We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Ignacio Martínez Todeschini about their original and creative Luminaire design work. Ignacio Martínez Todeschini is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original luminaire works.
Ignacio Martínez Todeschini ("IMT") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Orbita Luminaire. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
IMT : The main principle behind Órbita is the reinterpretation of celestial motion through an interactive lighting piece. Inspired by the rhythm and precision of planetary orbits, the design invites users to engage with the luminaire, altering its position and intensity to reflect personal atmospheres.
IMT : My focus was to create a high-end lighting piece that balances aesthetics and interaction. I aimed to design an object that not only illuminates but also evokes a contemplative experience—an object that is timeless, poetic, and technically precise.
IMT : We are refining the technical details to begin industrial production. The goal is to place Órbita in international showrooms and design galleries, while also exploring limited editions for collectors and architectural projects.
IMT : The entire design process took approximately one year, from the initial sketches to the exhibition-ready prototype shown at SaloneSatellite 2025 in Milan
IMT : Órbita was born as a design commission from Ignacio Noel. Part of the brief was to use Fenix material to create a lamp and showcase it in Milan. For me, it was a personal challenge that pushed my abilities as a designer to the limit. Ultimately, what began as a commissioned project led to a strong partnership with Ignacio—we worked together throughout the entire design process and ended up representing Argentina as a team, with a bold and striking piece at Salone del Mobile Milano.
IMT : The rights and development of the product are managed with IWish Deco. Our plan is to scale up production and explore international distribution while maintaining artistic control over the design and its identity.
IMT : I’ve always been fascinated by lighting objects as emotional and sculptural entities. Órbita allowed me to integrate poetic inspiration with precision mechanics, resulting in a design that resonates both visually and conceptually.
IMT : While not directly referenced, I draw inspiration from a wide range of disciplines—from Latin American craftsmanship to minimalistic European design, as well as the poetic technicality of Francisco Gómez Paz and the material philosophy of Tapio Wirkkala.
IMT : The ideal customer is a design-conscious individual or institution—collectors, architects, and interior designers—looking for sculptural lighting that transcends the ordinary
IMT : Órbita stands out due to its rotational mechanism, its tactility, and the abstract representation of planetary motion. It also combines rare materials like Fenix NTM® and fine metal detailing to create a luxurious and timeless presence.
IMT : The name 'Órbita' directly references its inspiration: orbital movement. It evokes a sense of continuity, rhythm, and elegance—all present in the design’s geometry and function.
IMT : I used Rhinoceros 3D for modeling, Grasshopper for parametric exploration, KeyShot for renderings, and Adobe Suite for communication and presentation. Manual sketching was also fundamental in the early stages.
IMT : Its most unique feature is the interaction. The user can physically rotate the light direction, creating a dialogue between movement, form, and ambiance.
IMT : I worked closely with Ignacio Noel, who brought deep insight into production feasibility and brand positioning. Technical aspects and prototype production were supported by engineers and suppliers from Catavorello, an Argentine company that exclusively distributes SCM machinery to the entire industry. FENIX NTM materials were provided by Carpi Argentina, the company with exclusive distribution rights for the material throughout the country.
IMT : Technology was essential, particularly in the design of the complex rotation system and the use of a patented material for touch-friendly interaction and a particular reflection of light on the ultra-matte surface. The advanced machinery used for CNC prototyping also let us manufacture precision and complex aspects of the design. Digital tools also helped us visualize and prototype effectively.
IMT : The research was mostly observational and experimental—analyzing celestial mechanics, deeply studying material properties, and reviewing user interactions with light. It was more qualitative than quantitative.
IMT : Balancing form with function was a challenge, especially ensuring the rotation mechanism worked seamlessly. Another key challenge was sourcing high-quality materials and processes in Argentina for an internationally competitive piece.
IMT : After presenting Órbita at SaloneSatellite, in Milano, and receiving great feedback from the audience, I felt it had the maturity and distinctiveness to be recognized on a global stage. The A’ Design Award felt like the right platform to celebrate and share this achievement.
IMT : This project pushed my ability to merge poetic intention with technical precision. I learned to manage timelines, collaborate effectively, and articulate design decisions both visually and conceptually. I also learned that working with a good and visionary team is just as important as having a great idea.
IMT : Órbita is not just a product—it’s a statement about how we can humanize technology and celebrate emotion through design. It embodies my values as a designer and reflects the voice of contemporary Latin American creativity.
