We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis ("IFS").
İbrahim Fatih Satılmış is a multidisciplinary industrial designer with a Master’s degree in Product and Furniture Design from Kingston University and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Erciyes University. Currently serving as a Senior Industrial Designer at TEPTA Lighting, he specialises in lighting product development, combining strong aesthetic sensibilities with technical precision. His expertise spans 3D modelling, production drawing, and design consultancy, enabling the creation of products that are both visually compelling and highly functional. He is known for his collaborative approach and meticulous attention to detail, qualities that consistently contribute to efficient and high-quality project outcomes. In his practice, he actively uses tools such as Solidworks, Keyshot, and Adobe Suite to support the design process from concept to production. With a growing portfolio that reflects both creativity and clarity, Satılmış continues to shape meaningful design solutions within the lighting industry and beyond.
Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis.
Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis Design - Crackdown Decorative Lighting
Designer Interview of Ibrahim Fatih Satilmis:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
IFS : I earned a BSc in Industrial Design Engineering at Erciyes University, then an MA in Product & Furniture Design at Kingston University London. Since childhood I have dismantled objects to understand how they speak through material and form; becoming a designer was the natural outcome.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IFS : tudio Soldout is my Istanbul‑based freelance practice, offering industrial design, engineering, brand identity and digital design. Every project blends minimal aesthetics with cultural context.
DI: What is "design" for you?
IFS : Design is a psychological bridge: people articulate themselves through the objects around them.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IFS : Lighting is my greatest joy since my MA, followed closely by brand identity projects.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IFS : Quiet minimalism—few materials, strong emotion. Pinning it to one product would understate the idea.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IFS : In 2018 I designed a home‑use medical microscope for a local start‑up.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
IFS : Wood and metal: I enjoy the dialogue between warmth and cool precision.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IFS : At peak workload—pressure sparks unconventional solutions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IFS : Balancing aesthetics with manufacturability.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IFS : Curiosity, a flutter of excitement, and the thrill of problem‑solving.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IFS : Touching the finished piece still makes my heart race.
DI: What makes a design successful?
IFS : Authentic first reactions from users and peers.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IFS : If it reaches an effective solution quickly, its impact endures.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IFS : Create value without depleting resources—sustainability is non‑negotiable.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IFS : More circular and interdisciplinary than ever.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
IFS : Last: London, 2021. Next goal: a solo show in Istanbul by late 2025.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
IFS : Urban textures, light–shadow interplay and Anatolian craft heritage.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
IFS : Quiet minimalism with tactile surprise: “less material, more emotion”.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
IFS : Istanbul’s cultural collage constantly feeds my work—rich but occasionally chaotic.
DI: How do you work with companies?
IFS : Define scope clearly, run iterative prototype–feedback loops.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
IFS : Look for active listening and transparent process management.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
IFS : Research → concept deck → CAD & engineering → prototype → production
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
IFS : Pieces I designed myself rank highest.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
IFS : Mornings: emails & production checks; afternoons: CAD and client sessions; evenings: gym, quiet sketching.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
IFS : Seek hands‑on experience and learn from masters.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
IFS : Lifelong learning, – constant shortage of time.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
IFS : Challenge conventional manufacturing limits.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
IFS : Empathy and rapid comprehension.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
IFS : SolidWorks, KeyShot, AutoCAD, Adobe CC—and a trusty calliper.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
IFS : Notion for task tracking keeps projects organised and on schedule.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
IFS : Two weeks to two years—whatever is needed to meet the brief meaningfully.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
IFS : “Can we make it cheaper without changing the look?”
DI: What was your most important job experience?
IFS : Every minute at Tepta Lighting shaped my approach to light.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
IFS : Tepta Aydınlatma aracılığıyla oteller ve özel üretim talep eden müşteriler.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
IFS : Lighting, because it marries design intuition with rigorous engineering.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
IFS : Launch new lighting collections and furniture.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
IFS : I design solo but rely on honest feedback from family and designer friends.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
IFS : Developing a new lighting installation exploring kinetic reflection.
DI: How can people contact you?
IFS : info@ibrahimfatih.com / info@studiosoldout.com • LinkedIn & Instagram @studiosoldout
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
IFS : Here’s to a brighter design future—thank you for reading.