Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Marine Engineering Solutions in Chesapeake, VA
Donald L Blount & Associates is a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm specializing in the design and construction management of high-performance marine craft. Established in 1988, we provide consulting services for motor yachts, fiberglass recreational boats, and aluminum workboats, serving clients ranging from record-setting race boats to commercial marine tugs. As a division of Gibbs & Cox, Inc., we combine decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative vessel solutions. Our team collaborates directly with clients throughout the design process, ensuring projects meet functional and aesthetic objectives while adhering to rigorous engineering standards. We prioritize technological advancement, incorporating virtual reality, 3-D modeling, and advanced rendering tools to optimize design accuracy and client visualization.With over 1,200 projects completed globally, including luxury yachts like MY Alamshar and commercial vessels like Capt Bud, we maintain a reputation for excellence in both recreational and industrial marine sectors. Our engineers and naval architects bring extensive expertise in hydrodynamics, composite tooling, and shipyard quality programs, supported by academic backgrounds from institutions like Stevens Institute and Webb Institute. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, technical proficiency, and commitment to advancing industry standards through continuous innovation. We operate from Chesapeake, Virginia, with international shipyard partnerships, offering tailored solutions for diverse marine challenges.
Services
Naval Architecture
Marine Engineering
Construction Management
Design Styling
Technology Integration
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in naval architecture and marine engineering.
- Our team includes directors with specialized expertise in recreational and commercial boat design.
- We utilize advanced technologies like VR and 3-D modeling for precise design visualization.
- Our client-centric approach ensures direct collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
- We maintain international shipyard partnerships for global project execution.
What people say
Outstanding performance
Professional team
Cutting-edge technology
Client-focused approach
Global expertise
Services
Naval Architecture
DLBA provides comprehensive naval architecture services, focusing on structural integrity, hydrodynamic efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Our engineers optimize hull forms and stability for diverse marine environments. Clients benefit from decades of expertise in both recreational and commercial vessel design.
Marine Engineering
Our marine engineering services cover propulsion, electrical, and mechanical systems tailored to high-performance requirements. We ensure seamless integration with vessel design while prioritizing safety and operational efficiency. Clients receive solutions validated through rigorous testing and simulation.
Construction Management
DLBA offers end-to-end construction management, from material sourcing to quality assurance. Our team monitors shipyard processes to align with design specifications. Clients gain transparency and risk mitigation through our hands-on project oversight approach.
Design Styling
We create visually striking vessel exteriors and functional interiors using advanced 3-D modeling and VR tools. Our designs balance aesthetics with ergonomics and client preferences. This service ensures market differentiation while maintaining technical feasibility.
Technology Integration
DLBA incorporates cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and parametric modeling into marine design processes. This enhances precision and client engagement during development. Clients benefit from faster iterations and reduced risk of late-stage design changes.
People
Justin Lorio
Director of DLBA
Justin Lorio, Director of DLBA, holds a Doctorate in Naval Engineering from Stevens Institute. With over a decade in the marine industry, he specializes in hydrodynamics and aluminum boat design. He leads DLBA's technical initiatives.
Christopher Swanhart
Director of Recreational Boats
Christopher Swanhart, Director of Recreational Boats, has 20 years of experience in yacht design and construction management. He oversees projects ranging from custom sportfishers to production yachts, leveraging relationships with top builders worldwide.
Don Rickerson
Engineering Manager
Don Rickerson, Engineering Manager, holds degrees from Webb Institute and UCLA. He leads DLBA's multidisciplinary team, combining expertise in design, quality assurance, and shipboard testing to deliver technically robust marine solutions.
Questions
What services does Donald L Blount & Associates offer?
We provide naval architecture, marine engineering, construction management, and design styling for high-performance vessels.
How long has DLBA been in business?
DLBA has been designing marine vessels since 1988, with over 1,200 projects completed globally.
What types of vessels does DLBA design?
We design motor yachts, fiberglass recreational boats, aluminum workboats, patrol boats, and commercial tugs.
Where is DLBA based?
Our headquarters are in Chesapeake, Virginia, with international shipyard partnerships.
How does DLBA incorporate technology into designs?
We use VR, 3-D modeling, and advanced rendering tools to enhance design accuracy and client visualization.
