LIGHTING INSTALLATION CONTEST 2025 BY HUB LIGHTING & INNOVATION BY KAFKAS INTERVIEW | ANNA DIMERTIKA | TIMBERLAB
How did you experience your participation in the competition? What excited you the most about this process?
Participating in the competition was an entirely new experience for me, as I had not previously taken part in a similar initiative. My visit to the HUB, during an educational tour, provided the inspiration and motivation I needed to strive for the best possible outcome. Following this experience, I began researching KAFKAS and the companies involved in the competition. The history and evolution of the company over the years particularly fascinated me, inspiring me to reflect these elements through my project.
From KAFKAS’ 50-year successful journey, which influences inspired your work the most?
KAFKAS’ fifty-year journey became a fundamental source of inspiration for my project. The story of a company that began from scratch and, through continuous effort and dedication, evolved into an organization with steady growth was particularly meaningful to me. At the same time, the company’s environmental awareness and emphasis on contemporary practices influenced my approach, as I sought to integrate these values into the design and express the company’s identity and evolution through my work.
Were there challenges during the design process, and how did you arrive at the final form of the project?
During the design process, the main challenge was synthesizing information in a way that could meaningfully express the company’s values and history. Through research, experimentation, and multiple revisions, the project gradually reached its final form. The selected solutions aimed to highlight KAFKAS’ journey, its commitment to quality and sustainability, and the message I intended to communicate through the installation.
How did you feel when you saw your work revealed in the HUB window installation?
The moment of the project’s unveiling at the HUB was deeply emotional. I felt both joy and pride seeing something I had worked on with dedication and creativity take physical form. It was a confirmation of the effort, decisions, and design process that shaped the project throughout the competition. Seeing the installation presented to the public in such a vibrant and dynamic environment gave me confidence and inspired me to continue evolving and experimenting within the field of lighting design.
What does this award mean to you, and how do you believe it will influence your future path in architecture?
This recognition represents a meaningful motivation for me to continue improving and giving my best in every future endeavor. It serves as confirmation that hard work, persistence, and creative exploration can be acknowledged and have a real impact. At the same time, it strengthens my confidence to keep experimenting and developing my creative thinking within architecture and lighting design. I believe this distinction will be an important milestone in my professional journey, encouraging continuous learning and growth.
How would you describe your experience from the trip you won, visiting one of the premium international lighting brands and strategic partners of the HUB, INTRA Lighting? What impressed you the most?
This trip was a unique experience, as it was my first time participating in something of this nature. It offered me the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge directly from the company itself and to better understand how an international premium lighting brand operates. What impressed me most was the openness and willingness of the team to share their knowledge and experience, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment, combined with a high level of professionalism throughout every stage of the visit.
The trip also gave you the opportunity to exchange ideas with established lighting designers and representatives of leading international companies. What added value did this bring to you?
The experience of sharing ideas and engaging in discussions with established lighting designers and international professionals was extremely valuable. The exchange of perspectives allowed me to better understand different approaches to lighting design and broaden my way of thinking. At the same time, this interaction provided both inspiration and practical knowledge, strengthening my confidence and reinforcing my desire to continue evolving creatively and professionally.
What do you value most from your collaboration with the HUB team?
What I value most is how supportive and positive the overall experience was. From the very beginning, there was open communication, a genuine willingness to support my ideas, and mutual respect throughout the process. The team acted as a true collaborator, helping me feel comfortable and creative while allowing space for personal and professional growth within a positive and highly professional environment.
How important do you consider the support offered by companies such as KAFKAS and the HUB to young designers through initiatives like this?
The support provided by companies such as KAFKAS and the HUB is extremely important for emerging designers, as it creates opportunities for individuals to express their ideas and demonstrate their potential. Initiatives like this offer creative freedom, enabling participants to explore their design approach and showcase their capabilities. This trust acts as a strong motivation and contributes substantially to both personal and professional development.
Read more about the HUB LIGHTING INSTALLATION CONTEST 2025 here.
