P-O-I.Design

P-O-I.Design is an independent interior architecture studio based in Hamburg, specialising in cruise ship and yacht interiors. Our design philosophy is built around a simple principle:

DESIGN MEETS NEED.

For us, successful design goes beyond creating beautiful spaces. It means understanding the needs of guests, crew, operators and clients and transforming them into interiors that are distinctive, functional, durable and emotionally engaging.

Designing within complexity
Cruise ship interiors are among the most demanding environments in interior design. Every square metre, material and detail must respond to technical, operational and regulatory requirements while still creating an inspiring guest experience.
P-O-I.Design combines creative design thinking with a strong understanding of the realities of ship interiors. Functionality, ergonomics, maintenance, material properties, weight, fire safety and installation are considered from the beginning.
We see these constraints not as limitations, but as opportunities to develop smarter and more integrated design solutions.

Transforming existing spaces
A major part of our work focuses on refurbishment. Rather than simply replacing what already exists, we analyse existing structures and identify what can be retained, transformed or reinterpreted.
Our recent projects for Phoenix Reisen and MS AMERA demonstrate this approach.
The refurbishment of the SPA and sauna area transformed an existing, theme-oriented environment into a contemporary and timeless wellness experience. New windows within the sauna areas create direct visual connections to the sea, making the surrounding landscape an integral part of the interior.
The hair salon presented a different challenge. The area had to be significantly reduced to accommodate two new passenger cabins. Through a complete rethink of the layout, workflows and spatial organisation, we created a bright and contemporary salon that works efficiently within a much smaller footprint.
These projects demonstrate our ability to turn complex constraints into design opportunities.

Design for people – and for life at sea
Human experience is at the centre of our work. We consider how guests move, pause, interact and experience a space, while also understanding how crew and operators work within it.
Ergonomics, accessibility, workflow and emotional experience therefore form an integral part of our design process.
At the same time, cruise interiors must withstand intensive daily use. Sustainability for us therefore includes durability, maintainability, responsible material choices and the intelligent reuse of existing elements.

Collaboration from concept to reality
We see collaboration as an essential part of design. Cruise projects bring together clients, operators, shipyards, engineers, suppliers and contractors. P-O-I.Design works closely with all partners to ensure that creative ideas can become technically viable and buildable solutions.
As an independent studio, we remain directly involved throughout the process – from the first concept to the realised interior.

Small team. Big responsibility.
Our strength lies in our structure. Being an independent studio allows us to remain close to every project, make decisions quickly and build direct relationships with our clients and project partners.
We do not believe in a single signature style. Every project starts with its own identity, context and requirements.

What connects our work is a consistent ambition:
Creative, but pragmatic.
Contemporary, but built to last.
Independent, but highly collaborative.
Small in structure, but ambitious in impact.
From public spaces and passenger areas to spa environments and technical solutions, P-O-I.Design creates interiors that balance design quality, functionality, sustainability and the realities of life at sea.

Good design is not about adding more.
It is about understanding better.
That is what Design meets Need means to us – and why we believe P-O-I.Design deserves to be recognised as Design Team of the Year 2026.