Designing outdoor spaces comes with its own unique set of challenges—but what happens when those spaces aren’t anchored to the ground? In Episode 2 of Designing Outdoor Spaces, we venture beyond land-based environments and dive into the world of cruise ship design with Helena Sawelin, Partner and Design Director at Tillberg Design of Sweden.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: Designing Outdoor Spaces Ep. 2 – Helena Sawelin, Tillberg Design
About Helena Sawelin
Helena Sawelin is a Partner and Design Director at Tillberg Design of Sweden, one of the world’s leading design studios specializing in cruise ships and exclusive yachts. With over 20 years of experience, Helena leads multidisciplinary teams in creating elegant, functional, and forward-thinking environments for clients across the globe. Her expertise spans from master planning to the fine details of interiors and outdoor spaces—all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the open sea. Known for her creative leadership and thoughtful approach to guest experience, Helena is a driving force behind some of the most iconic maritime hospitality spaces sailing today.
With decades of experience leading projects for some of the world’s most iconic luxury vessels, Helena brings a distinctive lens to outdoor design—one where every decision must account for motion, weather exposure, and limited square footage. Hosted by Evan Troxell, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how outdoor environments are shaped when the setting is as dynamic as the sea itself.
Designing at Sea: Where Beauty Meets Constraint
While many architects and designers work with fixed environments, Helena and her team at Tillberg Design operate in a world of constant movement. From wind and salt exposure to passenger flow and safety codes, outdoor spaces on ships demand a high level of foresight and flexibility.
“You’re designing not just for visual appeal, but for comfort, safety, and a truly memorable experience—under any weather conditions,” Helena shares.
Whether it’s an open-air lounge, pool deck, or dining area, every detail is considered with multi-functionality and durability in mind. Materials must stand up to harsh maritime conditions, while furnishings must be thoughtfully placed to remain usable during shifting weather or crowded events.
Experience-Driven Design: Crafting the Guest Journey
For Helena, the goal is to create a seamless guest experience—where outdoor areas become destinations in their own right. That means designing spaces that not only look luxurious but invite guests to linger, connect, and immerse themselves in the surrounding seascape.
“The outdoor spaces are often the heart of the guest experience,” she notes. “They’re where people want to relax, celebrate, and take in the horizon. So, it’s crucial that every design decision enhances that emotional connection.”
Lighting, layout, and acoustics all come into play—just like in land-based hospitality—but here, Helena also considers the motion of the vessel and the ever-changing view. She discusses how her team plans around solar orientation, wind patterns, and even the ship’s itinerary to create adaptable, responsive environments.
Lessons for Land-Based Designers
While cruise ship design is a specialized field, Helena’s insights are valuable for any architect or designer looking to elevate their outdoor environments. From maximizing space to curating atmosphere and navigating regulatory constraints, her experience offers plenty of takeaways for those designing on solid ground.
If you’ve ever wondered how luxury outdoor spaces come to life on the open ocean—or want to rethink how you approach challenging outdoor environments—this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.
Helena’s passion for hospitality design shines through in this conversation, and her unique perspective will spark ideas for anyone working in—or adjacent to—outdoor space design.
Listen to the full episode here.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Archispeak, who continue to support insightful conversations for the architecture and design community.
