When the Swinburne University x About Space design collaboration set out to uncover Australia’s next generation of lighting innovators, one concept stood out — Litzia, a floor lamp by Jack Cleaver that brings nature’s calm strength into the modern home. Taking cues from indoor plants — tall, elegant, and full of subtle intricacies — Litzia translates organic rhythm into refined geometry. Its graceful structure and perforated detailing merge the natural and the technical, illuminating how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between inspiration and function.

A Light Inspired by Nature’s Quiet Resilience 

Litzia is more than a lighting fixture; it’s a living sculpture that captures the spirit of nature through an industrial design lens. With its dual adjustable heads and delicately perforated shades, Litzia allows light to breathe and move — much like sunlight filtering through leaves. The result is an interplay of light and shadow that feels alive, transforming the atmosphere of a space depending on the direction and intensity of illumination.

“It was inspired by the quiet resilience of nature,” explains Cleaver. “I wanted to create something that reflected the posture and poise of plants — how they adapt, reach, and grow — while still being a functional, modern piece.”

Designed with in-built LED technology (3000K, CRI 90) and compatibility with Yosh Glass, Litzia can be customised to fit different interiors while maintaining its sculptural identity. Whether used as a reading light, an ambient accent, or a statement piece in a contemporary space, it exudes a sense of calm intelligence — the kind that grows on you, quietly and steadily.

From Curiosity to Craft: Jack’s Design Journey 

For Jack, the journey into industrial design began with a fascination for how things work. “Growing up, I was always interested in art, building things, and understanding mechanics,” he says. “Industrial design seemed like the perfect balance between creativity and problem-solving — a discipline where ideas could become tangible and genuinely useful.”

That curiosity has shaped his design ethos — one that values both the emotional and functional sides of design. “My biggest learning as a designer has been understanding how to integrate all aspects of design thinking into a product — balancing creativity, function, and purpose. It’s about considering everything: user experience, sustainability, repairability, aesthetics, and how it all works together.”

This philosophy resonates strongly with About Space’s own values — a brand known for pushing the boundaries of lighting design through innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. 

A Poetic Balance of Form and Function 

At first glance, Litzia’s minimalist form feels effortless. But behind that simplicity lies meticulous consideration. Every element — from the curvature of the stems to the perforated patterning — has been refined to achieve a sense of equilibrium. The dual adjustable heads not only offer practical lighting flexibility but also reference the organic asymmetry of nature.

“The perforations were a deliberate choice,” says Jack. “They diffuse the light softly, creating subtle patterns on surrounding surfaces — a play between shadow and illumination that feels natural, not mechanical.”

It’s this duality that makes Litzia stand out: sculptural yet functional, technical yet poetic. It captures the essence of living forms in a way that enhances human experience, reminding us that even the most advanced designs can still feel deeply connected to nature.

The Power of Collaboration 

The Swinburne x About Space partnership is a platform for emerging designers to reimagine lighting in ways that push boundaries and foster new creative voices in the industry. Through mentorship, prototyping, and exposure, students like Jack gain the opportunity to turn conceptual designs into real products — and in the process, shape the future of Australian design.

“Collaborations like this are invaluable,” says Jack. “They provide a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, where you can test your ideas, learn from experienced designers, and understand what it takes to bring a product to life.”

For About Space, it’s about nurturing talent while continuing its mission to innovate through originality and experimentation. The Litzia floor lamp is a reflection of that commitment — a fusion of student imagination and professional craftsmanship.

Beyond Graduation 

Since graduating, Jack has continued his journey in the world of design. “I’ve been working at GLOBE Skateboards, which has allowed me to apply my design knowledge in a real-world environment,” he shares. “It’s been a great experience — expanding my understanding of materials, manufacturing, and the broader creative process.”

His path demonstrates the versatility of industrial design — and how the principles that shape a lighting concept like Litzia can also influence broader product development and brand storytelling.