The light side
WORDS Liam Stretch
Nightworks is an Ōtautahi Christchurch-based lighting showroom and studio making waves in the industry with its unique and innovative lighting designs. Husband and wife Kiri and Ben Wahrlich are the creative minds behind this business.
Kiri’s background in graphic design and Ben’s in mechanical engineering and product design perfectly complement each other. After working independently for various design agencies in Sydney, they decided to venture into developing their own products. Their first success, a moulded leather pendant light, gave them the confidence to focus solely on lighting design.
Nightworks is an extension of their aesthetic. Their studio and showroom, located in the classic Christchurch landmark, the Poynton House, designed by David Allen on Oxford Terrace, showcases their products alongside carefully curated mid-century pieces collected over the years. Even in their own home, designed by Gavin Willis in 1973, their products have a place. Following a renovation last year, the pair “naturally jumped at the opportunity” to include a selection of Nightworks creations.
“We’re big mid-century design and architecture fans; we live and breathe it. From here, we have adopted the ideas of high quality, well made, robust materials.”
This respect for the process and craftsmanship feeds into Kiri and Ben’s and Nightworks’ ability to strike a balance between innovation and timelessness.
This innovation starts at the simplest part of lighting – the lighting source. Advancements in LED technology mean they can design the light source itself.
“This gives us the opportunity to create lighting products that push traditional, familiar manufacturing techniques in poetic and creative ways.”
Also spurring on this innovation is what the pair term “the freedom to create without restriction”.
Ben defines it like this, “We have many architects as friends, and you often hear them speak of a dream client. This is someone that has a loose brief and is confident in the architect’s abilities to let them do their thing. We are our own clients. So there are no budgets or boundary lines to stick to, so to speak. We set our own rules.”
Kiri says, “Ben really is the ideas person; he’s drawing nearly every day.” From there, the pair’s ideas are then developed further. Using 3D CAD modelling and rendering, they can visualise the design in different environments. Clay modelling, paper models, or 3D printing all help to finalise the design.
The design principles at Nightworks follow the mantra that ‘form follows function’.
“We have to create products that perform a task in the home, hotel or café. They have to be well made and function well, then we design around this base,” Ben says.
This approach to quality has been noticed. Nightworks has already left its mark with notable projects, like a large-scale statement chandelier in Christchurch’s Public Trust building, and a custom suspension for an art collector in Seattle, Washington.
“Our light was a centrepiece in a large void surrounded by international art.”
Some exciting developments also await, including a collaboration with Christchurch brand David Shaw Furniture.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless design, Ben and Kiri will continue to illuminate the world of lighting design with their unique and captivating creations.