Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis ("IFS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

IFS : I hold a BSc in Industrial Design Engineering from Erciyes University and a full‑scholarship MA in Product & Furniture Design from Kingston University London.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

IFS : Design grew from a desire to improve human‑object relationships; childhood curiosity evolved into an academic and professional path.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

IFS : Becoming a designer was entirely my choice—early experiments with materials cemented that passion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

IFS : I design lighting and furniture; I aim to merge these fields with emerging fabrication technologies.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

IFS : Document your process, stay curious across disciplines, and embed sustainability from day one.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

IFS : A great designer makes the problem invisible and weaves cultural meaning into the solution.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

IFS : Longevity, manufacturability, material integrity, emotional resonance and cultural context.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

IFS : Good design adds sustainable brand value—an investment that outlives trends.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

IFS : Furniture and accessories for regenerative ecosystems.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

IFS : Prototyping my own furniture line remains a dream I’m actively pursuing.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

IFS : Rapid prototyping: I model ideas quickly, test them early, and iterate without attachment—speed exposes flaws before they fossilise.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

IFS : Mimar Sinan for spatial poetry; Dieter Rams for honest form; Jony Ive for humane tech.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

IFS : Sinan’s Selimiye Mosque balances light, scale and serenity; Braun SK4 and iPhone show timeless minimalism; Iris van Herpen’s “Voltage” proves fashion can be sculptural tech.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

IFS : The Akis light collection—because it harmonises reflection, user interaction and spiritual narrative.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

IFS : Cross‑read, join craft workshops, sketch daily—continuous, hands‑on learning is irreplaceable.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

IFS : I would probably explore material science—still driven by how matter behaves.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

IFS : Design is a psychological interface between people and objects.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

IFS : My family—unconditional belief and critique in equal measure.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IFS : Openness to critique and the discipline to iterate fast.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

IFS : Limited resources and widespread misinterpretation of minimalism.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

IFS : With a clear narrative arc and transparent process visuals—story first, slides later.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

IFS : A kinetic lighting installation exploring reflected motion—launching 2025.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

IFS : Maintain a sustainable personal collection that positively affects users’ psychology and space.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

IFS : What people expect from you Innovative, sustainable and aesthetically refined solutions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IFS : Thoughtful design improves accessibility and environmental responsibility.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

IFS : Prototype tests for the kinetic installation’s reflective panels.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

IFS : Akis—because I handled every phase from concept to exhibition.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

IFS : Fully circular materials and transparent supply chains.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

IFS : Toward bio‑based materials and deeper interdisciplinary collaboration.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

IFS : Anywhere from two weeks to two years—brief dictates pace.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

IFS : Problem definition and user scenario mapping.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IFS : “Interrupt me only with better ideas.”

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

IFS : Design sparks trends; societal needs refine them.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

IFS : Technology accelerates making; design gives it meaning—inseparable duo.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

IFS : SolidWorks, KeyShot, AutoCAD, Adobe CC, a calliper and good lighting for sketches.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

IFS : They set psychological comfort and stage the experience.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

IFS : “Which manufacturing methods did you choose and why?”

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

IFS : “I wish I’d thought of that,” then I study its manufacturing details.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

IFS : A materials scientist—co‑design amplifies innovation.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

IFS : My family—constant, candid feedback.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

IFS : “Materials Matter” and “Japandi Living” reshaped my material philosophy.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

IFS : On‑the‑job learning, workshop practice and design competitions.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

IFS : Mimar Sinan—to discuss light and architecture.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

IFS : They motivate, but quality remains the true focus.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

IFS : Colour → Orange; Place → Kayseri; Food → İçli Köfte; Season → Winter; Object → Shoes; Brand → Paşabahçe.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

IFS : In a student critique I froze, glared at the jury, then realised nerves were my real opponent—now I laugh at it.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

IFS : Sweet desserts and a finished prototype—they both open new horizons.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

IFS : Yes—my Lego and cardboard models were early clues.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

IFS : Bio‑materials and radically inclusive design ecosystems.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

IFS : Sustainability is my compass; I’ll keep telling stories through light—thank you for following the journey.