Throughout her career in VVIP design and completion, Elizabeth Harvey (Elizabeth Harvey Design) has had the privilege of being involved in some truly extraordinary projects—turning visions for luxurious and functional private jet interiors into reality. Each of the projects were (and are) a complex process, one that blends creativity with precision engineering, and it’s during this journey that she has come to appreciate how essential cabin engineers are in translating detailed designs into completed, certified interiors.

“When we talk of VVIP aviation interior design, it is naturally more than just aesthetics,” says Harvey. “The overall experience I want to create for the end user hinges on functionality, comfort, ease of use, and the ability to integrate cutting-edge technology and systems seamlessly into the space. The design needs to flow, both visually and operationally, but it only with the collaboration and direct involvement of highly skilled cabin engineers that the dream is realized.”

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“My initial focus is on the vision: what do I want the client to feel when they step into the aircraft? I consider everything—from the texture of the seats to the integration of the lighting, the layout of the cabin, and even the tactile experience of the door handles or window treatments. But that work is only the beginning.”

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Naturally, I pull on my years of experience in the business and one of those is the very necessary skill of collaborating with engineering teams.  Taking the detailed design definitions I create, and turning them into a certified space – and then ensuring that every aspect of the interior will fit into the broader structural and mechanical constraints of the aircraft, is only possible with talented engineers.

It's a balance of art and science, claims Ms. Harvey. One of the key challenges in VVIP aviation design is maintaining a balance between artistry and engineering. A designer can imagine the most exquisite bespoke seating, for example, but that seating must fit seamlessly within the space, serve its functional purpose, work within seat structural limitations and upholstery build-ups that comply with stiff regulatory requirements. “This is where cabin engineers shine,” says Harvey. They are not only tasked with the structural integrity of each component but also ensuring that even the most intricate designs meet the critical weight, safety, and certification requirements. This means working very closely with engineers and can often mean adjusting my design to a particular seat structure or changing the way a piece of furniture is fastened to ensure it can withstand the forces during flight – and still have the aesthetic I’m trying to achieve.”

And finally, there’s the certification itself. Every VVIP interior must be 100% compliant with all flight-worth certifications. “This is where the engineering team’s role becomes even more critical,” says Harvey. “It has to ensure that the design conforms to all certifications. They are responsible for validating the materials, systems, and overall design adhere to the necessary regulations, whether those are related to safety, weight limits, or environmental performance. They know exactly how to navigate the technical documentation and testing that’s required for certification, from structural testing to fire safety to ensuring that the design can withstand the stresses of flight.

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In the world of VVIP design, the cabin engineers are not just problem-solvers; I see them as key partners in the creative process. Experience has taught me that the success of any VVIP interior relies on the seamless collaboration between the interior designer and the engineer—one where the vision becomes a reality, meticulously crafted, thoroughly tested, and ready for flight.”

Elizabeth Harvey is the Owner and Creative Director of Elizabeth Harvey Design - Basel