Interview with BTU Alumnus Stefan Restemeier (Architektur)

Stefan studied architecture in Cottbus and founded the light manufactory leuchtstoff* already during his studies in 2003. With his architectural luminaires he has already illuminated many exciting places such as churches, museums, art galleries, hotels, conference rooms, practices and even the performance "I, Judas" by Ben Becker and the TV series "Magda macht das schon". Meanwhile, his aesthetically high-quality designer luminaires have won several awards and also illuminate the premium conference rooms of Startblock B2.

Hello Stefan, how does studying architecture help you with the requirements of your lighting manufactory?
Well, it helps especially in the approach to designs and in the design, as well as in the development of products but also the general approach to tasks and to solve them. The knowledge from my studies is also an important basis for working with various programs, such as drawing with CAD programs or working with CNC machines. In addition, it is important to know that I completed an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at DB before starting my studies. This combination combines excellently in my current job, because the ability to think spatially, the understanding of the processing of a wide variety of materials and the planned creation of designs make up my current work.

How did you come up with the idea of producing luminaires and lighting concepts?
I have always been interested in design and at that time, when I was about 18 years old, I had no money for a nice interior for my first apartment, so I started to build my own pieces of furniture and decoration. During this time I also designed and built my first lights. The first lights were actually made from scrap metal from old locomotives, among other things. In 2003, parallel to the beginning of my studies, I started my own business because of the high demand. It began with the production of illuminated signs for businesses, such as the lettering of the Café Coffeelatte at the Altmarkt in Cottbus or the stores Aquarella and Optik21. But I was also active internationally relatively quickly, for example for Phillip Plein. In 2009 I named the company "leuchtstoff" and started to develop my own products, because the planning and commissioned work for customers was rarely finished and not adequately rewarded. To work as an architect in an architectural office, I could not imagine at that time, because at that time there was still the "generation internship". Meaning, the work was not paid or poorly paid.

You live and work in Cottbus and also founded your company here. What makes the city attractive for you and your company?
For me, Cottbus is characterized in particular by its great and widely ramified entrepreneurial network, which was a great support for me as a founder. Some of the acquaintances from the past have become friendships, and these are one aspect of why I feel connected to the city of Cottbus. In addition, Cottbus has developed entrepreneurially, culturally and in other areas in recent years and this development is far from over. Since I sell my products mainly nationwide and to the D.A.CH. region, production could theoretically take place at another location. But that is not planned.

What do you remember most fondly from your student days?
In general, student life, the campus, our studio, and with regard to the latter, the team spirit that was lived there. We were a very harmonious and strong group, everyone was good in their own field and as a team we worked very well. Designing was fun, but then you don't really do that in real professional life. And finally our UNI parties, they were legendary.