Sarah Mespelt Larranaga: Transforming Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Private Jets into Custom Works of Art
Transforming Private Aviation Through Design and Engineering
In the rarefied world of private aviation, where Gulfstream, Bombardier, and other high-end private jets represent the pinnacle of air travel, one designer has quietly set new standards in bespoke customization and engineering excellence. Sarah Mespelt Larranaga is a premier private jet designer and project manager whose portfolio spans more than one hundred aircraft. Her work merges technical precision with refined aesthetics to create highly personalized flying environments.
What sets Larranaga apart is not only the beauty of her interiors, but her holistic approach to design. She seamlessly integrates artistic vision, structural engineering, and meticulous project oversight. Her experience ranges from practical cabin fit-outs to fully bespoke flying sanctuaries tailored to each client’s lifestyle and operational needs.
The Intersection of Design, Engineering, and Aviation
Larranaga’s career in aviation design began with formal training in interior design and structural engineering, followed by early professional experience at Gulfstream Aerospace. Working within one of the most respected private jet manufacturers gave her firsthand exposure to the engineering challenges and regulatory standards that define business aviation interiors.
She later expanded her expertise at Jet Aviation, where she worked extensively with Bombardier aircraft. This role deepened her understanding of multiple airframes, materials, and certification requirements across a broad range of private jets.
Today, she draws on this combined foundation of aesthetics and engineering to manage complete design and delivery cycles for private jet projects worldwide. Her guiding philosophy is that quality design is achieved when form and function work together seamlessly.
Crafting Interiors for Gulfstream and Bombardier Platforms
Customization in private aviation now extends far beyond surface finishes or upholstery selections. Jet owners increasingly expect interiors that reflect their personal identity, travel habits, and business requirements. Whether designing a Bombardier Global 7500 for extended international travel or configuring a Gulfstream G700 for executive use, Larranaga approaches each project with equal precision and creativity.
One notable example is her collaborative work on the Bombardier Global 7500 with design partner Christopher Nobles. The interior concept divides the expansive cabin into clearly defined living zones for dining, entertainment, relaxation, and rest. This layout is designed to support the demands of long-haul intercontinental flight. This zoning approach reflects a broader evolution in private aviation, where cabins are expected to function as offices, luxury lounges, and private suites within a single aircraft.
Signature Projects and Industry Recognition
Larranaga’s reputation has continued to grow through high-profile projects that challenge conventional limits of private jet customization. Among the most widely discussed is SlivAir, a bespoke Gulfstream G450 created for Paris Hilton. Designed in collaboration with specialized teams and completed at Standard Aero, the aircraft features a distinctive exterior and richly personalized interior that reflects Hilton’s personal brand.
Beyond client recognition, her work has also earned respect within the design industry. Larranaga has been shortlisted for honors such as the International Yacht and Aviation Awards for private jet design concepts, including proposals for Gulfstream G700 interiors. These acknowledgments highlight the value of innovation when paired with technical excellence.
A Comprehensive Approach to Modern Private Jet Design
What distinguishes Larranaga in a competitive market is her ability to manage projects from concept through delivery. She oversees design development, vendor coordination, certification requirements, and final installation to ensure quality, schedule control, and compliance throughout the process.
Her background as both a designer and aviation structures engineer allows her to communicate effectively with clients, completion centers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. This dual expertise is especially valuable in an industry where aesthetics must align precisely with safety, weight, and performance standards. Whether tailoring a Gulfstream interior or developing a Bombardier Global 7500 concept, every detail is engineered with intention, from seating layouts to integrated technology systems.
The Growing Demand for Custom Private Jets
The market for custom private jets continues to expand as private aviation grows globally. Business travel, high-net-worth individual ownership, and increased expectations for comfort have elevated interior customization to a critical aspect of aircraft ownership. Modern customization includes advanced cabin management systems, high-speed connectivity, ergonomically optimized seating, and bespoke furnishings. These features enhance both the passenger experience and the long-term value of the aircraft. Larranaga’s projects reflect this evolution through the use of advanced materials, thoughtful layouts, and technology-forward solutions designed for modern travel demands.
What Clients Want and Why Design Matters
Owners of Gulfstream and Bombardier jets seek interiors that go beyond luxury finishes. They want spaces that are efficient, functional, and expressive of their personal identity. Common priorities include ergonomic seating for long flights, integrated entertainment and connectivity, weight-efficient materials that preserve range, and bespoke details that reflect individual style.
These expectations underscore the importance of working with a designer who understands both the aesthetic and technical aspects of private aviation. Larranaga’s experience across multiple aircraft platforms ensures that each interior delivers visual impact without compromising performance.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Technical Excellence
The future of private jet design will continue to be shaped by sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and seamless integration of technology and comfort. Larranaga’s work already anticipates these trends through innovative material choices and adaptable cabin configurations.
Her career reflects a lasting commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and client-focused solutions, establishing her as a respected voice in the private jet design community.
Redefining the Private Jet Experience
As private aviation evolves beyond simple transportation, the experience of flight has become central to aircraft design. Sarah Mespelt Larranaga brings vision, precision, and individuality to every project she undertakes. Whether transforming a Gulfstream into a custom flying salon or redefining a Bombardier cabin for long-range comfort, her work demonstrates how modern private jet design successfully blends artistry with engineering excellence. As demand for bespoke aviation solutions continues to grow, her influence on the future of luxury air travel remains unmistakable.