Antonio Navarro, Creative Director at Kettal

Where in the world do we find you?

In Barcelona, the same city where I was born.

What is your favourite room at home?

Because of the temperate climate here, I love spending time in the garden. Being able to look at the sky, see the trees and enjoy the sun and the breeze is one of the sensations that I enjoy most, especially early in the morning.

Any must-read books?

I like fun and entertaining reading, but my favourite book is without a doubt 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez. A work of art in itself, I love the irony in which it explains the human condition, and, although it is located in America, it could be anywhere. It's universal.

Where do you like to eat out?

Exploring the world through food is undoubtedly the best way to travel and learn about other cultures. I think it's true when people say the best way to get to know a place is through its cuisine; their way of cooking and the unique ingredients found in different regions.

1967 novel 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, published by Penguin.

Barcelona city's grid pattern from above.

What is on your playlist?

You can find out here on Spotify or here on Apple Music.

An up-and-coming designer to watch?

Well, there are many. It's complicated, because very young designers lack experience, and many experienced designers lack the freshness of youth. As always, the virtue is in balance. The emerging designers whose work I admire include Jun Yashimoto, Keiji Takeuji, Michel Charlot or Madda Cassadei. I think they all have a very honest and pure way of understanding design.

Some of the designers or movements that inspire you?

All the designers I work with at Kettal inspire me. I feel very lucky to be able to work with them. They each have their own unique perspective and are authentic design masters.

Your favourite building or architect?

If there is a character I really admire, it would have to be Jean Prouvé. He was a builder, architect, designer, engineer, materials researcher and entrepreneur. His skills encompassed everything you need to be able to design, manufacture and build industrially.

I am fascinated by how he understood design and especially architecture. The challenge posed in today's times is how to produce industrially (that is, efficiently and effectively) and create specific, unique solutions appropriate to the localised conditions of place, resources and use. His concept of multi-purpose spaces, today so widely used, were in his time, very resisted.

In the history of design, there must only be very few such accomplished professionals with such a strong personality.

A piece of furniture you own and love?

Well, I have two objects that are very similar, only they were designed at different times. The Cesta lamp by Miguel Mila and the Mayday lamp by Konstantin Grigc. Both fulfilled the same function at different times, and are pieces of extreme simplicity but with visual strength, which is why they are considered icons of contemporary design.

The Cesta ('basket') was created in 1962 with rattan and a plastic balloon. The idea was to put a glass shade into a basket to be able to transport it from one place to another and illuminate different situations.

Meanwhile, Mayday was designed in 1999 using plastic and is also not intended for any one particular setting but rather is able to be easily moved and used in a range of different environments.

Cesta table lamp (1962) by Miguel Milá for Santa & Cole.

Mayday table lamp (1999) by Konstantin Grcic.

Konstantin Grcic.

An important iconic furniture piece you covet?

I really like the Gilda armchair by Carlo Mollino. Not only because it is a functional and beautiful object, but also because of the designer. He was fascinating character; an architect, designer, photographer, writer, car designer and even a pilot. He seems to have lived several lives in one, which fascinates me because I don't know how he managed to fit it all in.

Three designers you would take with you to a deserted Island?

I would take two designers who, due to their talent, practicality, common sense and inventiveness, would allow me to leave the island: I think that with Konstantin [Grcic] and Jasper [Morrison]. We could make something interesting that would float long enough to leave the island together and arrive at a port somewhere that has a bar.

Jasper Morrison.

What first comes to mind when you think of Australian Design

Earth, nature, culture, modernity…

Can you share what you are working on at the moment?

I can't share anything in particular at the moment. I am lucky to be able to choose the projects we work on, which is a privilege that allows me to get excited about all of them. Every detail, every solution is a challenge. I am also lucky to be able to share this with everyone on the team.

Discover Kettal's collection of outdoor furniture and workplace pavilions here.