Germany-born designer Volker Haug started as a hairdresser, but his childhood enthrallment with light shaped the course of his creative journey. Today, Haug is the director of a lighting firm, Volker Haug Studio, where he works with a talented team of 20 designers and makers from across the world. Haug and his team recently won the 2025 Melbourne Design Week Award for the studio’s innovative and distinctive designs materialized in a fusion of the playful and the refined. We reached out to Haug to know more about the man behind the creative studio. In this interview, Volker Haug discusses his two decades of experience in the industry, the importance of experimentation, and timeless design.
Homecrux (HC): Congratulations on winning the Melbourne Design Week Award. How does it feel? Do you think it will help your business in any way?
Volker Haug (VH): Thank you. Receiving the 2025 Melbourne Design Week Award was a true honor. It further validates the dedication and creativity my team and I have invested in over the past two decades.
HC: Who is Volker Haug? Tell us a little about yourself.
VH: I’m originally from Stuttgart, Germany, and relocated to Melbourne in the early 2000s. My journey into lighting design began after working under the esteemed Geoffrey Mance. In 2004, I established my own studio, which has since grown into a diverse team dedicated to crafting unique, playful, and refined lighting pieces.
HC: We read somewhere that you once studied hair styling and cutting. Is that true? How did you transition from that to founding the eponymous lighting studio?
VH: Yes, that’s true. My initial training was in hair styling. However, my fascination with light dates back to my childhood, and this passion eventually led me to design and assemble my first light fitting at the age of 10. The transition from hair to lighting design was a natural progression of my creative interests.
HC: What design ethos drives the Volker Haug Studio?
VH: Our studio is grounded in discovery and experimentation. We create considered, refined designs that balance playfulness with a strong sense of individuality. Each piece reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, curiosity, and pushing the boundaries of what lighting can be.
HC: What is your material of choice? Do you have a favorite product in your portfolio, and why?
VH: From early on, I’ve always loved and worked with brass—it’s such a flexible material. You can shape it in so many ways. Many of our light fittings still have a brass substrate today because of its durability and timeless qualities, and that’s exciting to me. Our ‘und Messing’ collection, which translates to ‘and brass’ in German, further showcases this affinity. As for a favorite product, it’s challenging to choose, but there have been many proud moments, like the commission of a large OMG light shade for the NGV Ian Potter Centre.
HC: If you had to summarize your work in a single sentence, what would it be?
VH: Crafting lighting pieces that balance functionality with artistic expression, each telling its own story.
HC: What are the biggest changes you have seen in the lighting industry in your time as a designer?
VH: There’s a growing appreciation for sustainable practices and locally produced, handcrafted pieces.
HC: What is, according to you, the role of lighting in shaping an interior, whether commercial or residential?
VH: Lighting is pivotal in defining the ambiance of a space. It influences mood, highlights architectural features, and can transform the perception of an environment. Thoughtfully designed lighting enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
HC: What do you believe are the essential qualities that make a good light?
VH: A good light harmonizes form and function. It should be aesthetically pleasing, provide appropriate illumination, and integrate seamlessly into its setting. Durability and adaptability are also key attributes.
HC: Is there a lighting trend you think more people should explore?
VH: We don’t follow trends. Our focus is on creating lighting that’s timeless, character-driven, and built to last.
HC: Does your studio often take up custom projects or collaborate with designers? Any memorable experiences you can share?
VH: Absolutely. Collaborations are integral to our practice. Working with Flack Studio on the ‘Me & You’ collection was particularly memorable, blending our technical expertise with their spatial design insights to create pieces that resonate with both artistic form and function.
HC: You’ve worked with designers like Christopher Boots and Geoffrey Mance. How has that influenced your work and shaped your perception of the industry?
VH: Visionaries, peers, and friends — their unique perspectives and unwavering dedication to craft have challenged me to push boundaries and continually evolve my approach to lighting design.
HC: What’s next for your brand? Are there any exciting projects or launches we should keep an eye out for?
VH: We’re constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques to evolve our designs. Upcoming projects include several new product launches — including limited-edition collections — along with participation in key international fairs, such as Milan Design Week.
HC: What advice would you give to aspiring young designers reading this interview?
VH: Remain curious and open to experimentation. Embrace the learning process, and don’t shy away from taking risks. Authenticity in your work will set you apart, so trust your creative instincts and persevere through challenges.
We thank Volker Haug for taking the time out for this conversation!
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