Olivier van Meer
Olivier van Meer’s story is one of deep-rooted passion and expertise in sailing, naval architecture, design and yacht- and ship building. Born on a gaff schooner, his early life was steeped in the world of professional sailing, giving him both a love for the sea and a hands-on understanding of vessel performance and technical operations.
Shaped by the Sea
With over 140,000 miles under his belt, Olivier honed his skills on a variety of yachts and professional vessels, gaining a wealth of experience that would later inform his designs. His youth was marked by an early creative spark, producing his first designs as a teenager. Becoming the youngest licensed captain in the Netherlands, Olivier was and remains directly influenced by the maritime surroundings that defined his upbringing.
‘Being located in the heart of the world-leading Dutch yachting industry, we are closely connected to all the latest developments and expertise’
In 1985, Olivier took a bold step toward realising his vision by founding the one-stop design and engineering office that bears his name. Focused on naval architecture, design and marine consultancy, he surrounded himself with a team of experts with a mutual DNA and shared passion for the sea. Olivier van Meer Design quickly became known for its distinctive approach, blending cutting-edge knowledge, elegant lines and practical experience derived from real-world sailing.
A wealth of experience
Over the past four decades the team has been involved in over 1200 projects, from private yachts to professional vessels, including new builds, conversions and refits of traditional, classic and modern projects. The office’s designs are renowned for their balance of aesthetic appeal, functionality and performance, a testament to Olivier’s unique perspective as both a designer and a seasoned sailor.
‘My team’s knowledge and experience guarantee a clear vision on the future’
Prioritising both performance and ease of maintenance shows a real understanding of the balance that serious mariners require. One example is the focus on making technical spaces serviceable, details that are easy to overlook when designing a yacht to look great.