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Experience the Future of Light: A-N-D's Innovative Copenhagen Space

The Genesis of a Vision: From Vancouver to Copenhagen

After more than a decade of meticulous development, A-N-D, a lighting enterprise from Vancouver, is establishing its first permanent outpost beyond Canadian borders. This significant step involves taking over a heritage building in Copenhagen, a structure with a rich past as a printing press. The new showroom, spanning three floors, is envisioned to host diverse functions, all unified by a core design principle that prioritizes iterative progress over mere repetition.

Unveiling A-N-D's Distinctive Design Ethos

During a revealing discussion, Lukas Peet, one of the co-founders, articulated the brand's journey of refinement and its deliberate, unhurried growth over fourteen years. He shared insights into the Copenhagen building, poised to transition from a historical paper factory into a beacon of modern lighting. Peet's presentation, enriched by visual renderings, brought to life the brand's aesthetic: a sophisticated blend of color, generous proportions, and a considered, rather than trendy, dark palette. The substantial feel of the products, unexpected from photographs, speaks to a unique Canadian design identity. The showroom's grand opening in June, coinciding with Copenhagen's '3 Days of Design', is highly anticipated.

The Collective Brilliance Behind A-N-D

A-N-D was established in Vancouver fourteen years ago by three individuals, Lukas Peet, Caine Heintzman, and Matt Davis, who, despite their varied backgrounds in lighting, shared a common objective. Peet, an alumnus of Design Academy Eindhoven and a recipient of Canada's Emerging Designer Award, brought an insatiable curiosity for materials, objects, and production processes, challenging conventional norms. Heintzman, educated at ECUAD and Kunsthochschule Berlin Weißensee, contributed a rigorous approach to material research and a sculptural sensitivity, focusing on modularity that reveals industrial elegance. Davis, with over ten years of senior business experience in lighting, provided strategic clarity and cohesion to the trio's vision. Their approach is characterized by a profound respect for existing forms, rather than a pursuit of mere competence.

Innovation Through Iteration: A-N-D's Creative Process

In practice, A-N-D's collections demonstrate a rich diversity in materials, scales, and techniques. There is no predetermined aesthetic formula or repeated design gesture; instead, a consistent methodology guides their work: prioritizing LED technology, driven by functionality, and meticulously refined to its core essence. This commitment involves a continuous, sometimes costly, pursuit of the optimal solution for every design challenge. Peet firmly states his disinterest in creating anything that already exists.

The "Pebble" Story: A Testament to Unwavering Quality

This principle comes with inherent challenges, which A-N-D openly acknowledges. Peet prefers to describe their development process as a methodical journey of slow growth and constant iteration, where each product informs the next. The "Pebble" pendant, a sculptural glass piece first unveiled at Euroluce 2019, exemplifies this journey. Initially handmade, the variation in artisanal production proved too broad for A-N-D's strict adherence to photographic accuracy—what clients see is precisely what they get. This led to years of development across different countries and manufacturers, ensuring consistent reproduction from a mold. A refined version of the "Pebble" will be showcased in Copenhagen, embodying Peet's conviction that design is an ongoing dialogue, not a series of compromises.

The Showroom as a Dynamic Instrument

The showroom itself occupies a protected historical building—a former paper printing facility nestled within a Copenhagen courtyard. Its high ceilings, expansive industrial windows, and a classic exterior staircase leading to the entrance all contribute to its distinctive character. Renderings suggest a vibrant atmosphere during future events, with music potentially wafting from the upper floors. The recurring theme is "refinement." The showroom is not merely a decorative space but a meticulously designed instrument, intended to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the products. The ground floor houses the Showroom Gallery, where the latest collections are displayed with an almost austere clarity.

A Symbiotic Relationship: Canada and Scandinavia in Design

On display are Caine Heintzman's "Pace" series and Peet's "Tier." The "Contour" and the refined "Pebble" are featured on an impressive five-meter-long table. Further back, the "Column," now with boundless extension capabilities, and Heintzman's original "Pipeline" design, newly revised, command attention. Furniture by Vancouver craftsman Christian Woo, a close associate, provides scale without overshadowing the lighting fixtures. Large-format LED lightboxes along the walls showcase brand photography, creating an environment that balances art and functional explanation. The immediate and singular message conveyed upon entry is clear: this is a dedicated lighting company.

The Technical Lab: Illuminating Precision and Confidence

Venturing into the basement reveals the Technical Lab, a space where precision and detail take center stage. The historical flooring has been preserved, influencing the design. All illumination within this area emanates from wall-mounted fixtures and illuminated sample racks centrally located. Dimmers and switches provide a fully controlled, daylight-free environment, allowing for detailed examination of finishes, modularity, and installation specifics. Finish swatches, prototypes, and process objects are available for scrutiny. Peet explains that the basement's primary purpose is not to impress, but to foster understanding and confidence in clients regarding their orders.

The Café A-N-D Bar: A Space for Contemplation and Connection

The second floor hosts the Café A-N-D Bar, an extension of an activation format A-N-D previously initiated. La Marzocco, the renowned Italian manufacturer of high-end espresso machines, is once again a partner. A central column installation featuring sound and adjustable dimming levels creates a contemplative ambiance. Peet playfully likens it to a church before promptly correcting himself, highlighting its function as a tranquil space for coffee, light, and carefully curated music.

Copenhagen: A Strategic and Cultural Alignment

The decision to open in Copenhagen was driven by both practical and less tangible factors. A reliable local partner, Ken, a Dane, streamlined logistics, including import structures, warehousing, and time zone considerations. More subtly, Peet notes a natural affinity between Canada and Scandinavia, characterized by a shared appreciation for quality and a similar understated approach to design. The annual rhythm of '3 Days of Design' in Copenhagen, in contrast to Euroluce's biennial schedule, is also strategically important for a brand that prioritizes organic growth. Since 2018, A-N-D has been diligently cultivating the European market—through engagements in Milan, London, Paris, and Copenhagen—building its presence incrementally. The new showroom represents a logical progression and a clear signal of their enduring commitment to the region, providing a physical space for clients to engage directly with critical questions about modularity, finishes, and real-world installation aesthetics.

The Anticipation of Dialogue and Discovery

What the three founders most eagerly await during '3 Days of Design' is not quantitative success, but rather the qualitative reactions and inquiries from visitors. Peet emphasizes that when someone enters and asks, "Where are you from? What is this?" that is precisely when meaningful conversations begin. For A-N-D, such dialogues are the very foundation of their work. We are already curious, and anticipate many more questions once we experience it firsthand.