Welcome back to another #CSIPlus Meet the Member Interview! Today we will be joined by Frank Ewering CEO at Frescolori.de GmbH. Take it away Frank!
What do you do at your company and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
“I am the Founder and Managing Director of Frescolori.de GmbH. We develop and produce high-quality mineral-based fillers for seamless wall, floor and bathroom designs – Made in Germany. In my role, I combine product innovation, strategic orientation and brand development to create a holistic concept for the future. People come to me when they not only want to design rooms, but also turn them into an emotional experience – with natural materials, perfect craftsmanship and sustainable exclusivity. Our seamless surface solutions are particularly popular in the cruise sector due to their hygiene benefits, aesthetics and durability. Decision-makers come to me when they are looking for an individual, stylish solution that combines design, sustainability and functionality at the highest level.”
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
“What many underestimate: As CEO, it’s not just about figures and management. I am deeply involved in the development of new ideas, products and partnerships. My focus is on the “why” and the “how” – why we do something and how we create a special customer experience from it. I also see my role as recognising potential, enabling new paths and supporting our partners in getting the best out of our solutions – especially where the highest demands are placed on quality and individuality.”
Has your company got any upcoming projects that you can talk about?
“Yes, we have a lot going on at the moment. We are particularly proud of our new product Rolamor – an innovative marble plaster that is easy to roll up, textured with a trowel and only needs to be sanded and dusted the next day after drying. The big advantage: processing is 3-4 times faster than with conventional marble plasters – with a consistently high-quality, sustainable and breathable surface. A good example of the international appeal of our products: An exclusive wedding hall in Tokyo was recently designed entirely with Frescolori surfaces by one of our partners – an impressive project that combines tradition, design and craftsmanship in a special way.”
What has been your favourite cruise project to work on?
“One of the exciting and formative chapters for me was the design of almost a dozen cruise ships – including several ships in the AIDA fleet. In these projects, we were able to show what is possible with high-quality, seamless surfaces. Each room was designed to not only fulfil functional requirements, but to become a real design highlight through materiality, texture and finish. One of my favourite projects was the AIDA Mar, especially the atrium area. Here, FRESCOLORI was applied with a golden glaze on diamond-shaped tiles. The combination of texture, shape and finish created a truly striking and luxurious centerpiece that reflects both craftsmanship and creativity. It’s a perfect example of how our materials can take the atmosphere of high-end maritime spaces to a new level. What particularly excites me is that our mineral systems make it possible to achieve extraordinary results under extreme conditions – such as weight restrictions, strict fire protection requirements and high design standards. Every ship is unique, and our surfaces play a key role in making this character visible and tangible. Such projects impressively demonstrate that we don’t just supply materials – we design spaces that leave an impression.”
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
“My drive is a combination of curiosity, consistency and genuine team orientation. I constantly ask myself the question: How can we do even better? – both in terms of our product and the effect for the customer. At the same time, I see things through to perfection with the utmost consistency. This attitude has enabled us to develop a niche product such as lime marble plaster into an international premium material – even in particularly demanding markets such as the cruise industry. At the same time, I am firmly convinced that real and sustainable success can only be achieved as a team. I see myself as a team player who responds to people’s needs, inspires, supports and appreciates them. This culture of trust and creativity is a central part of our identity at FRESCOLORI. It has made us strong internally – and created trust externally: with customers, partners and craftsmen worldwide.”
Could you share the most significant obstacle you have faced in your career so far, particularly in cruise work? Or, have you ever encountered any problems in cruise work that required you to learn a new skillset?
“One of the biggest challenges when working on cruise ships is the tightly timed construction process and the dependence on other trades. Delays or last-minute changes are not uncommon if previous work is not completed on time. This requires very precise planning and, above all, flexibility. I have learned that it is crucial to check everything on the construction site before we start – no matter what is on the schedule. These situations have significantly strengthened my coordination and problem-solving skills on site.”
What inspired you to pursue this field of work?
“What inspired me to work in the maritime industry is the sheer creativity and ambition of the architects involved. The designs are often grand, visionary and incredibly detailed – which makes the work really exciting. It’s a real pleasure and privilege to contribute to such impressive projects and help design spaces that leave a lasting impression. The creative energy behind these designs is something that continues to motivate and inspire me.”
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“What many people don’t know: I come from a traditional trade – my grandfather was a master painter and I grew up with colours, materials and design. I was out and about on building sites from an early age and helped out myself for many years. This family background and practical experience still influence my decisions today. I don’t just think in terms of concepts, but above all in terms of solution-oriented approaches that work on the construction site and create real added value. This combination of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation ultimately gave rise to the idea of setting up our own lime and marble plaster production. Today, our products are used all over the world – on cruise ships as well as in exclusive architectural projects on land. This heritage and passion for design still characterise my work today. I speak German and English and also understand Dutch quite well, which is very useful given my proximity to the Dutch border. In my spare time, I occasionally enjoy playing golf. It’s a good way for me to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of work.”
What are the most significant changes you have seen in the Cruise Interior sector since you started, and what emerging trends do you foresee shaping its future?
“Since I started working in cruise ship interiors, the industry has changed fundamentally. In the past, the focus was primarily on functionality and durability – robust materials, simple solutions. Today, the requirements have increased significantly: it’s all about holistic room concepts that combine design, comfort, sustainability and technical precision at the highest level. Architects’ expectations have become more creative and individual, and the materials used must be both aesthetically and technically convincing. Today, seamless, easy-care and hygienic surfaces that are not only visually appealing but also easy to clean and durable are particularly in demand. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of natural, low-pollutant materials and resource-saving solutions – aspects that are perfect for our mineral systems. Three key trends are emerging for the future:
1. Individualization – every ship should be unique in terms of design.
2. Digitalization of planning and construction processes – for greater efficiency and flexibility.
3. Sustainable materials that combine design requirements with environmental responsibility.
In short: the industry is becoming more exclusive, more conscious and more technically sophisticated – and this is precisely where we bring real added value with our solutions.”
Do you have a fun-fact or piece of advice about your company/industry that you can share?
“Here’s a little anecdote from the field: Our FRESCOLORI CARAMOR Structure surface had been installed on a ship. A member of the maintenance team was really surprised when he discovered that stains could be easily removed with a sanding pad – something he had never known before. For him, it was almost magical how quickly and effortlessly the surface looked like new again. Moments like these show how practical and well thought-out our materials really are.”
Do you specialise in a particular type of product? What makes it different to competitors?
“Yes, we specialize in high-quality, seamless mineral-based surfaces – especially for walls, floors and bathrooms. The focus here is on our lime-marble plaster systems, which offer a wide range of design options that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Our products are breathable, sustainable, customizable and extremely durable. What makes us truly unique is that all FRESCOLORI® products are based on a secret formula that I developed myself – and that only I and my two sons know. This unique base consists of 96% mineral ingredients and is therefore absolutely incomparable on the market. It not only ensures a special feel and look, but also a noticeably natural indoor climate and exceptional material quality. Another difference is the ease of application of our systems: An extended open time gives fabricators more flexibility to create precise and flawless surfaces. In combination with our training strategy – only trained specialist companies are allowed to process our products – we ensure the highest quality and consistent results in the long term.”
If you could recommend only one of your products, what would it be?
“If I had to recommend just one of our products, it would be ROLAMOR. It is characterized by its fast and efficient application, its excellent ease of maintenance and its high-quality design. It’s no surprise that it has already won several design awards. ROLAMOR perfectly combines aesthetics with practicality, making it the ideal choice for demanding projects where both time and quality are important.”
What kind of questions do you ask before beginning a project, and which piece of information is of utmost value in planning a successful project?
“Before we start a project, we ask specific questions to fully understand the intended use, the requirements and the design vision. Among other things, we are interested in – What is the function of the space and how will it be used? – What atmosphere should be created – what design objective is the focus? – Are there any technical requirements such as fire protection, humidity, hygiene or durability? – What is the construction plan and schedule – and which trades are involved? – Who are the contacts on site – architects, project managers, fabricators? – Will the space be used privately, publicly or in a maritime environment? Understanding the actual use of the space is of particular value to us. Only when we know what a room needs to achieve – technically, visually and emotionally – can we select the right surface or even develop a customized solution if required. Successful implementation depends on early involvement, close coordination and open communication. The earlier we are involved, the better the materials, patterns and processing techniques can be matched to the overall vision. For us, realistic schedules and a shared understanding of quality are the key to a smooth process and a result that is not only visually appealing but also functional – sustainably and for the long term.”
What role does sustainability play in your company? How do you incorporate environmentally friendly practices and materials?
“Sustainability is not a trend for us – it is deeply rooted in our corporate DNA and a central component of our company philosophy. Our products consist of 96% natural raw materials such as lime, marble and water. They are low-emission and harmless to building biology and actively contribute to regulating the indoor climate thanks to their diffusion openness. We pursue a holistic, sustainable approach: our surfaces are extremely durable and low-maintenance, which conserves resources throughout the entire life cycle of a building. In production, we focus on a closed cycle, short transportation routes, conscious use of energy and the avoidance of unnecessary waste. In addition, we promote conscious, responsible craftsmanship through intensive training programs worldwide. Our aim is not only to inspire through design and quality, but also to take active responsibility for the environment and future generations – with materials that are both ecologically and aesthetically pleasing.”
What goals have you met so far in 2025? Or, what goals/milestones are you working to meet this year?
“We have already reached some important milestones in 2025: we have further expanded our presence in the maritime sector and successfully completed several international projects. We are particularly proud of the launch of new surfaces that set new standards in design and performance. For the rest of the year, we are focusing on strengthening the market position of our sustainable product line and improving digital support for designers and installers – through interactive training formats and digital material samples. Our aim is to bring innovation, design and sustainability even closer together.”
How do you reconcile craftsmanship and industrial scalability in maritime interior design?
“This is one of the most exciting challenges – and this is exactly where our strength lies. Our surfaces are deeply rooted in craftsmanship, each with its own unique character and texture. At the same time, we develop formulations and application techniques that ensure efficiency, repeatability and reliability, even on large shipbuilding projects. With training, sample boards and close coordination with contractors and shipyards, we ensure that design and quality are not lost under industrial time pressures, but rather excel in them.”
Thank you for a great article Frank Ewering! You can meet the Frescolori.de GmbH team on Stand N34 at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe at the Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH on the 3 – 4 of December! 🚢
