There’s a refined strength in Glyn Peter Machin’s open gaze and, correspondingly, the furniture he creates. This English architect creates furniture and accessories for, as he says, "between and beyond walls." His designs have been licensed to McGuire, Donghia and Summit Furniture, Odegard, HBF and Carew-Jones & Associates. He signed an exclusive licensing agreement in August with the Joseph Delgreco showrooms in New York for four transition interior/exterior collections.

SHOWBOATS: What is the challenge in designing relaxing furniture for yachts?

MACHIN: There are many aspects to take into consideration: practical, physiological, technical and those having to do with construction. My aim is to find the optimum synthesis of form and function. It was once said, and I quote, "Simply designing for the average person will not solve the problem. If door frames were made to the average height of people, then 50 percent of the population would bang their heads when passing through." This also relates to furnishings on a yacht as each client has a certain requirement, and each yacht has a different size and each area has a different space.

SHOWBOATS: Can a relaxed profile still be an elegant one?

MACHIN: There are different ergonomic guidelines for the larger male and smaller female shapes. At our studio, the dimensions of the human body form the starting point for all of our seating designs and determine the overall dimensions and angles. The statement we make is with comfort.

Whether I am designing for a known brand or a custom commission, I also think people will be more relaxed knowing that their furniture is environmentally conscious. All the woods in my products are environmentally certified for sustainable forestry practices.