As we introduce the judges for this year’s CSI Awards, we’re delighted to focus the spotlight on one of our Future Leaders who will be joining the judging panel: Lauren West.
Born and raised in the cruise industry, Lauren’s career has taken her from naval architecture and technical design to leading fleet-wide maintenance, refurbishment and newbuild projects at AmaWaterways. Today, she works at the intersection of design, operations and long-term strategy, helping shape the future of the company’s global river fleet.
Congratulations on being nominated as a Future Leader! Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your role and how you got there?
I was born & raised in the cruise industry, which led me to pursue naval architecture – studying at Webb Institute and starting my career at Foreship in Helsinki.
I joined AmaWaterways in 2018 as a Naval Architect, where I had the opportunity to help shape a new role within the company. Over time, my focus expanded from technical design into leading fleet-wide maintenance, refurbishments, and newbuild projects.
Today, I oversee fleet development across our global river fleet, working at the intersection of design, operations, and long-term strategy to ensure our vessels continue to evolve with both guest expectations and operational needs.
Your work takes place in the cruise ship interiors industry. Can you share your project management manifesto?
I believe great ship interiors start with aligning design vision and operational reality from the very beginning. My focus is on connecting designers, technical teams, and onboard operations to ensure designs are both achievable and sustainable. The goal is to create interiors that feel good and are loved – by guests and crew alike.
Handing the mic over to you – what’s an area of your work or the industry that you are itching to discuss?
I’m excited by how innovative onboard design continues to elevate the guest experience, from flexible public spaces to new dining and wellness concepts. These innovations are opening fresh opportunities for collaboration and creativity, which is energizing for the industry as a whole.
Can you explain how, if at all, your job role interacts with sustainability practices?
In my role, sustainability starts with thoughtful design. By maintaining a level of design consistency across the fleet, we can optimize orders, production, and transport – reducing waste and carbon footprint. We also prioritize locally sourced materials and artisanal elements, especially in exotic destinations, and select durable, renewable, and high-quality products that perform long-term. To make this work, I rely on close collaboration with colleagues and suppliers to understand product availability, ensuring we choose items that will remain in production for years, avoiding costly or wasteful replacements.
Of course, this is a celebration of leadership. If you could distil your thoughts on leadership into one principle, what would it be and why?
Empowerment – trusting, supporting, and enabling team members to take ownership of their work. Empowered teams grow, succeed, and are more willing to innovate, creating a culture where ideas can flourish and challenges are met with confidence.
We look forward to celebrating our Future Leaders in person at CSI Design Expo Europe on 2 – 3 December 2026. Join us by registering now for your free pass.
Stay tuned for more Future Leader interviews, articles, and industry news coming soon.
