Michael Anastassiades

The renowned lighting designer on the creative inspiration behind his products and why it pays to experiment

Michael Anastassiades has designed not only for his eponymous brand, which he launched in 2007, but for a host of prestigious names including Herman Miller, Lobmeyr, Ilse Crawford, Svenskt Tenn, Nilufar Gallery, Flos and Salvatori. Famed for his lighting creations, his extensive portfolio also includes furniture and tabletop objects, as well as a speaker and a drinking fountain. His products are shown in permanent collections at both The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Born in Cyprus, Anastassiades spent his early childhood in South Africa before returning with his parents to his home country at the age of five. He moved to England to study before being drawn into the world of design. Here he reveals the inspiration behind his work...

Before moving into design, you studied for a degree in civil engineering – why didn’t you follow that up?

Halfway through the engineering course, I discovered the Royal College of Art. Really, I wanted to do something creative so I decided to explore another route. When I graduated, I freelanced for a little while, which gave me the freedom to develop my own ideas. I launched my own studio in 1994.

You’re best known for lighting designs. Was lighting something you focused on right from the beginning?

No. I was designing more interactive and electronic products, and the lighting didn’t come until later on when I got my own place and needed lights. I couldn’t find anything I liked, so I decided to make them myself. It was very experimental because at the time I didn’t know that I wanted to set up on my own or manufacture these pieces.