Designers of private jets typically have their visions gate-checked from the beginning because of the weight restrictions of flying (every ounce counts to make a jet more efficient) as well as FAA requirements that all materials and equipment have to undergo strict certification for airworthiness. That often means that not only are beautiful, grandiose ideas left on the cutting-room floor, but even coffeemakers can get nixed for not passing certification. There are times when designers let their imaginations run wild to show what jet interiors could look like with the shackles off, though. The Solrise concept, recently released by San Antonio-based designer Natalie Rodriguez, is a good example. Reimagining the 2,458-square-foot interior of a BBJ 787-8, a variant of Boeing’s Dreamliner for heads of state and VVIPs, Rodriguez wanted passengers to forget they were on a jet at all by providing luxury comforts more closely associated with a five-star hotel. “It’s about creating..
