or found inspiring. These stories are undoubtedly valuable and fascinating. However, in my case, I didn’t begin my career in yacht design because I was passionate about it or inspired by it. I simply happened to step into it, and over time, I grew to love it. I’ve always been someone who enjoys working hard, no matter the field. Interestingly, my initial role wasn’t even in design. At MSM, a yacht furniture manufacturer, I worked on translating designs from international designers into production.
I firmly believe that if you can’t pursue the work you love, then loving the work you do will eventually lead you to success. That’s the philosophy that has guided me throughout my journey.
After graduating, I started working for a furniture company in the yacht industry by chance. That experience turned out to be a pivotal moment for me.
Most people often talk about pursuing a career they are passionate about, something that they’ve always dreamed of or found inspiring. These stories are undoubtedly valuable and fascinating. However, in my case, I didn’t begin my career in yacht design because I was passionate about it or inspired by it. I simply happened to step into it, and over time, I grew to love it. I’ve always been someone who enjoys working hard, no matter the field. Interestingly, my initial role wasn’t even in design. At MSM, a yacht furniture manufacturer, I worked on translating designs from international designers into production.
I firmly believe that if you can’t pursue the work you love, then loving the work you do will eventually lead you to success. That’s the philosophy that has guided me throughout my journey.
Last week, we celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th. As a female designer, you are undoubtedly an inspiration to many women. Beyond your detailed and innovative design approach, what would you say is the signature element that defines a “Cana Gökhan detail”?
I hope that my previous answer, along with the forms, lines, and details I mentioned, can also serve as a source of inspiration! :)
As for the design elements, I believe my background in architecture has played a significant role in shaping my design perspective. I’m always exploring ways to simplify every detail without making it feel dull or uninspiring, and I encourage my team to adopt the same mindset. I have a particular fondness for fluid forms and the harmonious integration of different materials through unique detailing.
While I can’t say for sure if there’s a specific detail that could be considered my personal trademark, I’m certain there are details that will never be associated with my name! :) Regardless of the style we work in, our designs always strive to convey a sense of simplicity and balanced proportions.
As for the design elements, I believe my background in architecture has played a significant role in shaping my design perspective. I’m always exploring ways to simplify every detail without making it feel dull or uninspiring, and I encourage my team to adopt the same mindset. I have a particular fondness for fluid forms and the harmonious integration of different materials through unique detailing.
While I can’t say for sure if there’s a specific detail that could be considered my personal trademark, I’m certain there are details that will never be associated with my name! :) Regardless of the style we work in, our designs always strive to convey a sense of simplicity and balanced proportions.
The yacht design world is a dreamland for many, filled with numerous dynamics and the constant pursuit of innovative concepts. What trends do you foresee gaining prominence in the future?
The concept of organic design, which emphasizes the human touch in creating something, will become increasingly significant in our industry as well.
I also believe the desire for longevity will become an even greater obsession. While it’s hard to predict exactly how this will manifest, I think spaces dedicated to wellness and longevity will grow in yachts as well.
Another trend that has already begun and will likely continue for a long time is the increasing size of yachts. Open spaces and the experiences they offer are becoming as competitive as interior spaces. This shift is something I expect to remain a dominant trend in the future.
I also believe the desire for longevity will become an even greater obsession. While it’s hard to predict exactly how this will manifest, I think spaces dedicated to wellness and longevity will grow in yachts as well.
Another trend that has already begun and will likely continue for a long time is the increasing size of yachts. Open spaces and the experiences they offer are becoming as competitive as interior spaces. This shift is something I expect to remain a dominant trend in the future.
Yacht design is a dream career for many young professionals. What advice would you give to those planning a career in this field?
We live in an era where predicting the future has become almost impossible. While the future has always been uncertain, it has never felt this unpredictable and close at the same time. Time seems to be moving faster than ever.
From my own experience, the best advice I can give is to just start somewhere. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a yacht design studio—after all, such opportunities can be quite rare, especially in Turkey. They could begin their journey at a shipyard, join a furniture manufacturing company, or even work as part of a yacht crew. Every step taken in pursuit of a dream is meaningful and valuable.
That being said, it’s also important to keep expectations realistic. Speaking of expectations… While each generation has its own unique characteristics, and that’s something to be celebrated, I’ve noticed that many young people today tend to expect all doors to open automatically, with red carpets rolled out for them and endless opportunities handed to them as if it’s their natural right. If you’re a young person who needs to work hard and earn your way, my most important advice is this: That’s not how the real world works. In fact, your family may have unknowingly done you a disservice by creating a safe and comfortable environment that doesn’t exist outside. Stepping out of that comfort zone will ultimately benefit you.
From my own experience, the best advice I can give is to just start somewhere. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a yacht design studio—after all, such opportunities can be quite rare, especially in Turkey. They could begin their journey at a shipyard, join a furniture manufacturing company, or even work as part of a yacht crew. Every step taken in pursuit of a dream is meaningful and valuable.
That being said, it’s also important to keep expectations realistic. Speaking of expectations… While each generation has its own unique characteristics, and that’s something to be celebrated, I’ve noticed that many young people today tend to expect all doors to open automatically, with red carpets rolled out for them and endless opportunities handed to them as if it’s their natural right. If you’re a young person who needs to work hard and earn your way, my most important advice is this: That’s not how the real world works. In fact, your family may have unknowingly done you a disservice by creating a safe and comfortable environment that doesn’t exist outside. Stepping out of that comfort zone will ultimately benefit you.
At MSM Yacht Interiors, we are thrilled to collaborate with Red Yacht Design on various projects. Could you share the most memorable moment you’ve had working with MSM Yacht Interiors?
We are equally delighted to collaborate with MSM! :)
One of the most memorable moments for us was when MSM asked us to design their booth for the Monaco Yacht Show. They gave us complete creative freedom, and we delivered a design that they executed beautifully for the event. It was a truly special and rewarding experience for us.
One of the most memorable moments for us was when MSM asked us to design their booth for the Monaco Yacht Show. They gave us complete creative freedom, and we delivered a design that they executed beautifully for the event. It was a truly special and rewarding experience for us.
Finally, if you were to describe MSM Yacht Interiors in three words, what would they be?
High-potential, innovative, reliable