BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Vernacular architect Porky Hefer’s work and signature human-scale nests are prompted by a deep love of nature and a desire to embrace its inherent design wisdom

You’re a trend innovator rather than a follower but are there any current design directions that resonate with you?

I’m very happy to see the return to handcraft and a celebration of local traditions and techniques. It’s extremely important to preserve these. Making things by hand is the most sustainable way to produce.

Do you have anything you collect?

I like handmade things, like beautifully crafted wooden toys. I love toys. My favourite toy at the moment is a solar-powered dancing monkey I found in Basel — it starts dancing when the sun comes up and doesn’t stop till it drops. It makes me smile every day.

Which artists and designers do you admire — what is it about their work that you enjoy?

Bruce Goff is an American architect who woke me up. His unconventional buildings and use of space and materials is still groundbreaking. He’s credited with inventing the sunken lounge of which I am a big fan. Mexican organic architect Javier Senosiain’s buildings push the boundaries of what is possible. I love the layers and textures of Athi-Patra Ruga’s work. Francis Bacon too — for not being scared to reveal his true self and mind.

What is your favourite piece of design of all time?

It’s between Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, which he started building in 1882 and is still not complete. Or the Great Mosque in Djenne, a temple to vernacular architecture.

What skills that you gained during your time in advertising have been useful in design?

I was fortunate to be part of Hunt Lascaris in its heyday and I learnt a lot from John Hunt. I also learnt about disruption from Jean Marie Dru, who taught me never to be the same as my competition, and always reinvent the category.