A day in a life of an Interiors Department Manager, Núria Gazulla

She likens her team’s role to the pastry section—where precision, artistry, and finesse come together to create the final flourish. “While engineering, paint, and other operational areas form the ‘main course,’ interiors represent the visually captivating, luxurious end of the owner’s experience,” she explains. “We all work in the same kitchen, but our focus areas and skillsets differ slightly. Interiors are where luxury and craftsmanship meet, often requiring meticulous attention to detail.” 

With over 15 years of experience in the superyacht industry, Nuria leads a multidisciplinary team that blends technical expertise with artistic sensitivity. Her department includes naval engineers, art historians, and interior designers—many of whom have hybrid backgrounds that allow them to tackle complex challenges with agility. “Our team’s skillsets complement each other beautifully,” she says. “A recent example involved protecting a valuable oil painting onboard. Thanks to our in-house knowledge, we were able to design and implement a casing solution swiftly, considering both conservation and onboard conditions.” 

Internal and external vision 

Nuria describes her daily responsibilities as requiring both an “internal and external vision.” Internally, she manages resources, timelines, and team dynamics. Externally, she ensures seamless communication with clients, contractors, and other departments. “We work closely with the Project Manager team. Although our focus is interiors, our work often overlaps with other areas, so coordination is key to ensuring efficiency.” 

One of the most critical phases of any project, she notes, is project definition. Translating client expectations into actionable deliverables and communicating these clearly to the team and collaborators is essential. “This stage is vital for managing expectations. We need to anticipate potential challenges, assess feasibility, and work with the client and contractors to find practical solutions early on. Much of my routine is focused on this area.” 

Crafting trust and quality 

Relationship-building is central to Nuria’s approach. “Trust is a powerful driver of success,” she says. “We place a strong emphasis on responsibility and quality, and that comes from years of working side by side with stakeholders. One of my key roles is identifying critical aspects that can impact a refit season, especially when working with highly skilled craftsmen. Long-standing relationships help us manage workloads and resources effectively throughout the year with an aim to maintaining quality.” 

She also highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of materials, finishes, and heritage pieces onboard. “Many yachts have bespoke interiors with rare woods, custom textiles, or artworks that require specialist handling. Our team’s ability to navigate these complexities contributes to the added value our clients expect.” 

Evolving with the industry 

Communication is a constant, with regular meetings held to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and identify opportunities for improvement. Reflecting on her journey from Interiors Project Manager to Department Manager, Nuria notes that while the core focus—attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork—remains unchanged, her perspective has evolved. “Now I apply a more strategic lens from the outset. With the growing number and complexity of projects at our Barcelona facilities, planning ahead allows me to better support the team and anticipate resource needs.” 

She’s quick to credit her team for their dedication and instinctive understanding of client needs. “Their eye for detail and commitment truly set them apart.”