A Family Legacy Reimagined: Max Copolov’s RT Lamp Series.

Melbourne-based designer Max Copolov’s lighting collection marries form and function, drawing inspiration from his great-grandfather’s architectural legacy. The RT Lamp Series, comprising the RT1 and RT2 models, offers a contemporary take on historical silhouettes while embracing a clever flat-pack design approach.

Copolov’s great-grandfather, Richard Tandler, was an architect and designer associated with the influential Wiener Werkstätte and Secessionist movements in Vienna. This rich design heritage serves as the foundation for the RT Lamp Series, which explores the delicate balance between simplicity and whimsy. “I wanted to explore these seemingly contradictory qualities in a body of work for contemporary households,” says Max.

The lamps feature a combination of materials, including brushed aluminium, woven metal mesh, and exposed red cord, which lends an industrial sensibility while maintaining a sense of refinement.

A standout feature of the RT Lamp Series is its innovative flat-pack design. “Creating a product that could be flat-packed into a postage sized envelope was key to the design of both lamps,” Max explains. “Both RT1 and RT2 went through numerous revisions to distil the design and ensure easy assembly for any buyer at home.”

In addition to the original RT1 and RT2 models, Max has partnered with Melbourne retailer REINA to produce a limited range of custom lampshades for the RT2. These special editions feature muslin and silk shades, expanding the collection’s design possibilities.

The entire collection is produced locally in Melbourne, with Max personally overseeing the hand-finishing and packaging process. This commitment to local craftsmanship ensures quality control while supporting the Australian design industry.

For those interested in bringing a piece of this thoughtful design into their homes, the RT Lamp Series offers an accessible entry point into high-end lighting. It’s a collection that once again proves that good design doesn’t have to come with an intimidating price tag.

A Floor Lamp Inside a Pizza Box by Kazuhiro Yamanaka.

Japanese designer Kazuhiro Yamanaka has designed a floor lamp that nods to Ingo Maurer’s 1980 Lampampe. Made out of 100% recycled polyester fibre, each layer is crinkled to create a unique pattern and add strength.

[Images courtesy of Max Copolov. Photography by Ben Moynihan, Alex Reinders and Phillip Huynh.]