Ay Lin Heinen

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.

Bamboo M1 Pendant
$2,052.00

Bamboo M1 Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,052.00
Bamboo M2 Pendant
$1,036.00

Bamboo M2 Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,036.00
Bamboo M3 Pendant
$1,036.00

Bamboo M3 Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,036.00
Black Bird’s Nest Medium Pendant
$2,433.00

Black Bird’s Nest Medium Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,433.00
Black Bird’s Nest Small Pendant
$1,489.00

Black Bird’s Nest Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,489.00
Buri Bell Large Pendant
$5,625.00

Buri Bell Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$5,625.00
Buri Bell Small Pendant
$4,140.00

Buri Bell Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$4,140.00
Buri Bulb Extra Small Pendant
$2,490.00

Buri Bulb Extra Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,490.00
Buri Bulb Large Pendant
$6,765.00

Buri Bulb Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$6,765.00
Buri Bulb Small Pendant
$3,390.00

Buri Bulb Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$3,390.00
Cap Large Pendant
$3,214.00

Cap Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$3,214.00
Cap Small Pendant
$2,524.00

Cap Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,524.00
Doppio Grid Pendant
$3,322.00

Doppio Grid Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$3,322.00
Figo Pendant
$7,333.00

Figo Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$7,333.00
Hozuki Large Pendant
From $2,640.00

Hozuki Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,640.00
Hozuki Medium Pendant
From $2,085.00

Hozuki Medium Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,085.00
Hozuki Small Pendant
From $1,605.00

Hozuki Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,605.00
Hozuki XL Pendant
From $5,610.00

Hozuki XL Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$5,610.00
Hyo Large Pendant
$2,640.00

Hyo Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,640.00
Hyo Medium Pendant
$2,085.00

Hyo Medium Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,085.00
Hyo Small Pendant
$1,605.00

Hyo Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,605.00
Koro Large Pendant
$2,640.00

Koro Large Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,640.00
Koro Medium Pendant
$2,085.00

Koro Medium Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$2,085.00
Koro Small Pendant
$1,605.00

Koro Small Pendant

Ay Illuminate
$1,605.00