Meet the Maker | Soktas
SOKTAS
We recently sat down with the team at Soktas to explore their journey, their design philosophy, and how coastal living shapes their work.
From hand-blown techniques to sculptural forms, Soktas transforms glass into modern pieces that feel effortless in contemporary interiors.
Formed in Oslo and now based on the Australian coast - how has that journey shaped SØKTAS as a brand?
Oslo influenced our focus on clean lines and simplicity. Moving to the Australian coast brought a more relaxed and natural feel to the work. The brand sits between those two places — considered and refined, but not rigid.
Oliver, as a third-generation glass artist, how does that lineage influence the way you approach your craft today?
Working with glass has always been part of my life. Being third-generation means I learned early to respect the material and understand how it behaves. That experience guides how I work today, even as the designs stay modern.
Beyond illumination, what is the intention behind what you create?
The aim is to create lighting that feels balanced and considered in a space. The pieces are designed to sit comfortably in their surroundings, whether they’re on or off. They’re made to last and not feel tied to trends.
Each piece carries subtle variations. Why is individuality such a central part of your design philosophy?
Because the glass is hand-blown, no two pieces are exactly the same. Those small differences come from the making process. We don’t try to remove that — it’s part of what makes each piece feel real and personal.
Living and working near the coast often brings a slower rhythm - how does the coastal lifestyle influence the way you design and create?
Being near the coast naturally slows things down. That pace allows more time to think, test, and refine ideas. It helps keep the work calm and uncomplicated.
With five distinct collections, how do you approach designing something new while staying true to your original designs?
New designs usually build on existing ideas rather than starting from scratch. We focus on keeping proportions, materials, and finishes consistent so everything works together as a whole.
How does the choice of finish - for example frosted or clear - affect the relationship between materials like metal, stone and glass in a piece?
Different finishes change how light behaves and how the materials interact. Clear glass shows more detail and structure, while frosted glass softens the light. The choice depends on the setting and how the piece will be used.
Looking for more inspiration?
Read The Definitive Guide to the Best Australian Lighting Designers
p.s. check out @lightingcollective for the latest in designer lighting