Lighting designer Joe Fuchsen took home this year’s Australia’s Next Top Designers title with his captivating handmade creation, the X Lamp, a bold, geometric light sculpture that plays with reflection, colour and emotion. Under his design studio Glass Rhythm, Joe combines traditional glass-making techniques with contemporary lighting concepts, creating intimate pieces that transform everyday spaces.
Chosen from a standout cohort of emerging Australian talent, Joe received a $10,000 prize to further develop his practice. In this Q&A, he shares the inspiration behind his work, the power of emotional lighting, and what’s next for Glass Rhythm following his showcase debut at Design Show Australia.
Can you tell us about the journey that led you to launch Glass Rhythm and pursue lighting design?
I’ve always enjoyed how lighting can make a space “special”. It all began in my own home collecting and experimenting with different lamps and fixtures. It wasn’t long until I was struck with the desire to create my own lights. I had been experimenting with making 3D glass pieces using traditional techniques and started to incorporate lighting elements into the glass structures. From there, I was hooked!
Where did the inspiration for the X Lamp’s bold geometric form and use of reflection come from?
Firstly, my inspiration came from a red sheet of glass. I was in awe of the richness and depth of colour that this sheet of glass gave when light passed through it. I knew I had to make something special out of this glass. It reminded me of the striking red of the Swiss flag. The equilateral cross of the Swiss flag is the obvious second point of inspiration!
When making lights, I always like to take into account the diffusion of the light source I am using. As the red glass was transparent, it did not lend itself to diffuse the light very much. Instead I turned to reflection to throw the light around inside the fixture. This led me to create the X Prism with so many internal right angles. From here, the first X Lamp was born (which still holds prime position in my lounge room today).
How important is emotional connection or atmosphere in your lighting pieces? Do you design with a specific feeling or setting in mind?
So important! Lighting is deeply emotional – It sets the mood! When designing, the light given off to its surroundings is one of the key factors I consider. The beauty of working with glass is that with one design, just by changing the glass colour or texture, I can create such different moods and atmospheres. This allows the designs to be versatile for many different settings, though I’d say my main focus when designing is to create for the desire of warmth, comfort and intimacy with a big splash of visual intrigue.
What was it like showcasing your work at Design Show Australia and being part of the Australia’s Next Top Designers program?
As a lighting designer, the hardest thing to communicate online is how my lights actually look/feel in real life. The opportunity to showcase my lights in person at the Design Show allowed people to really experience the effect of the design, and for that, I was grateful.
To be part of the ANTD showcase alongside many other amazing designers was an honour. Being the first time I had exhibited my works in such an exhibition, the feedback and praise received has been energising and inspiring.
What’s next for you and Glass Rhythm?
My main goal is to see my lights utilised and enjoyed in many different spaces!
The ANTD award has allowed me to invest in upgrading tools and purchase materials to prototype and bring to life some new designs I have had in mind. The exposure that the accolade has given me has been a great boost to the awareness of my light creations. I am making plans to grow the brand by working with stockist nationally to have my fixtures available and viewable around Australia.
Find out more about Joe Fuchsen and Glass Rhythm here.
Be sure to check out all the 2025 shortlists to see the incredible talent from this year’s competition! Australia’s Next Top Designers Award will return to Sydney in 2026.
