I’ve got a bright idea! How about lighting up your life in a whole new way? Volker Haug is the most innovative light designer in town, and he has a brand new studio in the Abbottsford Convent to envision and execute. His lights are minimalist and industrial in design, and they always, always set the mood. What does Volker do when the lights go out? Keep reading.

1. Why is light great?


Because you can influence the feeling of a space with light which
fascinates me. Being able to get the mood just right.... needless to say
 I'm a big fan of dimmers ;-)

2. What inspires you most? A sunny day?


Traveling inspires me, going to places I've never been before, walking
 down a road for the first time and discovering new things...

3. You said, “I love educating people on the potential lighting can have on our lives.” Please educate us!

Well... a good start would be to become aware of what sort of lights you
 have in your room/ office... and thinking about how this makes you feel. 
Trying out different scenarios with some portable lighting first to see if
this makes a difference. Often I find having a few different lights in one room such as ceiling, floor and desk lighting makes a big difference. Then also as the day/night mood progresses you can turn these on/off/
up/down...

4. Do you have any insight into the age-old question of how many people it takes to change a light bulb?

Well these days it seems that it takes a whole government to change the light bulb - yes it's a lighting designer’s nightmare.

5. What do you do when the lights go out? If that’s private, what do you do when the power goes out?

When the lights go out I dream of lights! And yes not everyone is happy about that...

When the power goes out, lucky I still love candles, I'm a big fan of earth hour, we should have it weekly! Ironically enough before my recent VIP opening at my studio I had a nightmare that the power went out. On the night my nightmare came true! Luckily it was when the DJ was setting up and before anyone had arrived, phew!!!

6. What place has the best lighting in Melbourne?

Besides my apartment... and my studio... and the places that feature my lighting designs... ;-)

...I love Geoffrey Mance's lighting designs, especially his installationsin The George dining room as well as Tilkah - both in St. Kilda.