Design duo Edward Lincare and Viktor Legin are making beautiful all-Australian lighting and furniture products

FURNITURE and lighting design company and design consultancy Copper prides itself on its all-Australian roots and manufacturing.

Susan Muldowney

2 min read

November 14, 2014 - 9:30PM

Home Magazine

Viktor Legin (glasses) and Edward Linacre for Design Story *** For Home Magazine editorial use only. For other publications and uses, please contact the Herald Sun Home Magazine editor on home@hwt.com.au ***

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EDWARD Linacre and Viktor Legin, the duo behind industrial design studio Copper, design and manufacture all of their products in Australia. And they want the world to know it.

“For us, it comes down to educating the wider public that there are beautiful products being made in Australia,” Edward says.

“We like to make products that last, that you can pass down through the generations.

“This also comes down to sustainability because if you’re making products that last, they won’t end up in landfill.”

The pair met while teaching industrial design at Swinburne University in Melbourne and formed their company 18 months ago.

Viktor Legin works on a droplet pendant light.

They’ve combined their experience working for other Melbourne design companies to create a studio with a difference.

Copper operates as both a furniture and lighting design company and a design consultancy, developing products for a range of industries, from medical devices to bathroom fixtures.

It was recently awarded the Temple & Webster Emerging Designer Award, which celebrates beautiful and unique Australian design. The range includes the Square sofa, a simple modular system, and the Graphio2 work table, a powder-coated steel desk with a minimalist aesthetic.

But it is Copper’s range of lighting that has brought Edward and Viktor the most satisfaction and acclaim.

“If you buy a feature pendant light, it has such a powerful impact on the atmosphere of a room,” Viktor says.

“And we’ve found that the lighting sector is a bit stronger in Australia.”

Edward Linacre draws from geometry when designing.

Edward’s interest in lighting comes from a study of geometry. His Nest pendant is the evolution of a construction technique he’s been perfecting for several years.

“I’ve been experimenting with reclaimed timber veneers and at the same time investigating natural geometries,” he says.

“The actual material of the Nest is only 1.5mm thick, but when I put it together, the geometry makes it very robust.

“I’ve always been inspired by nature’s design, in this case, honeycomb.”

Viktor also draws inspiration for his work from nature. His Droplet pendant is inspired by water frozen in time.

“Most of my designs are quite minimal,” Viktor says.

“I also like to use a combination of materials. We prefer to take a ‘less is more’ approach to design.”

The Droplet pendant light represents a drop of water suspended in time. Its fluid good looks offer an ambient glow over the dining table.

The Nest pendant takes its cues from the honeycomb of the beehive as the light bounces around the geometric shapes. It is made from bamboo.

The Balance task light has LED strip lighting built into the steamed timber veneer. A moveable counterweight allows you to choose the angle.

The Droplet pendant is available in a variety of finishes including a black or white spun aluminium top with an American oak or black walnut ring.

Edward and Viktor met while teaching at university. They have a shared love of homegrown sustainable design.

Toopaz pendant works singularly and in a cluster.

Melbourne designers Edward Linacre and Viktor Legin.

The Topaz pendant is a deliberately assymetrical design. It was inspired by the raw beauty of natural crystals. Although it works as a single pendant, a cluster looks even better.

The quiet good looks of the Copper range allows it to work with a range of styles from industrial chic to modern luxe. A longer cord adds drama.