Igor Lobanov
Igor Lobanov's Barcelona-based Lobanov Design creates bold, sculptural superyacht exteriors with soft lines and dramatic proportions, influenced by mathematics and transport design.
Background & Career Path
Igor Lobanov's journey into yacht design is unique. Growing up in landlocked Moscow, his early passion was for the automotive and aviation worlds. He holds degrees in mathematics and car design, followed by a master's in transport design, which led to a job in the exterior design department of a major car manufacturer.
His career took a decisive turn in 2003 after a chance meeting with a superyacht owner. He was brought on as the owner's representative for a groundbreaking 119-meter project at Blohm + Voss shipyard. This project became the iconic Motor Yacht A, and the three-year experience ignited his nautical passion. Knowing he had his own story to tell, he founded Lobanov Design in 2007.
Design Philosophy & Studio Ethos
The studio is based in Barcelona and is built around a world-class team with diverse expertise from fields like car design, architecture, and aviation engineering. This variety fuels their innovative approach.
Lobanov's designs are described as sculptural and modern, with a strong focus on proportion and integrity. The studio specializes in exterior design and uses a process that spans hand sketching, 3D modeling, and detailed development to help clients translate their dreams into ultimate custom superyachts. Each project has its own unique design language but maintains consistent quality and ingenuity.
Notable Projects & Awards
Lobanov Design has earned significant respect and acclaim, underscored by multiple award-winning projects:
First Launch & Major Projects: Their first launch was the spectacular and private 85.6m Y708 (Amore Vero) with Oceanco in 2013. A landmark project is the 110m Jubilee, delivered in 2017, which was the largest yacht built in the Netherlands at the time.
Recent Awards & Collaborations: The studio remains highly active. Recently, their work on the Mangusta 165REV and 104REV series has won major awards, including:
2023: Outstanding Exterior Design at the Boat Design and Innovation Awards.
2022: Best Exterior Design at the World Yachts Trophies.
2021 & 2022: Awards for the best in their categories.
The studio's trophy shelf is extensive, with earlier awards like "Designer of the Year" (2013) and "Yacht of the Year" (2017) for the aforementioned Y708 and Jubilee projects.
