Future Leaders

Barbara Wiethoff is a partner at JOI-Design, where she leads interior design projects in the hospitality and cruise ship sectors.

With Master’s degrees in both Interior Architecture and Architecture from the Technical University of Düsseldorf, she brings over 20 years of experience in luxury design.

Her diverse background in yacht design, high-end private interiors, and retail architecture has given her a unique perspective and a refined approach to creating exceptional spaces.

Since joining JOI-Design in 2007, Barbara has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s creative vision, blending functionality with beauty to craft designs that are both innovative and timeless.

Promoted to partner in 2024, she continues to push boundaries, delivering sophisticated interiors that enhance the guest experience.

In 2018, JOI-Design expanded into cruise ship design, developing contemporary concepts for river cruise ships and designing high-end suites and public areas for marine cruise vessels.

Under Barbara’s leadership, the firm continues to redefine luxury at sea, creating interiors that seamlessly merge comfort, elegance, and cultural authenticity.

With a passion for cross-cultural creativity, she remains committed to designing spaces that inspire and connect people around the world.

Cassidy Butler entered the cruise design industry as the design intern for a team that took a chance on an environmental science student, to help forward their sustainability passion projects. Throughout her internship, she played a key role in launching many innovative environmental interior design projects. After graduating in June 2024 with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the University of Washington, Cassidy stepped into her current role as the Interior Sustainability Specialist for Holland America and Seabourn, where she brings a unique perspective for integrating circularity and sustainability into ship interiors. Cassidy supports efforts to procure sustainable materials, manage pilot projects that reduce waste, and promote circularity within design. In addition to her work in interiors, she helps manage both domestic and international donation programs, reducing waste on a global scale. Passionate about redefining sustainability within the industry, she aims to implement beautiful spaces and eco-friendly solutions that create meaningful change onboard and beyond.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for design, I take a thoughtful, hands-on approach as an architect and project manager at OSK Design. With experience in residential, hospitality, and maritime design, I have worked on projects across Germany, Poland, Sweden, and beyond. My time at Tillberg Design of Sweden shaped my ability to craft meaningful spaces for brands like Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

At OSK Design, I lead cross-functional teams on cruise and ferry projects, fostering collaboration where diverse perspectives drive innovation. I am committed to creating designs that are functional, forward-thinking, and sustainable.

I believe in the power of sketching to explore ideas and solve design challenges, which helps bring creative concepts to life. It allows me to visualise and communicate ideas quickly, serving as a key tool in my process.

Outside of my professional work, I find balance in nature, often hiking across Swedish national parks. I also enjoy handcrafts, from sewing and weaving to restoring vintage furniture—reflecting my appreciation for craftsmanship and creating with my hands.

I am excited to contribute to innovative, sustainable design solutions that elevate the industry.

Giustino Del Guercio is a skilled Naval Architect and Marine Engineer with extensive experience in the maritime industry. He joined MSC Cruise Management in 2019 as part of the Marine Operations Department, where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the Vessels. Prior to his time with MSC, Giustino worked in ship refitting, gaining a wealth of handson experience in vessel upgrades and repairs. During his tenure with MSC, Giustino has led numerous high-profile fleet-wide projects, collaborating with key industry bodies and institutions. His deep operational expertise eventually led him to expand his role into New Buildings, where he managed the successful delivery of the first prototype of MSC Cruises’ latest class of vessels. He has also played a crucial role in the development of all upcoming sister ships. As Senior Project Manager for the World Class series, Giustino now leads and coordinates collaboration among all major internal and external project stakeholders. His leadership spans the entire process, from initial concept and specification to the successful delivery of the ships.

Design is where my worlds of architecture, visual arts, interior design, and creativity collide. With degrees in architecture, visual arts, and interior design, I bring a diverse approach to every project. I thrive on blending beauty, functionality, and sustainability, particularly in luxury yacht and cruise interiors, where each space must reflect sophistication, innovation, and connection to its surroundings.

Growing up in a hotel gave me a unique operational perspective on hospitality, helping me design spaces that enhance both aesthetics and guest experience. My childhood aboard a sailboat in Saint Barth deepened my connection to the sea, making yacht and cruise design a natural fit. This blend of experiences allows me to balance luxury, functionality, and sustainability in my work.

I thrive in environments that demand adaptability and fresh thinking. Constantly seeking to learn, grow, and challenge design conventions, I draw inspiration from my many adventures. These experiences fuel my passion for designing spaces that tell a story.

For me, design is the art of turning challenges into opportunities, where every obstacle becomes a canvas for creativity. I approach each project with this mindset, believing that impactful designs are born from overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries.”

I am a passionate professional in the cruise industry with a broad range of experience in procurement and cruise operations. As Procurement Manager at HX, I oversee operational sourcing, manage a dynamic team, and drive innovative solutions that balance both sustainability and financial performance. Before stepping into this leadership role, I served as a Procurement Consultant and Junior Purchasing Agent within the same company, where I thrived in high-pressure environments and delivered impactful results.

My journey in the cruise sector began with positions at MSC Cruises and Sartori & Berger, where I gained valuable experience in customer service, content creation, and event planning. With a Master’s degree in Tourism Development Strategies (MA) and a Bachelor’s in Cruise Tourism Management (BA), I have developed a strong understanding of industry trends and challenges.

I am known for my ability to solve problems quickly, my commitment to sustainable practices, and my drive to shape the future of cruise interior design and tourism. Being recognized as a Future Leader is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to innovate and lead in this exciting industry.

Natasha is a Design Director with over a decade of experience in interiors, specialising in Retail, Hospitality, Sports, and Leisure sectors. Based in London, she excels in crafting strategic customer journeys that build memorable connections between brands and their audiences.

Since joining 20.20 in 2015, Natasha has led creative direction on award-winning projects across the cruise and hospitality sectors. Her portfolio includes impactful designs for Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Aston Villa FC, AO Arena, Emirates Stadium, TUI Marella Cruise Ships, Costa Coffee, and UGG stores across Europe.

As a Design Director, Natasha is dedicated to inspiring and motivating the team, fostering a positive and collaborative environment where creativity can flourish. She takes pride in guiding projects from concept to completion, ensuring designs are tailored to meet each client’s unique vision and needs. By weaving storytelling into interiors, she creates spaces that are not only practical and dynamic but also emotionally engaging for guests.

With a BA Hons in Interior Architecture and Design from Nottingham Trent University, Natasha is passionate about delivering exceptional design solutions that leave a lasting impression.