Drawn to the flickering glow of a lightbulb, Volker Haug is a man spellbound. Based in Melbourne, the designer creates ingenious lighting products, ranging from pendants and table designs to wall fixtures and exclusive custom pieces, in his signature style of industrial meets minimal with an injection of humour. By Danielle Hanrahan The best way to describe Volker Haug’s gravitational pull towards lighting design is like a moth to a flame. Since childhood the German-born, Australian-based designer has had a passion and enthusiasm for lighting that knows no bounds. “I saw the light, so to speak, from a very young age,” Volker shares. “I remember furiously flicking light switches, much to my parents’ irritation as a child, and throughout my life this attraction has evolved into something more tangible.” However, like most artistically minded kids, Volker didn’t think his passion would get him very far. “In my youth I never really perceived lighting design to be the basis of a career,” he says. “That was until several years ago when I met Geoffrey Mance and I saw how such a business can actually operate. It was then that a little light switched on in my head – Lights! Lights! Lights! I thought; this is what I want to do.” Now, Volker Haug is turning heads upwards as his unique designs grace the ceilings, walls and tables of residential and commercial spaces. His colourful yet industrial style is inspired by the unlikeliest of places. “I usually come across these incidental fl ashes of ideas in urban environments, rather than in nature,” he explains. “A great example is my Artificial Fantasy range of pendants. When I was in Portugal, I visited a bar in Lisbon that was filled with illuminated plastic lettuces. From this point, I began experimenting with plastic fruit and vegetables found on eBay; the design I created from these experiments was brought to fruition for the Penthouse Mouse fashion week event.” It’s the same approach he takes when choosing his quirky mix of materials. “I generally have an attraction towards more eclectic, hard-edged materials,” he says. “The shelves of my studio are overflowing with everything from plastic doughnuts and antique clothes pegs to old leather jackets.” One of the products that truly captures Volker’s eclectic style is his gigantic OMG pendant. “It’s one of my most sculptural pieces and has been a dramatic addition to many retail spaces around Australia. What I love about the OMG pendant, other than its high impact, is the variety of processes that go into its creation. I start by crushing aluminum shades fl at with a forklift that’s loaded with two and a half tonnes of steel; from here they’re anodised then bolted together with a number of lamps. Wow! OMG! These are more than just names of my designs; it’s how I want people to react when they see them. I love to see the awestruck faces of visitors to my showroom.” Reflecting on his industry and the lighting trends of the future, like many designers, Volker believes sustainability will become a bigger focus in design. However, he’s adamant that no matter what trends may come and go, he will stay true to himself. “I think creative people can lose a part of themselves when they obsess over trends and newness,” he explains. “I try to maintain a balance between having an awareness of the industry I’m a part of, and creative integrity.” For more information on Volker Haug visit www.volkerhaug.com THE HOT SEAT Place to shop… Ingo Maurer’s amazing lighting showrooms in Munich and New York. Favourite designer or brand… I’m revealing my fanaticism here, Ingo Maurer of course. Trends I love… Happy hour! Ha ha! Trends you’re becoming sick of… Karaoke. Favourite product… The Shelves by Like Butter, from $580, www.likebutter.com.au