Meet the man behind these amazing lamps…Hannes Muller.

I wanted to find out more of the story behind the gorgeous Perspex products, and this is what the man himself had to say:

When and where did you start your business? I started out in  2004 in Observatory, Cape Town.

Why did you start your business? I’ve always had a passion to be creative.

Tell me more about your products. I create products using Perspex that includes lamps, tables, doorhandles and hooks.

What about the design and manufacturing process? My products are the results of different ideas I have.  I usually do a prototype and then asks my wife, Annake what she thinks, as she has a good eye for design.  I then tweak the design around a bit to get a good balance between aesthetics and practicality.  Feedback from clients are always important as well, as I’ll often change designs based on this.

The manufacturing process is quite time consuming.  I laminate Perspex discs together and then shape it on a turntable.

Anyone helping you with the manufacturing? This is a one-man business!  I do it all myself.

Where do you get your inspiration? Even as a child I’ve always been busy redesigning old stuff, now I only do it for a living!  I love to give new life to old pieces, to see the potential and bring out the beauty inside of it.

Colour also always inspire me to push the boundaries.

Are you proudly South African? Yes I am!  Just by using the different parts of South Africa as background for your designs, you can’t help being proud to be South African.  I love this country and all of its people, as well as all the challenges and opportunities it presents us.

Any tips on how people can support South African design? Just support it.  That comes from my heart!  South African design definitely is outstanding.

Are you environmentally aware? How? Yes, I am.  I use leftover Perspex where possible and use environmentally friendly lamps.

Tell me about the highs and lows you’ve had running your business. The highs:  Clients that love my products and that are as excited as I am about them. The lows:  People that don’t appreciate skill and would rather choose mass produced products.  It is a challenge to try and make them see the error of their ways.

What future plans do you have? To establish myself in South Africa as a good designer and to successfully export my products.

Your favourite local designer? Gregor Jenkin and Haldane Martin.

Your favourite website/blog? Too many to mention!