LIGHTING INSTALLATION CONTEST 2025 ΒΥ HUB LIGHTING &
INNOVATION BY KAFKAS | INTERVIEW ALEXANDROS FERKO | ARKOSLIGHT
How did you experience your participation in the competition? What excited you most about the process?
Participating in the competition was a unique experience, as it was the first competition I had ever entered and, to date, the only one. I did not know exactly what to expect, which made the process even more interesting. What excited me most was the research involved. Through this process, I had the opportunity to explore in depth the history and philosophy of KAFKAS, as well as that of the lighting company I selected for my project. The more deeply you explore a company’s history and identity, the better you understand its work and values. For me, this process added greater depth and meaning to my participation.
Looking back at KAFKAS’ 50-year successful journey, what influences inspired your project?
The main source of inspiration for my project was KAFKAS’ family heritage. The fact that it is a family-owned business resonated with me personally, as I am also part of the second generation of a family business in the field of drywall construction. I know firsthand what it means to work alongside your family and your father. I therefore wanted this connection to be reflected in the final outcome. My goal was not simply to create something aesthetically interesting, but a work that could convey emotion and encourage the viewer to pause and reflect. I wanted people to be able to experience the work and follow the thoughts and symbolism that led to its creation.
Were there any challenges during the design process, and how did you arrive at the final form of the project?
As with any project, there were several challenges. There may be many ideas, but a designer must also think realistically: how feasible is what they imagine, and can it actually be brought to life? For me, the role of an interior designer or architect is not limited to having a good idea or achieving an aesthetically pleasing result. There also needs to be practicality and feasibility. The final form of the project emerged from my desire to go back to the beginning of the journey. From childhood, we dream without limits. Light, on the other hand, began with something as simple as fire and a candle. This led me to the image of a child holding a candle as a symbol of the first dream and the journey of turning that dream into reality — even 50 years later.
How did you feel when you saw your project unveiled in the HUB window display?
I don’t think there is anything better, especially in our field, than seeing your work become a reality before your eyes. At that moment, you see your effort, the way you had envisioned the project, and all the technical considerations you had worked through, ultimately confirming that it could actually be brought to life. It is something I believe every designer hopes to experience with every project. There were many emotions, but among them was certainly a sense of pride. We often thank all the people who have helped us get where we are, and of course that is important. But I believe that when we accomplish something we have genuinely worked hard for, we should also allow ourselves to say a small “well done” to ourselves.
What does this award mean to you, and how do you think it will influence your future career in architecture and design?
Winning an award in a competition organized by such an important company as KAFKAS is a valuable asset and meaningful recognition for a young designer. It is an important addition to your CV and certainly gives you greater confidence in yourself, while also influencing the way others perceive and engage with you. I hope, however, that this recognition will contribute to something bigger: highlighting the true importance of lighting and lighting design in architecture. Lighting is not simply about choosing a light fixture or changing a colour temperature. Behind it lies an entire field of science, research and design, elements that I consider essential to every architectural or interior design project.
How would you describe your experience of the trip to one of the leading international premium lighting brands and strategic HUB partner, ARKOSLIGHT? What impressed you most?
My experience in Valencia and Barcelona was truly incredible. I had the opportunity to gather images, experiences and meaningful conversations with established architects and lighting designers. Visiting ARKOSLIGHT allowed me to explore the world of lighting in even greater depth, from the initial concept through to the technical process that leads to the final product. What particularly impressed me was the way the people at the company treated me. They made me feel very welcome, and I never felt like I was simply a student among established professionals. They treated me with respect and as an equal, which made the experience even more special. The same applies to the people at KAFKAS, whom I am genuinely grateful to for everything they offered me and taught me.
The trip gave you the opportunity to exchange experiences and engage with established lighting designers and representatives of leading international companies. What added value did this experience bring to you?
I believe that one of the most important aspects of our professional journey is remaining open to growth and learning. As long as we live and evolve, we should continue learning. Having personal conversations with people who have extensive experience in the field was invaluable to me — not only because of the knowledge they shared, but especially because of their personal experiences and insights into architecture and lighting design. At the same time, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how a major international company operates: its facilities, its organization and the way it engages with its people. All of this, together with the images and experiences of Spain, was truly the icing on the cake.
What do you value most from your collaboration with the HUB team?
What I value most about working with the HUB team is how comfortable they made me feel throughout the entire process and the trip. They included me in their discussions and never made me feel that I was simply a student who had won a competition. Instead, they treated me as a young professional with my own experience and background. The same level of interest and respect was also evident in the way the people at the company that hosted us treated us.
How important do you consider the support that companies such as KAFKAS and HUB provide to young designers through initiatives like this?
I consider initiatives like these extremely important because the market can be challenging for young professionals, and age is often perceived as synonymous with a lack of experience. However, we need to create space for the younger generation to demonstrate what they can do. The experience of established professionals and the fresh perspective of younger designers can coexist and create something better. They do not need to compete with one another; they can learn from each other.
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