The Netherlands

Ay Lin Heinen’s work at Ay Illuminate embodies a dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, with each lighting piece bearing the mark of skilled hands and sustainable design principles. At the heart of Ay Illuminate’s creations is a commitment to collaborating with craftspeople across diverse cultures, bringing traditional weaving, stitching, and natural material sourcing into each fixture. Heinen and her team seek out artisans from places like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Indonesia, where the unique artistry of materials like bamboo, sisal, and silk cocoon strands is deeply rooted in local heritage. By embracing these traditional techniques, Ay Illuminate not only supports regional crafts but also helps preserve these skills, fostering an exchange where cultural heritage informs and enriches contemporary design.

Sustainability is integral to Ay Illuminate's ethos. Heinen is dedicated to utilizing renewable, biodegradable resources and employs a zero-waste approach whenever possible. Every component, from woven rattan to hand-spun silk, is thoughtfully chosen to minimize environmental impact. Even the design process itself is centered on responsible use of resources—by working with materials readily available in the artisans’ regions, Ay Illuminate reduces transport emissions and supports a sustainable supply chain. Each piece is created to honor both its cultural roots and the environment, resulting in lighting fixtures that not only illuminate spaces but also tell a story of global sustainability and respect for craft.

Through her leadership, Heinen ensures that every Ay Illuminate fixture embodies a purpose beyond function. The brand’s ethos emphasizes producing fewer but more meaningful items, ensuring each product is crafted to last and created with a sense of responsibility for both people and the planet. Ay Illuminate's approach stands as a model for conscious design, showcasing how beauty, sustainability, and craftsmanship can intersect in impactful ways.