From studio to living room: Kristóf Kovács on designing the Studio Lamp

Red Dot: The Studio Lamp brings professional-grade flexibility into the home. What inspired you to translate classic studio lighting into a domestic setting?

Kristóf Kovács: I used to do photography as a hobby, and I realised there’s great potential in bringing this technology into everyday life for people who normally don’t use such equipment. I also wanted to refine its appearance so it would feel natural and visually pleasing in a home environment.

Your design allows users to adapt the lamp to different moods and needs. How did you approach making this versatility both intuitive and enjoyable to use?

I conducted research and tests with people to see which functions they actually use and value the most. From there, I selected only the essential features and used them as a starting point. So, my Studio Lamp is essentially a simplified version of a studio light, stripped down to be more user-friendly and approachable.

Which aspects of your design give you the greatest sense of accomplishment, or hold the most personal significance?

Definitely the junction, it was the hardest part to figure out. It looks simple, but it’s a crucial element. I designed many versions, and we tested a lot together with the production company. In the end, we found a smart and efficient way to make it work.

Were there any key moments or discoveries during the project that changed its direction or inspired you?

The first prototype was very complicated, but with the second and third versions, the design became more intuitive and straightforward. The overall look stayed similar, but the details evolved a lot. Working with LUMO Concept was very inspiring and played a key role. They helped me refine the design visually, simplify production, and make it easier for customers to understand and use. Their expertise really influenced the outcome of the Studio Lamp.

As a young professional, how do you stay current with the design landscape while making sure your work remains original and forward-thinking?

It’s not easy, especially when you’re working full-time in a design company and constantly creating new things. Design trends, ideas, and philosophies change every year, so it can be overwhelming to keep up. I think it’s important to take breaks from everyday work and visit exhibitions like the Milan Furniture Fair or Dutch Design Week. These big European design events are great places to see what’s happening and get inspired, even if staying “fresh” in such a fast-changing landscape is always a challenge.

Looking ahead, what types of projects or industries are you most excited to explore?

I’m most interested in home-related products, furniture, lighting, and everyday objects that people actually use. I also love interior design and have a strong appreciation for architecture, even though I didn’t formally study it. I admire how architects think on a large scale and then refine the details. For me, the sweet spot is somewhere between low-tech everyday items and slightly more advanced products like lamps, things that are functional but also add something special to daily life.

In what ways has participating in the Red Dot Award: Product Design impacted your growth or career as a young professional?

This was actually my first time participating, and I didn’t even know it was possible for young professionals. I always thought Red Dot was mainly for big companies. About half a year ago, a friend told me about the Young Professionals Application Day, so I applied, and I was lucky to win one of the free registration places for young professionals. Then being awarded a Red Dot gave me valuable recognition and definitely helped me land a position at a design studio in Helsinki, Finland. It’s not the only reason I got in, but it was certainly a strong reference.

What was your impression of the Red Dot Award Ceremony in Essen, Germany?

It was quite a special experience for me because I actually studied my Bachelor in Essen for half a year on an Erasmus exchange program, so going back felt very familiar, almost like returning home. I’ve always liked that region of Germany, the infrastructure is excellent, the cities are well-organised, and the train network is incredibly efficient. You can also feel the presence of design everywhere in the area, it’s in the details of the cities and the culture. The ceremony itself was very well-organised, I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Zollverein, the Red Dot Design Museum, and also the Aalto Theatre. It was a meaningful experience to reconnect with a place that already held a personal significance for me.