Each year, the Swinburne x About Space collaboration invites emerging designers to reimagine what lighting can be. It’s a partnership that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of industrial design — bringing together the creative energy of Swinburne University students and the industry expertise of About Space.

One of this year’s winners, Thea Davey, captured the attention of Mark Vasserman and Steven Rollis with her elegant and expressive creation: the Kelp Floor Lamp. Drawing inspiration from the fluid motion of underwater sea kelp, Thea’s design transforms natural movement into a sculptural and functional lighting piece that embodies both serenity and adaptability.

The Inspiration Behind Kelp

“Kelp was inspired by the movement of sea kelp beneath the waves,” Thea explains. “I wanted to translate that organic rhythm into something geometric, refined, and functional.”

The result is a lamp that blurs the line between art and utility. Its softly curved, modular form evokes the flowing grace of underwater flora while maintaining a strong architectural presence. Each section of the lamp rotates independently, allowing the user to adjust the direction of light with seamless, almost meditative fluidity.

Thea describes Kelp as “both sculptural and practical,” and it’s this balance that makes it so compelling. The design captures the serenity of the ocean’s movement and the dynamism of nature’s constant evolution — a poetic reflection of form and function that feels equally suited to a coastal retreat or a modern urban interior.

From Curiosity to Craft

When asked what inspired her to study industrial design, Thea reflects on her desire to combine creativity with technical problem-solving.

“I loved the balance between creativity and technology,” she says. “Creating tangible products is really rewarding yet challenging.”

For Thea, design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about process, precision, and the satisfaction of bringing an idea into physical reality. Industrial design offered her a space where sketching met engineering, and where the smallest detail could transform how people interact with everyday objects.

Lessons in Empathy and Understanding

Every great designer knows that true innovation lies not only in imagination but in empathy. Thea highlights this as one of her biggest learnings throughout her studies and the Kelp project.

“There are so many elements that go into creating a product — so much you never see,” she shares. “As a designer, you need to be empathic and understand all aspects of this and the user-centred needs that drive it.”

This perspective shaped how she approached her work on Kelp. Beyond crafting an aesthetically beautiful lamp, Thea focused on how users would experience it — how the piece could respond to human behaviour, adapting to mood, light, and function. It’s an approach that aligns perfectly with About Space’s own design philosophy: lighting that not only illuminates a room but enhances the way people live in it.

A Design Ethos Rooted in Impact

When describing her design ethos, Thea’s answer is both thoughtful and mature:

“Focus on impact. Connecting the design to a larger framework. And ensuring design is aligned to the user. This means the outcome typically has a more meaningful impact.”

In other words, Thea’s work is about purpose. She believes in designing with empathy, sustainability, and relevance — considering how each design sits within a broader environmental and social context. Whether it’s through material choice, modular adaptability, or longevity, she aims for her designs to contribute positively to the spaces and people they touch.

The Creative Process: Embracing the “Chaotic Good”

Thea laughs when describing her creative process as “a bit chaotic good.” It’s an honest admission that resonates with many designers.

“The process is not straightforward or structured,” she explains. “Sometimes it’s nice to put fewer restrictions on a design initially. I find this is a nice way to explore ideas.”

It’s within this creative freedom that Kelp was born — a piece that could only come from allowing the process to ebb and flow as naturally as the sea it was inspired by.

From University to Industry

After completing her studies at Swinburne, Thea has already found her stride in the professional world, currently working as a Product Development Engineer at Bellroy — one of Australia’s most design-forward brands. Her role bridges design and engineering, allowing her to apply the same balance of creativity and technical precision that defines her work.

It’s a fitting next step for a designer whose debut project embodies movement, adaptability, and intention.