“ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES”

Name: Fredrik Johansson

Position: Partner/Executive Project Director, Tillberg Design

Age: 53

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Civil status and family: Married with two grown-up sons

Place of birth: Lund, Sweden

Quick Q&As

Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your career path in interior architecture?   

As a child, I used to draw all the time. I studied architecture in London and then went on to earn an MA in Spatial Design in Copenhagen. When joining Tillberg Design in 1994, I thought I’d give it a year or two.  It turned out to be a fun job though, and I got to work on some amazing projects over the years. Ten years later, we performed our MBO of Tillberg Design, a huge motivation boost in every aspect.

We started a renewal process, sharpening our creative edge and challenging the whole concept of marine interiors. The cruise ship, ferry and yacht design industry today has become everything it was not when I joined. It is now much more open-minded, creative, and inspiring. I just can’t think of a better job to have right now.

The company has expanded massively with four offices in three continents. What has been the secret of your success?

We know how to create really unique and tailor-made designs that not only look amazing, but also are very rational and can stand the test of time. They all help improving our clients’ business performances. Our designs have proven to do just that.

You are probably the definitive reference in cruise ship interior design. Please tell us something about your current and upcoming projects.

Our works for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Hurtigruten, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises have made us very visible in the exclusive sector, but our largest projects are for the big operators – MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, NCL, Dream Cruises, TUI Cruises, and Princess Cruises.

Designs for small-scale and exclusive ships are a fast-growing sector. We have a few of those in the pipeline, too. They are still confidential at the moment.

Of late, cruise lines and ferry operators have been working with interior designers who have never worked on passenger ships before. One of the examples is CELEBRITY EDGE. There is no shortage of cruise ship orders. So it probably does not affect your business. Is this development something for the better in your opinion?   

Our industry competes with the coolest land-based resorts and hotels. Bringing in fresh and creative thinking from other parts of the leisure industry has helped to speed up the renewal process that the cruise sector so desperately needs. We’ve adopted the same approach in our company.

In recent years you have been focusing on the cruise market. In earlier years Tillberg was responsible in many a ferry project. Would you consider a return to this market?

Cruise and yacht projects keep us busy right now, but we are always looking for new creative opportunities. Our last ferry project was to develop the GA for VIKING GRACE, which was very inspiring. As you know, almost half of the projects on our reference list are ferries.

Cruise ships and ferries are two worlds apart, having very few things in common. After all, the cruise industry is a leisure/hospitality industry, whereas most ferry operations remain an A-to-B affair. Is there a symbiosis in your view?

Ten to fifteen years ago this symbiotic relationship was more tangible, especially in Scandinavia. The ferries are extremely effective and rational in design, and it may be that the cruise industry has more to learn from the ferry industry nowadays than vice versa.

You are heavily involved in Hurtigruten’s newbuilds and upgrades. Its small expedition and coastal express ships are considered to be more authentic than these huge floating resorts. What are your feelings about these behemoths?

I think the diversity we see nowadays is wonderful. All these different ship types have important roles to play in their own fields. The larger ships cater for a huge and growing market consisting largely of people who are looking for a great vacation with lots of variety, and which is also affordable.

Describe a good interior design in a few words.

It’s when everything works in perfect harmony. Great looks and great function, brains and beauty, go hand in hand.

Which cruise ship and which ferry do you like most?

I guess I’m biased. But of the existing cruise ships, it’s probably the QM2. Tallink’s MEGASTAR is very well-designed.

Where do you usually spend your holidays?

We live on the west coast of Sweden, the best place to spend the summer holiday. Winter holiday means skiing either in north Sweden, where my wife is from, or in the Alps.

What are your favourite pastime activities?

I have a vintage sports car and an old motorbike. I bring them out as soon as the snow begins to melt in the spring.

What was your childhood dream job?

When I was four years old, I told my parents that I was going to become the prime minister of Sweden.

What is your favourite song?

I listened to the Sopranos theme ‘Woke Up This Morning’ in my car this morning, a song that makes it difficult to keep within the speed limits.

What is your favourite dinner and drink combination?

Fresh seafood and a crisp white Burgundy are hard to beat.