Leon Jakimič, the founder of Lasvit, has redefined the potential of glass and lighting design, blending traditional Bohemian craftsmanship with modern innovation. Known for creating luminous art pieces that push the boundaries of glasswork, Jakimič’s vision has propelled Lasvit to become a global leader in custom lighting installations and glass design. In this conversation, he shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of Lasvit, and his dedication to blending heritage with contemporary aesthetics.

What are the origins of Lasvit?

Lasvit was born out of a desire to take traditional Bohemian glassmaking and elevate it into something more contemporary and global. Glass is a material unlike any other. It’s special because it can play with light, shift atmospheres, and evoke emotions in ways other materials just can’t. It’s both delicate and strong, transparent yet reflective, always full of surprises, much like life itself.

Growing up in the Czech Republic, where glassmaking has been an art form for centuries, I was always surrounded by this incredible craft. When I started Lasvit in 2007, I wanted to take that rich tradition of Bohemian glass and pair it with modern design. Our goal was to create pieces that don’t just light up a room, but that tell a story and add meaning to the spaces they’re in. Glass has this unique ability to transform a space—and, in turn, how we feel in it.

Who are your clients and how do they usually find you?

Our clients come from all over—luxury residences, hotels, collectors—and they usually find us through word of mouth or after seeing our work in places like the Peninsula Paris or Milan Design Week. What they all have in common is that they’re looking for something special, something custom that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of them want to bring an element of artistry into their spaces, and that’s what we’re here for.

How do you approach lighting for different types of spaces, such as residential versus commercial environments?

Every space has its own energy, so the approach changes depending on what the client wants to achieve. In homes, it’s often about creating warmth, telling a personal and intimate story. In commercial or public spaces, it’s usually about making a statement—something bold that people will remember, something that will energize them. But at the end of the day, it’s about making sure the installation works with the space, whether it’s subtle and elegant or big and dramatic.

How do you balance aesthetics with functionality in your designs?

For us, aesthetics and functionality are inseparable. A piece has to look amazing, of course, but it also has to work perfectly within the space. We collaborate closely with designers and architects to make sure every piece not only enhances the visual aspect but also serves its purpose well.

Our expert lighting team plays a crucial role here—they ensure that the technical aspects, from light distribution to installation, are considered from the start. We’re always balancing beauty with practicality. It’s like making sure a great piece of art not only looks stunning but also works as part of the everyday environment. Whether it’s for a residential or commercial space, we want the lighting to be as functional as it is striking.

Can you walk us through your design process, from concept to completion, for a custom piece?

It all starts with a conversation. We sit down with the client or designer to really understand their vision and what the space needs. Then our design team sketches out ideas, creating models and 3D visualizations so we can explore how the piece will look and function. Once we’ve got the design right, it moves into the hands of our master glassmakers, who bring it to life. We also love to invite clients to visit the glassworks and we create a mock up installation of the piece for them to see how it will look. After that, it’s all about installation, which can sometimes be the most challenging part, but we’ve got an experienced team who knows how to bring these complex pieces into any space.

What are some of the biggest technical challenges you face when creating your light fixtures?

One of the main challenges is dealing with scale—many of our installations are quite large, and we have to make sure they’re not only beautiful but also safe and functional. Glass can be tricky because it’s both delicate and strong at the same time. Working with it on such a large scale, we have to think carefully about engineering, structure, and how the piece will interact with light. But we actually love to tackle those challenges and often they are what make the final result so rewarding.

We’ve collaborated on some amazing projects together—do you have a favorite fixture or project that stands out?

Great question. Apart from the Penthouse in the Sky, I’d have to say a piece we made for an in progress project in Palm Beach. The architecture of the house is truly stunning, developed from the ground up. It was an amazing property to work on. Your team played a crucial role in our success, and together we were able to create numerous beautiful pieces that adorn this gem throughout.

Lasvit created several custom lighting installations for our Penthouse in the Sky project. What was the process like working with our team?

Working on the Penthouse in the Sky was a fantastic experience. The energy was just right—everyone, from the client to the Pembrooke & Ives design team, was hands-on and fully aligned. P&I really got the client’s vision; you could feel that connection and shared excitement in every step. It’s rare to have this kind of chemistry across the board, and it made the whole process not only smooth but genuinely enjoyable. This project will always stand out to me for that reason.

What was the design directive for the living room chandeliers?

The design directive for the living room chandeliers was clear: create a lighting piece that makes a statement across the space without overwhelming it. The idea was to have a large, impactful footprint that stretches in line with the seating area but keep the drop minimal to preserve those sweeping views. So, we focused on a design that’s small in elevation but expansive in plan—a piece that fills the room horizontally and keeps the vertical space open.

What future trends do you see in bespoke lighting?

I think we’re going to see more focus on personalization and sustainability. Clients want pieces that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful—something that feels like it’s made just for them, and ideally in a way that respects the environment. There’s also a growing interest in integrating smart technology into lighting, in a way that enhances the client’s life and wellbeing.