Cristiano Gatto Design
Cristiano Gatto Design, founded in 2001 by Fine Arts academy graduate and sculptor Cristiano Gatto, has completed 270 projects for international shipyards including Astondoa (20+ year partnership), Heesen, and Gulf Craft, with 22 current projects and 7 deliveries scheduled by September 2026.
From Sculpture to Yacht Design
Cristiano Gatto founded his eponymous studio in 2001 after graduating from Fine Arts academy as a sculptor, bringing a unique perspective to yacht design that marries artistic vision with production reality. Speaking at the 2025 Venice Boat Show, Gatto explained his philosophy: 'The problem is not only to design an object, but to make that design, that idea, into something that can be built' . His studio has since completed 270 projects for shipyards worldwide .
Long-Term Partnerships
The studio's most enduring relationship began in 2000 when Gatto had decided to leave the nautical industry, but Mr Astondoa insisted he continue designing boats. That first contract launched Cristiano Gatto Design, and 25 years later, the collaboration continues with two to four vessels annually, united by shared work ethos where quality demonstrates capability . Today, the studio works extensively with Northern European yards including Heesen on vessels over 2,000 tonnes, and with Gulf Craft in the Middle East on carbon fibre vessels ranging 120-180 feet .
Current Activity
Cristiano Gatto Design is experiencing a golden period with 22 active projects and 7 deliveries scheduled by September 2026. The studio also collaborates with two Italian shipyards on design and production control. Gatto describes designers as 'translators, interpreting the client's dreams and turning them into reality'—a philosophy rooted in his belief that beauty creates well-being, achievable only through interaction between all parties involved in the design process .
