WINCH DESIGN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN
2026 marks a defining moment in the history of Winch Design as the studio celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded by Andrew Winch in 1986, Winch Design began as a yacht design practice with a single-minded ambition: to challenge what was possible and design new and extraordinary ways of life.
From those early days as a yacht design studio, the company has evolved into a world-class practice spanning three disciplines: yachts, aviation, and private residences. Each is united by the same DNA - curiosity, ingenuity, obsessive craftsmanship, and continuous innovation.
The past 40 years have been transformative. Following the move to employee ownership in 2021 and relocation to new premises in 2024, Winch Design is now a fully integrated studio, empowering its multidisciplinary team to deliver the most complex projects for a global clientele.
From the outset, Winch has thrived on precision and complexity, building a reputation for delivering the most ambitious end-to-end projects at scale. Every design begins with collaboration - listening, questioning, and immersing themselves into the clients’ world to understand how they live and what they aspire to achieve. At Winch, the extraordinary is shared. It lives in the vision of clients who imagine new ways of living, traveling, and experiencing the world - and in the curiosity, courage, and collaboration of the studio that brings those ambitions to life.
Today, Winch Design is a collective of 160 specialists supported by an exceptional global network of partners, suppliers, and artisans. This breadth of expertise ensures no idea is limited by a single perspective. Every project is an opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas and push the boundaries of craft and creativity. For clients, this means spaces that feel effortless yet redefine what is possible - original, personal, and built with obsessive care.
As Winch Design celebrates its 40th year, the team looks forward to continuing its pursuit of innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity - delivering spaces that are as timeless as they are extraordinary.
1986 – Winch Design Founded
Inspired by Andrew Winch’s lifelong passion for sailing and the sea, Winch Design was founded in 1986 with a focus on designing exceptional sailing yachts. The studio’s first project was the complete interior and exterior design of a Swan 36ft sailing yacht, a project that quickly paved the way for larger and more ambitious ventures. Just three years later, Winch Design completed the interior of the 140ft Cyclos III in 1989, marking the beginning of the studio’s reputation for excellence on the water.
1994 – First Motor Yacht Project
Building on the success of 24 sailing yacht deliveries, Winch Design undertook its first motor yacht project in 1994 - the 160ft White Rabbit. Since then, the studio’s portfolio has grown to encompass everything from 8m tenders and sleek 40m+ sailing yachts to majestic motor yachts exceeding 160m in length. From bow to stern and mast to keel, Winch Design creates both exterior and interior spaces that embody innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
1998 - The Old Fire Station
For three decades, Winch Design was based in the iconic Old Fire Station in Barnes, Southwest London, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing character and flow of the River Thames. As the team grew, the studio gradually expanded into neighbouring buildings, reflecting the steady evolution of creativity and scale.
2002 – First Aviation Project
Having established an unrivalled reputation for custom yacht design, Winch Design expanded into the world of aviation in 2002. The expertise and design philosophy gained from yacht design translated seamlessly to private jets, allowing the studio to bring the same craftsmanship, precision, and bespoke approach to aviation. Today, the aviation portfolio spans from business jets and helicopters to the first ever Boeing 787/9 Dreamliner.
2007 – first residential projects
Responding to growing requests from yacht and aviation clients to design their holiday homes, townhouses, and offices, Winch Design launched its dedicated Architecture studio in 2007. This expansion brought together an unparalleled depth of expertise under one roof - something almost unheard of in today’s design world. The studio continues to design lifestyles, crafting exceptional environments across land, sea, and sky, with teams collaborating seamlessly to deliver a cohesive vision across client’s multiple projects.
2016 – 2021 LEADERSHIP CHANGES
Between 2016 and 2021, Winch Design saw a series of thoughtful, gradual changes to its leadership team. Aino Grapin joined as CEO in 2016 to guide the company and shape its long‑term succession plan. She was later joined on the Board by Simon Tomlinson and Jim Dixon, Studio Principals of Architecture and Yachts & Aviation. Together with their team of Directors, they offer clients the strength of a collaborative leadership group - always delivered with a personal touch.
2021 – Employee Ownership
At the centre of the company are its people. In July 2021, Winch Design became fully employee-owned. Employee ownership sits beautifully with the Winch ethos, which has always placed the highest value on its people, whose loyalty, talent and commitment have played a vital part in the success of the business.
2024 – Relocation to Parklife
In 2024, Winch Design relocated to a new studio in Putney, marking a significant milestone in the history of the company. The relocation was not just a change of address; it was a strategic move to centralise the diverse talents that drive Winch Design's success. Bringing the entire creative team under one roof has resulted in a fusion of ideas and expertise that continues to propel the studio to new heights.
2026 – WINCH DESIGN TURNS 40
Reflecting on a journey of 40 years, the company remains as passionate as ever about designing and delivering iconic projects on land, sea and in the air. Today, Winch Design is a collective of 160 specialists supported by an exceptional global network of partners, suppliers, and artisans.