Since establishing their first office in Beirut in 2004, .PSLAB have grown into a global organisation with 110 full-time staff across 5 locations in the Middle East, Europe and, with the most recent opening of an office in Singapore, Asia.

.PSLAB describe themselves as “designers-manufacturers” of light; from conception to design and delivery, the firm takes care of the entire process, working closely with its clients on customised, site-specific lighting solutions that are produced though a combination of handcraft and machinery.

Aesop Boutique, London

Why did .PSLAB decide to focus on both the design and manufacturing aspects of the business?

Being designers with the ability to manufacture, manufacturers with the ability to design, allows us to be free, experimental, and provide a truly tailored site-specific response to each client, space and context. It also allows us to [be in] full control throughout the whole process from conception to handing over ensuring that the end result is truly unique and meets our client’s expectations. We are designers and product makers but ultimately we are solution providers. We create settings and deliver a mood and ambiance.

.PSLAB artisan at work

How do you navigate between handcraft and machine-made?

Where hand making is too time-consuming or insufficiently precise, specialised machinery is employed. Our production is based on unique manufacturing skills and tradition, combining fine detailing with honestly expressed materials [which reinforces] the elegant simplicity of the designs.

Working by hand is the basis of offering a tailored service and crafting customised solutions for individual clients. We believe in the importance of traditional skills and techniques, creating objects of permanent value. 

Workshop Kitchen + Bar restaurant, Palm Springs California

Can you describe your design philosophy?

Each project has its own story and is unique therefore every intervention should be a response to the individuality of the space. 

Workshop Kitchen + Bar restaurant, Palm Springs California

How do you approach each commissioned work?

We differ from the usual lighting designers and suppliers in that we tackle lighting design from a project approach using objects and technical lighting. We believe that this approach gives an added value to a project by giving a personalised end result. We are to lighting what haute couture is to fashion – through a customised project approach we offer a complete service, which has allowed us to build ongoing working relationships with our collaborators. Our creative and technical teams work together on every aspect of product development, from concept to construction.

Graanmarket concept store, Antwerp

Why have you decided to launch an office in Singapore?

After setting up .PSLAB offices in Germany [Stuttgart], Italy [Bologna] and Scandinavia [Helsinki], we felt the need to expand our network of international offices to foster new and exciting projects and opportunities in Southeast Asia. Singapore was a natural choice mainly for [its] vitality, design sensitivity, and interesting cultural mix

What projects in Asia have you completed or are working on?

We are currently working on a challenging and extremely interesting project for the refurbishment of Victoria Concert Hall in collaboration with W Architects and LPA. This is due to [be completed at the] end of the year.

Top image: Barbican Food Hall and Lounge, London

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