With an impressive marine portfolio, API provides custom resin flooring to large surface areas. Having supplied to more than 400 passenger ships, API has vast experience in the cruise industry, priding themselves on their ‘Made in Italy’ solutions and a focus on elegant design. Ahead of their exhibit at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Miami, we caught up with Marine Division Director, Veno Cravino.
Hi Veno. Thanks for speaking with the team! Tell us about your current role at API?
In my role as Marine Division Director for API, I overview all the marine markets. Currently, we operate in the cruise, ferry, superyachts, navy, and offshore markets. My key role is guiding the strategy and making sure the business is running smoothly.
What inspired you to join API?
I love being part of a global company, (API is part of RPM Inc.), while having the possibility to create unique strategies. The opportunity to create something different, to expand my knowledge, and the possibility to make an impact, inspired my choice.
Thanks to a deep know-how and 60 years of experience in the field, we are able to deliver and meet these expectations, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and innovative product.
Can you tell us about a project that you’re particularly proud of?
There are so many! Each one of them has at least a reason to be proud of, from project complexity to introduction to new markets, but what really makes me proud is when we install a new finish for the first time.
What do you need to consider when designing for the marine market?
First of all, the marine environment is particularly harsh, which requires us to manufacture and formulate solutions that are able to withstand these conditions. Additionally, our systems need to protect the most important part of a vessel, the structure itself. Thanks to a deep know-how and 60 years of experience in the field, we are able to deliver and meet these expectations, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and innovative product.
Are there any key opportunities or challenges API is currently facing?
We are excited for the years to come! With a cruise order book at the highest levels to date, there are a lot of opportunities to pursue that will need all our concentration as we want, and will continue, to offer our solutions with the same high attention to detail and aesthetics.
Each cruise brand wants to differentiate and adopt its own recognizable style, which is bringing interior design innovation to all the elements.
Can you tell us about any cruise interior design trends to look out for in 2019?
The trend we’re seeing is vessel customization; each cruise brand wants to differentiate and adopt its own recognizable style, which is bringing interior design innovation to all the elements.
In three words, how would you describe the cruise industry in 2019?
Sparkling, glamorous, and innovative.
Thanks for speaking with us today. Finally, who are you looking to meet and what are you hoping to achieve at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Miami?
We are looking to meet with the key architects, designers, ship owners, and stakeholders at the event!