Claire de Lune Chandelier lighting by Claire Requa

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

CR : I wanted to have a light fixture that suited a building from the 1800’s, a chandelier that wasn’t too serious and stuffy. It should also be affordable.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

CR : The logistics of doing a flat-pack lamp in a material that gave it luxury, without it being too pricey.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

CR : Will put my marketing person to work.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

CR : About one year.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

CR : Pursuit of an inspiration to have a grand light fixture.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

CR : I wanted to sell/lease production rights/license, but it turned out differently. I now produce it myself.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

CR : Love lighting.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

CR : No other designers.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

CR : Fun-loving, discerning customers.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

CR : The service and story that comes along with it.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

CR : My name is Claire. A good friend used to tease and call me Claire de Lune – she insisted that I call my lighting series Claire de Lune. Claire de lune means "light of the moon" - very fitting, I think.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

CR : Some of the lines are hand drawn and some computer.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

CR : Its lightfullness, its transparency.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

CR : My suppliers throughout the entire production process have been very helpful.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

CR : As the arms are laser cut – a big role.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

CR : Not much research apart from trying to find eco-friendly materials to make the lamp in (unsuccessfully, unfortunately), and some basic information around general information about bulbs, etc.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

CR : Finding the right suppliers to work with as I produced.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

CR : Since exhibiting at international trade fairs, that sometimes have their own competition, and seeing the prestige that comes with winning.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

CR : I push myself. I am result oriented and driven.