Interview with Amor Jimenez Chito

Amor Jimenez Chito ("AJC") interviewed on Monday, 26 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

AJC : I have almost a decade of experience in the engineering and design sectors, both industrial and graphic. For just over five years, I have specialized in yacht and transportation design, working on a wide range of projects, including superyachts, modular vessels, and more sustainable concepts. I have collaborated with both startups and world-renowned shipyards, and my studio, Loveworks Design, based in Spain, has established itself by combining innovation, aesthetics, and functionality in small-scale vessels. Three years ago, I also launched my own water toy design company, One Water Toys, where I successfully launched a jet ski-powered vessel. I was recently awarded the Gold A' Design Award for this project, "ONE 16," which reflects the culmination of years dedicated to rethinking nautical experiences.

How did you become a designer?

AJC : I've always been fascinated by how things are made and why they evoke emotions in us. As a child, I drew cars, houses, boats without really knowing what they were at an engineering level. I was fascinated by cars, motorcycles, boats, houses—how they moved, how they sounded, how people interacted with them. It wasn't just about drawing; it was about imagining new ways of experiencing the sea. Over time, that curiosity became my profession. I studied engineering in industrial design and product development, and later a master's degree in transportation design, where I specialized in yacht design because I felt it was the most authentic expression of my identity: where creativity, engineering, and nature come together. Designing isn't just a job for me. It's my way of understanding the world.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AJC : Function, emotional connection, and form are the fundamental pillars of my design process. I always start by understanding how a product will be used, who will use it and how, and the emotions it should evoke. From there, I balance form and function to create something beautiful and purposeful. I use a combination of hand sketches and digital tools, often starting loosely and intuitively before refining in 3D with CAD and renderings. I also create physical mockups when necessary to check proportions and ergonomics.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AJC : Design is a very deep and emotional process for me. The initial ideation phase is exciting: it's a time of pure imagination and research. Then comes the challenge of bringing it to life, which brings moments of doubt, discovery, and problem-solving. There's a quiet joy when the final concept makes sense, when a form or function finally feels "just right." That's one of the best feelings I've ever known.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

AJC : Living by the Mediterranean Sea and spending time there shaped my spatial perception and sensitivity to marine environments. In addition to my design skills, I value empathy, adaptability, and storytelling. My ability to listen carefully to clients and understand their vision has been key. I also draw a lot of inspiration from travel, the experiences of others, and nature—sources that teach you to observe, connect the dots, and imagine beyond the obvious.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

AJC : I want to continue evolving as a studio that combines high-end "neo-craftsmanship" with innovation with a clear purpose. I'm also working on growing my company, One Water Toys. My ideal project would be to design a blank canvas—with a blank check, why not—so I can express all my design capabilities on one or more boats, small or large. I also want to be remembered as someone who made design more human, more emotional, and who contributed to good design in the yachting world.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

AJC : Be curious, patient, and perseverant. Don't become obsessed with your personal style too quickly; focus on solving problems, offering opportunities, and understanding people. Also: design isn't just about the visual; it's about systems, communication, and often diplomacy. Move beyond artistic individuality. Learn to communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and always be willing to learn from others. And don't be afraid of failure. Often, the best lessons come from projects that didn't go as planned.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

AJC : Always ask yourself why you're designing something, for whom, where, under what conditions, what it offers, what it solves, and for what purpose. Good design is born from intention, not from decoration. Also, collaborate: share ideas, be generous, and stay curious. Avoid getting too comfortable in your niche; explore, take risks, and invest time in understanding other disciplines. Design thrives at the intersection of worlds.

What is your day to day look like?

AJC : It starts with a coffee and some reading. I follow with a short walk to get my body moving, usually while listening to a podcast related to my industry or my latest interest. Depending on my needs and the time of week, I can continue with technical work, CAD modeling and/or calls or meetings. Until the lunch break, I then continue with some work, creative development, or client contact. In the late afternoon, I unwind to exercise or relax on the beach or at sea.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

AJC : I follow trends loosely, primarily through design publications, design shows, and conversations with other creatives. It's a fascinating part of the research prior to any project. I always try to stay up-to-date. Trends are useful for understanding the context, but I believe in designing timeless products with lasting value. Inspiration can come from anywhere—an old design, a sculpture, a sample of material—but I always filter it through my own perspective.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

AJC : Here I would paraphrase Dieter Rams and his 10 principles of good design: innovative, useful, aesthetic, durable, thoughtful, etc. And I would add that good design is also one that stops focusing on itself and becomes an experience. Beyond solving a problem, it generates opportunities and emotions. A well-designed product is about "less is more." If you can make someone smile or get excited about using what you've created, then you've done your job well.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AJC : I know a design is ready when subsequent changes no longer add value, but rather begin to dilute its essence. There's a moment of clarity when everything falls into place: structure, proportion, purpose. That said, I always leave the door open for future improvements. The design is never truly "finished"; it simply reaches the point where it's ready to be shared with the world.

What is your biggest design work?

AJC : Without a doubt, the ONE 16. It's a hybrid vessel powered by a jet ski, which combines the performance and adrenaline of a PWC with the comfort and functionality of a 6-meter boat. It was born from a vision to create a more social, compact, and customizable aquatic platform. A water toy so I could test and express some of my design instincts and ideas. The design process lasted years, including iterative models and prototypes and close collaboration. It's a piece with character, but also a functional and enjoyable product. Winning the Gold A' Design Award was a huge achievement.

Who is your favourite designer?

AJC : It's a very difficult question to answer. There are so many good designers and so many different disciplines. I admire designers like Marc Newson, Dieter Rams, Philippe Stark, Ray and Charles Eames, the Bauhaus School generation, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Pininfarina. In the marine world, I have great respect for Espen Øino, Tony Castro, Marco Ciampa, and Christian Grande, among others.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

AJC : I live in a small town on the Costa del Sol, in southern Spain, next to the sea, which profoundly influences my work. Mediterranean culture values ​​beauty, functionality, simplicity, and ancestry, qualities that resonate in my designs. Gastronomy, the unique Andalusian lifestyle, and music are part of my process, as are the sounds and environments that help me focus. Design has taught me to value space, silence, and a life of purpose.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

AJC : I work in a small, agile setup where flexibility and clarity are key. I collaborate with engineers, naval architects, and manufacturers, often creating a bespoke team for each project. I usually work alone but with good professionals around me and my projects. I value honesty, accountability, and enthusiasm in collaborations. Good design starts with good conversations, and I like to keep the process transparent and human.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

AJC : Whenever I can, I help young designers or support startups. I've participated in design talks and educational events to share ideas about naval design and entrepreneurship. I believe designers have a role to play in fostering better habits, smarter consumption, and a more conscious relationship with nature.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

AJC : The A' Design Award has been a fantastic platform for sharing my work with a global audience. It has given me credibility, media exposure, and opened the door to meaningful conversations. The three key benefits: the validation of a respected jury, access to an international network, and the motivation to continue expanding my professional field. Being named Designer of the Day is a tremendous honor and a reminder that good design matters.

Amor Jimenez Chito Profile