South African seeking advise

[Zeanne]

I have recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural studies degree and have been working in a small firm for the past year. I have a dream to persue yacht interior design, but being from Cape Town, South Africa, there is no such course offered here.

I have begun to research the possibility of doing a correspondance course through Weslawn in Yacht Design "light". I would like to know if this is a viable option pertaining to my degree and my dream?

Could anyone please guide me or offer me some advice on the subject?

regards
Zeanne

[rlackey]

Hi Zeanne!

I'm also in Cape Town! I plan on enrolling on the full Westlawn course later this year. From what I understand it is more concerned with the engineering side of things than interior layout and design, but I'm sure it's a part of the whole curriculum.

I have also been less than impressed by the offerings of local universities in terms of training and education specific to the marine industry.

I don't have much help to give you, but I wanted to say hi from a fellow Capetonian!

Rich

[mackid068]

Zeanne, first you ought to read a bit on boat design (exterior/hull type stuff). But good luck!

[Zeanne]

Thats awsom! so cool to hear from someone close to home! I think doing the light course will just be giving me some background information on yacht design in general- an idea, which can't be pointless- suppose so that I can understand the outside befor I design for the inside?!

It's strange how there isn't much offered here in terms of yacht design, since a lot of actual building is done in SA- Good luck, though- have you done any design courses at all?

Let me know when you start your course- be interesting to hear how you find it!

Your fellow Capetonian!
Zeanne

[mackid068]

Perhaps the reason why so few opportunities in yacht design exist is because the designs are imported by S.A. builders from other nations. Labor is probably a bit cheaper so that's a possible explanation.