Giulia Grassi | Yacht designer at Supernova design studio

andrea tagliaferro
Jul 11
3 min read

Giulia Grassi is an Italian yacht and interior designer and the founder of Supernova Design Studio, based between Lake Como and Monte Carlo. With a background in furniture and yacht design, she holds a degree from the Politecnico di Milano and a postgraduate qualification in Naval and Nautical Architecture from La Spezia. Her approach blends Italian craftsmanship, modern elegance, and a human-centered philosophy rooted in storytelling, balance, and sustainability.

Giulia’s journey into yachting was inspired by a childhood dream, sparked by her grandfather at the age of ten. That dream evolved into a vocation and then into a thriving international career. She began in Monaco, where she led the yachting division of a prestigious interior design firm. After years of experience on high-end projects, she returned to Italy to found her own studio—Supernova—in 2023, with the goal of building a design practice deeply committed to refit, personalization, and sustainable values.

Specializing in refit design, Giulia views the transformation of existing yachts not only as a creative challenge but as a meaningful and responsible act. “Refit gives us the chance to give a second life to a vessel—preserving its soul while adapting it to modern lifestyles,” she explains. Her mission is to make Supernova a global reference in the world of yacht refits, merging timeless beauty with practical innovation and eco-conscious thinking.

One of her most notable projects to date is the refit of the 52-meter M/Y Solafide (Benetti)—originally built in 1994. Collaborating with renowned architect Tommaso Spadolini on the exterior, Giulia redesigned the interiors of the main and upper decks, focusing on comfort, personalization, and the dynamics of family life onboard. The refit was completed in a record time of four months, an exceptional achievement for a yacht of this size. Her work on Solafide earned Supernova a shortlisting at the 2025 International Yacht & Aviation Awards and Boat International's World Superyacht Awards.

Giulia is fluent in Italian, English, and French, and continues to share her design philosophy publicly, including her appearance on Yachtllywood, where she discussed the importance of empathy, functionality, and livability in design. She believes that the most successful interiors are not just beautiful but deeply personal—an expression of the people who live in them.

Beyond the studio, Giulia is passionate about cultivating a new generation of designers. Supernova is composed of a young, all-female team—a tight-knit group bonded by creativity, purpose, and a shared love for the sea. Together, they approach each project as a new story to tell.

Looking ahead, Giulia’s goals are clear: to continue developing award-winning refit projects, to grow Supernova’s international presence, and to help redefine what sustainability and beauty mean in the context of modern yacht design. With every project, she remains rooted in her original inspiration—a love for the sea and the quiet strength of her grandfather’s influence—and guided by the belief that great design begins with understanding people.f the yachting industry through leadership, advocacy, and a relentless drive for excellence.

Short Bio:

Giulia Grassi is an Italian yacht designer and founder of Supernova Design Studio, based in Lake Como and Monte Carlo. Specializing in yacht refits, she combines Italian craftsmanship with sustainability and elegance. Her work on the 52m M/Y Solafide earned international award nominations in 2025.

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