Local tradition, unique design and modern technology: Rakumba is Australia’s oldest lighting brand
Rakumba has been producing original lighting items for over 50 years. The brand’s aesthetic is based on a combination of authentic design and Australian cultural heritage. The company cooperates with well-known and young designers, and prioritizes the skill of artisans, thoughtfulness of production and manufacturability. Get to know the BURO brand better. helped Rakumba director Michael Murray.
About brand style
When developing new collections of Rakumba light, we always adhere to a strict approach that is based on storytelling — this is a kind of starting point where love for a new object is born. As Australia’s oldest decorative lighting brand, Rakumba draws on heritage and craftsmanship while integrating cutting-edge technology. Like Melbourne, Australia’s most diverse city, the Rakumba collections are filled with both European flair and local, extraordinary DNA. Our style is contemporary, exuding effortless elegance, at the intersection of residential and commercial design.
What is light
First of all, we create light as a story dedicated to true beauty. This is the true reason for our existence, and it manifests itself not only in the creation of the products themselves, but also in the ways in which light is used in the interior. Light is originally a form, details, workmanship. The product then comes to life when turned on and we see shadows and patterns that create a unique pattern. Light gives our world three-dimensionality, as well as a part of the fourth dimension, which is associated with mood, emotions and love.
About collaborations
The Rakumba product catalog consists of collections designed by our design team as well as collaborations with international designers. The aesthetics of the designer is important to us — this is what attracts us especially. A lot depends on the relationship — we intend to work together for many years, and not just on one collection, we believe that trust and strong relationships between designers can make you fly and do something incredible. Rakumba’s latest collaborations include the Metropol lighting series by German designer Sebastian Herkner, the extensive Typography range of lighting fixtures by Dutch studio Truly Truly, and the Standley floor and wall luminaires designed by Australian architect John Golder.
About Australian traditions
Rakumba collections are always inspired and wrapped in a special story. Modern Australia is a cauldron of multiculturalism, and our brand traditions come from these cultures combined with our lifestyles and ideas. We are just thinking about incorporating the history of Indigenous Australians into our future collections, and are looking for the perfect designer to do this, who can create something new with historical roots that is firmly rooted in the history of the people.
About designers who inspire
We are inspired by Nendo with its characteristic minimalist perfection in everything, Formafantasma with light that takes unusual forms, Jaime Hayon with the emission of genuine happiness, Marc Newson with a special approach to design. And we would like to work with each of them to create a special story.
About the most successful and beloved project
In Australia, government projects related to retirees are becoming increasingly important. The place where these people live becomes their home, workspace, place to relax — we are working on a number of projects for nursing homes with amazing designers, and this gives us an awareness of the value and importance of our work.
About your favorite place in the house
Surprisingly, my favorite place in the house is outside it — this is the garden, I love to work and relax there.
If we talk about the house itself, then this is probably the main room where I often hold meetings: stunningly beautiful Italian furniture and national art objects that we have been collecting for several years. We feel privileged to be the custodians of the special works of art of Indigenous Australians.
About the perfect work day
I love my job, and every day in it is beautiful for me. An ideal working day should include meeting with one of our design partners, discussing the new collection — it’s always very inspiring. Then a long and laborious workshop with our development department. Lunch, a glass of wine with a friend, an exchange of news and opinions is food for the soul. The day can end with a meeting with colleagues and, for example, visiting an exhibition.
About the future of the company
Of course, we plan to enter the international market as one of the leading lighting brands based in Australia. We work hard to make our dreams come true, but at the same time, we pay great attention to the creation of items that could become a legacy of collectible design — something that future generations will be proud of.
Rakumba official dealer in Russia — Galerie 46