Dan for Carlo. Carlo for Dan. Whichever way you put it, the outcome is the same. These two professionals, who have been working together for thirty-five years, are, beyond their individual skills, two sides of the same coin – a coin that glimmers in the small town of Scorzé, yet casts its light across the entire world, starting with the seas
by Chiara Risolo – photo by Giovanni Malgarini
Genoa, 1989, 29th Boat Show. The visitors include a Slovenian student soon to graduate in Architecture. Despite being only twenty-two, he already has a clear vision for his professional future: he wants to design boats, inspired by those he admired as a child on the Kornati Islands, where he often went with his father. “There was no real harbour. I observed them at anchor, which gave me the chance to study them from every angle. Moored at the quay, boats reveal little more than a profile, a stern, a bow…” recalls the student, Dan Lenard. This is how he grew up, his eyes filled with wonder – a wonder he now interprets brilliantly, alongside his business partner, Carlo Nuvolari. What does Genoa have to do with it? Quite a lot, because it was at that very fair that the Italian and the Slovenian met for the first time. Empathy, intuition, shared passion… something extraordinary must have happened, because exactly one year later, in 1990, they founded their studio, Nuvolari Lenard, in Scorzé, a small town just a few kilometres from Venice. And since mathematics is not a matter of opinion, this means they have been working side by side for an impressive thirty-five years. Barche met them both.
Carlo Nuvolari, three and a half decades working together, without a hitch or a stumble. What is the secret to staying on course? Personal passion. First and foremost, even before being professionals, Dan and I share a deep connection with the sea and boats. We have always sailed, each with our own vessel, and we often visit boat shows simply as enthusiasts. We look around, talk freely, comment on one yacht or another, and discuss the changes we would make if it were ours. In short, we have fun. Despite our expertise, we have never lost the enthusiasm of those who truly live for the sea.
Oceanco Bravo Eugenia ©Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez.
Balance and proportion guide the hands and minds of Carlo Nuvolari-Duodo, a naval engineer from Venice, and Dan Lenard, an architect from Ljubljana, who design and draw yachts of all types, from 7 to 185 metres, which are built in the world’s most famous shipyards.
Speaking of skills, is it fair to say that a clear division of roles is one of the key ingredients in this successful “partnership”? After all, in any relationship, it is crucial to know who is responsible for what…
Carlo Nuvolari: Yes and no. Although I am a naval engineer and architect, and Dan is a designer, our approach is entirely interdisciplinary. We discuss every project together, analyse it in depth, break it down into its components, and, of course, involve the people who work with us. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Naturally, I tend to focus more on function, while Dan is more drawn to form, but the final result is never, and I emphasise never, the product of individualism.
Dan Lenard: True. Over all these years, it has been impossible not to influence one another. As a result, beyond our individual backgrounds, I think it isn’t easy to draw a clear line between us.
Of course, but you must differ in some way!
Nuvolari: Let’s put it this way: Dan has a particular talent for engaging with clients and enjoys travelling to trade fairs and attending various events. I, on the other hand, prefer life in the shipyard.
Lenard: I would like to add a note about Carlo. What impressed me from the very beginning was his exceptional technical expertise in boat design, from studying hull lines to optimising the engine room and selecting propulsion systems. A solid preliminary design undoubtedly makes construction easier and, consequently, helps position the boat effectively in the market. A yacht cannot be beautiful alone; it must perform many functions. In short, a boat’s success is assured when there is a perfect balance between form and function.
NL Plus projects line
The NL Plus projects line starts with 50 Plus, a 52-meter yacht at the limit of 500 GT. The Nuvolari Lenard Plus line represents an innovative effort that encapsulates the best of the thirty year experience of Dan Lenard, Carlo Nuvolari and their studio.
Nuvolari, your partner, has touched on a crucial point. It goes without saying that this balance is not achieved by divine grace, but through careful study and research. You yourself told Barche a few years ago: “Sometimes, we work on projects that will never be built or even seen. It is precisely this creative process that keeps us and our younger collaborators alive, allowing us to push beyond the limits of nautical and residential design, regardless of whether a particular project is on the horizon”.
In a fast-paced world, with a market that constantly demands more and more, is it still possible to indulge in this kind of luxury?
Nuvolari: In fact, it is not only possible, but it is essential, a duty. Having good ideas at the ready ensures that you are never caught unprepared.
Lenard: For us, research is a constant imperative, an absolute necessity. Ideally, it serves as a kind of training ground, a place where we work hard to maintain our physical shape. When an order arrives, we never start from a blank sheet of paper; instead, we already have a portfolio of solutions to draw upon.
Dan Lenard
«Interior design success is no longer just about style, but about taking a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the project, including the relationship with exterior design, and the knowledge and correct use of appropriate, sustainable materials and techniques».
Setting aside this unshakeable and non-negotiable foundation, what would you say are the strengths of your firm?
Nuvolari: Well, first of all, as I mentioned earlier, Dan and I sail, meaning that we understand our business inside out. I know designers in the nautical sector who are keen skiers and, without wishing to be controversial, I must admit I’m personally sceptical. Another hallmark of our studio is the strong consistency between design and product, which yacht owners greatly appreciate. It is rare for us to say, “I’m sorry, but we realised during construction that this can’t be done”. Let me explain: today’s technology allows us to produce astonishingly realistic computer renderings, only to hit a wall when moving from theory to practice. In contrast, when comparing our preliminary designs with the finished yacht, you will see that they are virtually identical.
Lürssen Kismet – photo by BlueiProd.
What about other strong points? Lenard: I would also highlight the issue of waste reduction. It’s all too easy to fill a luxury item with unnecessary extras. The consistency Carlo mentioned ensures that our owners don’t experience any surprises, including financially. Beyond that, it gives us great satisfaction to know that one of our clients has sold a yacht designed by our studio for a price higher than the original purchase value.
Lürssen Nord ©Tom van Oossanen.
Nuvolari & Lenard have designed superyachts for several renowned international shipyards, including Oceanco, Lürssen, Palmer Johnson and CRN. They have also designed production boats
for the Bénéteau Group.
Can you give me a practical example? Of course. I’m thinking of Lürssen’s Ahpo. Although the exact amount of the deal isn’t publicly known, I understand that the former owner managed to secure a healthy margin… we’re talking a few million euros
«We have designed and built yachts of all sizes and materials, including fibreglass, aluminium and steel. Our studio has a collective understanding of what clients want, from the overall design to the smallest details. Whenever we take on a new project, we don’t just copy what we’ve done before; we draw on our experience».
Carlo Nuvolari
Dan just mentioned Lürssen. You work with clients practically all over the world. What, if any, differences do you notice between Italian and international shipyards? Every shipyard has its own approach. In general, I would say that large groups, regardless of nationality, tend to have a more corporate DNA for apparent reasons. After all, the famous “accounts” are always among the first things that need to be balanced. With family-run businesses, where production is more limited, it is possible to establish a more personal, human relationship between the parties. Owners of smaller shipyards are often willing to budget for a few additional expenses because they take pride in and derive personal satisfaction from launching a beautiful yacht. This vessel truly represents them, rather than just one of many. In general, I would add that northern European shipyards tend to adopt a hyper-technical approach and can be somewhat distant in their interpersonal relationships. I would even describe them as bureaucratic. Then there are the Turkish yards, masters of craftsmanship, yet still somewhat behind when it comes to organisation.
Serenissima
Speaking of Turkey, it seems the country is currently experiencing a golden age. There’s no doubt about it. The people involved are far from amateurs; many have been building boats for thirty or forty years. As I mentioned, they need to become more structured from a managerial perspective.
Does Italy have anything to fear from this vast country? Definitely!
In what sense? Manpower! Labour costs are lower there, as we know, yet the builders and engineers are equally qualified. Many are trained in Italy. Consider that 20% of students at the Politecnico di Milano are Turkish nationals. We even have a Turkish employee in our studio.
Lürssen AHPO ©Guillaume Plisson.
Absolutely. But let’s end on a high note. Let’s try to challenge the common perception that today’s yachts all look alike and resemble floating villas.
Lenard: The yachts we design are not like that, of that there is no doubt. It’s difficult to put into words the difference between a lounge at home and a lounge on a yacht. To summarise, one could say that the former is a “pop piece”, while the latter is part of a symphony. Well, we create symphonies.
DAN, RECORD MAN
Perseverance pays off. Dan Lenard succeeded on his third attempt, officially earning a place in the Guinness World Records for solo, non-stop, unassisted sailing. From 12 to 18 August, aboard his 4.23-metre ILCA Laser, he sailed 321.5 miles across the Adriatic Sea, comfortably surpassing the previous record of 250 miles. In truth, this was not merely a sporting challenge. With this achievement, Lenard aimed to send a strong and clear message about sustainability: zero emissions and no plastic packaging on board. Those who know the designer are well aware of his commitment to protecting the seas. His next goal? Naturally ambitious, that is to say 500 miles, once again with the support of the Vela Code Team and the Vela Code Movement.
CRN MY Atlante – photo by Maurizio Paradisi.
Since its founding in 1992, the studio has developed a diverse portfolio that includes not only yachts but also aircraft interiors and homes. Their work is characterised by an acute awareness of design in all its forms.
The Nuvolari & Lenard studio is located in Scorzè, near Venice, where designers, shipyard engineers and model makers work together to conceive every aspect of megayachts and boats in general: from new hulls to original architectural forms, from interior design to decoration.
(Nuvolari & Lenard – Composers of symphonies – Excerpted from Barche, November 2026)
