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In conversation with Empty State

Based in London, Empty State is one of the names to know about right now. Known for their beautiful modular lighting each piece is handmade in their workshop with an immaculate finish.

Empty State lighting
In conversation with Empty State
Lori Bolon
July 14, 2022

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1. You’re a new company and have already done so well! Can you please tell us a bit about your story?

Cameron Design House, our parent brand specialising in bespoke sculptural chandeliers, was founded nearly 8 years ago by Creative Director Ian Cameron. After identifying a need for configurable modular pendants, the team behind Cameron Design House used their knowledge and experience to bring Empty State to life.

2. Can you tell us a bit about your brand and what makes Empty State so different?

Empty State specialises in configurable modular pendants. Launched last year with six designs, and every design is available in a range of states and finishes. We wanted to give clients the power to configure the perfect piece for their space, with a tailor-made pendant that has been made by hand to order.

3. It’s amazing Empty State hand make each and every light. Can you explain the design and manufacturing process for the lights?

Assembling every light by hand is an incredibly important element of the design process to us. Ensuring our pieces are made to the highest quality with an incredible attention to detail is essential. 

Empty State team in the workshop

4. What is your main source of inspiration for each light?

Our debut collection is inspired by design icons through the ages. There’s a theme of modularity throughout the collection allowing for scalability and configuration within each design.

5. What has been your favourite project you have worked on?

We recently designed a custom Ball & Hoop with a 2m diameter for the Hilton in ParkLane, London. The chandelier hangs as the centrepiece in the atrium and creates an eye-catching focal point in the space.

6. What has been your biggest design challenge and how have you overcome it?

Each piece has been designed to the most intricate of detail and we needed a sleek design to conceal these detailed elements. Every pendant features smooth architectural lines to compliment the surrounding spaces they will be installed in.

7. Which has been your favourite light to design and why?

The Pill is definitely one of our favourites due to the flexibility of the design. We enjoyed exploring a variety of unique glass colours and the piece is available in opal, smoked, pink, blue and green glass in addition to the customisable metal elements.

There are many design applications for the Pills which we love whether it be a row of three above a kitchen island or a cluster down a stairwell.

Ball and Hoop Modular Light
Branch Modular Light

8. What’s next on the cards for Empty State?

We are currently working on a range of wall lights for the Ball & Hoop, Branch and Pill designs which will be launching VERY soon!

During Milan Design Week, Empty State will be making their Italian debut as part of the Archiproducts Milano showcase. It’s a really exciting step for the brand and we can’t wait to unveil our designs as part of the show.

Pill Modular Light