PHILOSOPHY
Ocean is our origin.
​
We are witnessing a profound transformation of society, driven by a growing awareness of our place within the natural world. At Novem, we embrace this shift as a call to reconnect — with nature, with the sea, and with our essential human nature.
Through design, we create vessels that transcend utility. Each project is a crafted response to the desire for authenticity, emotion, and beauty — a way to magnify the experience of life at sea and awaken a deeper presence on the water.
EXPERTISE
Novem Nautical Design specializes in high-end exterior and interior design, tailored specifically to the unique demands of life at sea.
We offer:
​
New Design Studies
We develop original concepts for sailing and motor yachts, blending functionality, refinement, and seaworthiness. Each project begins with a clear, bespoke vision — shaped in close collaboration with owners, shipyards, and naval partners.
​
Refit Design
We rethink and revitalize existing vessels, optimizing layout, aesthetics, and onboard systems. Our refits breathe new life into yachts, uniting contemporary design with the soul of the original.
​
Boat Conversions
We support the transformation of working or utilitarian vessels into leisure crafts — or entirely new typologies. From feasibility analysis to concept design and visual documentation, we bring structure and vision to complex evolutions.​
​
Research & Development
At Novem, we believe that innovation is a natural extension of our design process. We support R&D initiatives that explore new ways of living at sea through concepts, energy and propulsion systems, or design philosophies. We collaborate with shipyards, engineering teams, and technology partners to envision the future of life on the water.​
​
Through a collaborative network of naval architects, engineers, builders, and craftspeople, we ensure that each design is both beautiful and buildable — from the first line to the final detail. Our process is flexible, transparent, and rooted in a deep respect and love for the marine environment.
.
WHO
William Brehelin is a French designer and naval architect with deep experience across the international yachting and maritime industries. He has worked on large-scale projects with some of the world’s most innovative shipyards and design firms, navigating between technicality and artistic sensibility.
​
After years abroad, he founded Novem and returned to his roots in Brittany, France — a place where the ocean’s raw, untamed energy is part of daily life. From there, he draws inspiration to create vessels that resonate with meaning, precision, and emotion.