Born in India, and trained at IIT – Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and later at Art Centre College of Design Europe, in Switzerland, Satyendra Pakhalé established his practice in Amsterdam. An active member of the international design community – in the field of Industrial Design, Transportation and Architectural Design, he brings a unique cross-cultural perspective. We chat with the award-winning designer about how George Nelson influenced him, what his favourite spaces are and the little details that make him a Design Hunter.

Where you are from/live: I am from the heartland of India and live on the Borneo Island in Amsterdam, NL

What you do: Design

When did you first know you wanted to be a Designer: I did not know at all ever. It was a natural progression – I just kept on doing what I loved to do – to create and that happened to be the profession of design. I first knew lot later when I found a small book by George Nelson and realised this is what I would like to pursue in life.

Your latest project: ‘Kangeri Nomadic Radiator’ for the Italian company TUBES Radiatori

Where you find inspiration: In my curiosities

Three people that inspire/excite you:

1) Luis Barragán for creating deeply rooted quiet revolution

2) Issey Miyake for creating Industrial Design with cultural content

3) Ettore Sottsass Jr. for his creations from clay to computers and beyond

What is your favourite fruit: Mango

Helicopter model: PD.4 tandem-rotor design by Corradino d’Ascanio

Chair model: Valet chair by Hans Wegner for inventing a new typology of object

Residential space: Secret apartment of Carlo Mollino at Via Napione, Turin. The apartment took him eight years to design and build creating a sophisticated space of mystery

Commercial space: Carlo Scarpa’s Olivetti showroom at San Marco Square, Venice

Decorative product: Dieter Rams’s 606 Universal Shelving System

Functional product: Alvar Aalto’s Savoy Vase

Handmade good: Boeing 747-400

Mass-produced good: Life saving medicine

Item in your studio: Pencil Holder

Time of day to work/play: Early morning just out of bed

Meal: Simple & basic but prepared with lots of care

Restaurant: Osteria del Tempo Perso, Ostuni, Italy

Drink: Natural water without gas

Bar: Zanzibar

Piece of technology: Satellite communication

Historical figure: Ashoka

Fictional character: Champak Sasa

What does the term ‘Design Hunter’ mean to you?

Do not hunt, do not kill, do not consume for the sake of consumption but create your own aware way of life.