Sonneman_Robert Sonneman Designer of the Year

Lead Designers Robert Sonneman

Entry Description

Robert Sonneman has been at the forefront of lighting design for 5 decades & is captivated by the notion that there’s beauty in achieving function through superbly executed design. Pushing boundaries at 74, Robert designs with an eye toward the future, continually investigating what’s next.

Technologically ahead of its time, the Suspenders structural system was first patented in the 1980s but Robert was unable to see it come to life until recently when LED technology caught up to his vision. Freed from the restrictions of halogen bulbs and comprised of 3 main components - power bars, hangers & LED luminaires - the modular system of interconnected elements and suspended luminous components can be configured individually or as a tiered web of infinite variety.

The compelling logic and minimal scale of Suspenders invites a diversity of interpretation and investigation. The new system explores the potential for design innovation utilizing today’s most cutting edge lighting technologies