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For Ryan Altman designing fun, relaxing, and stylish yachts has always come naturally.
Why Yacht Design Comes Naturally
At just 36 years old Ryan Altman has already made quite a name for himself in the field of yacht design, with over 50 Ferretti Yachts projects to his name in the last seven years. But this high rate of early successes doesn’t feel surprising to Altman, and that’s because yacht design has always been in his blood.
Image: Ryan Altman,
M2D Interior Yacht Design
The Roots of a Yacht Aesthetic
A South Florida native, Altman was surrounded by design and construction while growing up. His mother is Marty Lowe, the frequent Italian Yacht Group design collaborator known for her warm and beachy interiors. His father was a builder and developer. Thus, creating beautiful things that could stand the test of time has always been of primary importance to Ryan.
“My mom was a huge influence on me, of course,” he says. “She taught me not only the beauty of design, but also the importance of how it fits into people’s lives. I was always around yacht design growing up, and my mom’s designs in particular, and it all just kind of seeped in. I’ve had clients step aboard our boats and comment on a sense of familiarity in the interiors. When they hear I’m Marty Lowe’s son, the reaction is almost the same: ’Oh, that explains it’ … and then they smile. Although I like to think I have a little bit of a more masculine touch to my designs.”
Ryan Altman with his mother and design mentor, Marty Lowe
From Fort Lauderdale to Ferretti Yachts Projects
Altman got his first job in yachting working for his mother ten years ago, but it wasn’t long before his strong entrepreneurial spirit guided him toward planting his own flag. Seven years ago he founded M2Develop, a Fort Lauderdale-based design firm that largely handles stock boats for Ferretti Yachts.
“Collaborating with Ferretti Yachts has been an amazing experience, and it came at just the right time,” Ryan says. “It was an incredible opportunity to work on these projects with them, and when it came along, I jumped on it – of course I did, how could I not? They were looking for someone to bring an American perspective to their yachts, and I felt well suited for that role.”
Since then Altman has worked on the interiors and exterior layouts of a plethora of Ferretti Yachts all the way up the size ladder, including the new Infynito models. He is also delving into the Custom Line and Riva brands, which he is very excited about.
Design Philosophy: Strength in Design, Fluidity in Form
The challenge for Altman and his team is that when working on stock boats—boats that have yet to be sold—they need to create something that is unique but which also offers mass appeal. Ultimately, it’s about balance: delivering a design that feels iconic and compelling, yet never overdone.
“I believe in light, neutral, and versatile layouts, palettes that can be molded to a client’s taste while still feeling distinct,” he says.
“Luxury doesn’t have to mean untouchable. Luxury to me is comfort. Fabrics you can sink into, a table you can put a drink on without worry. Our job is to create environments where people can relax, laugh and make memories without the pressure of perfection. I want people to have fun and enjoy the sea without stressing.”
Ryan Altman
M2D Interior Yacht Design
It’s also part of Altman’s job to make sure the Italian boats have the creature comforts that Americans expect. “The Americans want open kitchens, air-conditioning, hi-lo tables for entertaining, and always they want ice cubes, that’s a big thing for Americans.”
Keeping things fun is another part of Altman’s job. His mother is well known for keeping clients engaged and enthused with their yacht projects, and Altman seems to be a chip off the old block in that regard, particularly as he starts to dabble with more curated projects for specific clients. “Buying a yacht is a big deal for a lot of people, they are excited about it,” he says. “And part of my job as the designer is to get them involved in a fun way. The whole experience should be about fun. You’re buying a boat.”
The Passion Behind the Work
Altman’s understanding of how people boat stems not just from growing up around the yachting industry, but also from summers spent on the water with extended family on Lake Michigan. “I have so many great memories with my cousins on their boat,” he says. “And it translates to yachts. For a lot of people buying a yacht serves the same function as buying a second home. It’s about keeping the family together as the kids get older, and giving everyone a sanctuary, a place to gather with the people that are most important to them. It’s a really special purchase and I try to keep that in mind with every project I work on.”
It’s that kind of passion that paints a very bright future for Altman. “I’m excited to keep growing my business, and to take on new clients and bigger projects,” he says. “I think that designing boats is a big part of my purpose, so it’s a gift to be able to share that purpose with others.”
Make the Vision Yours
Altman’s comfort-first ethos is a reminder that the best Ferretti Yachts feel as effortless as they look. Thoughtful layouts, refined materials , and a sense of fun–those are the deatis that keep families coming back aboard. If you’d like to explore how that philosophy shows up across current models, the Italian Yacht Group’s insights and listings are a good place to start; when the time is right, our team can offer perspective.
