Interview with Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis

Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis ("IFS") interviewed on Saturday, 3 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

IFS : I have five years of industrial‑design experience and three years in lighting. At Tepta Lighting I contributed to more than 65 projects and have also completed numerous freelance commissions.

How did you become a designer?

IFS : As a child I was forever drawing and re‑imagining my toys. A degree in Industrial Design Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Product and Furniture Design in London, turned that curiosity into a profession.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

IFS : My priorities are: 1. the psychological relationship between people and products 2. material honesty and quality 3. modularity and manufacturability. The workflow is rapid model → CAD → physical prototype.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

IFS : First sketches bring curiosity and adrenaline; fabrication requires patience; switching the light on for the first time gives a calm thrill.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

IFS : Anatolian craft heritage taught me patience; the multidisciplinary culture in the UK broadened my outlook; professional life honed my people skills.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

IFS : I aim to launch new lighting collections and create decorative furniture. At present I’m developing a large‑scale lighting installation.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

IFS : Don’t fear prototyping, find mentors, stay interdisciplinary and document your journey.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

IFS : Keep your process transparent, place sustainability at the core and share knowledge with the community.

What is your day to day look like?

IFS : Morning: coffee and email. Mid‑day: workshop and CAD work. Evening: exercise and sketching—structured yet flexible.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

IFS : I follow design and interior‑architecture journals, fairs and biennials. I keep an eye on trends but always prioritise timelessness.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

IFS : A design is good when function, emotion and manufacturability are in harmony; longevity and cultural resonance reinforce that harmony.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

IFS : If further tweaks start to dilute the core idea, the design is finished—though I always leave the door open for future refinement.

What is your biggest design work?

IFS : The Crackdown collection, which merges light and texture poetically and has earned international recognition.

Who is your favourite designer?

IFS : Mimar Sinan—he fused timeless beauty with engineering mastery.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

IFS : I live simply yet meaningfully, rooted in heritage and tradition. In aesthetics I favour values that are timeless and enduring.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

IFS : My practice rests on discipline, clarity and solid foundations; I strive to consider every detail, create lasting value and execute with meticulous care.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

IFS : I volunteer as a mentor for design students, supporting their development free of charge.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

IFS : The award boosted my global visibility and reputation, connected me with an international design community and gave me fresh motivation.

Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis Profile