Behind the brand: George Kovacs

Past

It all began with a salesman job in a New York City lamp store, where George Kovacs earned $50 a week. George soon married his wife Barbara, a fine artist, and moved to Vienna. In Vienna, George took design classes with the associates of Joseph Hoffman, one of the pioneers of the Arts and Crafts movement. It was there George fell in love with modern design and devised a plan for his return to the U.S.

In 1954, George opened a lamp store in Manhattan. George arranged with J.T. Kalmar, a modern lamp manufacturer in Austria, to import, market, and distribute their lamps in the U.S. As the business flourished, George began importing lamps from all over the world. Eventually George left the retail business and focused on his manufacturing facilities in Queens, NY. George manufactured and marketed the first American-made halogen torchiere lamp which revolutionized the American lighting market.

The George Kovacs brand brought the lighting designs of acclaimed artists
such as Isamu Noguchi and Ingo Maurer to the US. George believed in the
European notion of both promoting and celebrating. George’s unparalleled eye for design talent and willingness to take design risks made him an icon within the industry. George went on to collaborate with renowned designers such as Hariri & Hariri, Robert Sonneman, Karim Rashid, Harry Allen, Rachel Simon and Alecia Wesner.

Kovacs remains synonymous with enduring contemporary designs: a sophisticated style with a twist, a visionary of modern design combined with an outstanding quality product.

It is the innovative, modern design mixed with charming wit which has made George Kovacs Lighting a true legend. This same philosophy continues with Kovacs today.

Present

One of the many thrilling developments within the brand today revolves around the reintroduction of desk and task lighting, a cornerstone of George Kovacs Lighting in years past. I believe our contemporary twist and reemergence in task lighting is especially poignant given the current landscape. Remote work has become not just a trend, but a lifestyle. With an increased emphasis on dedicated home office spaces, the introduction of modernized task lighting adds an exciting dimension to the diverse portfolio of products under the George Kovacs brand. This updated line not only reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation but also meets the evolving needs of individuals seeking both functionality and style in their home workspaces.

The brand’s present-day narrative unfolds with an unwavering commitment to the principles of modern design, as epitomized by George’s discerning choices in designers and designs. Simultaneously, George Kovacs Lighting embraces innovation by exploring new technologies. A notable stride lies in the integration of LED illumination across the brand’s myriad fixtures and portable lamps—a technological leap that George fervently championed long before his passing. Today, the fruition of his foresight stands illuminated in the brilliance of Kovacs light fixtures, showcasing a brand that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

Future

The lighting design landscape continually welcomes emerging technologies, and George Kovacs is poised to maintain its position at the forefront of innovation. As we navigate towards healthier living in the wake of shifting lifestyle priorities, new categories and lighting needs emerge. The spotlight (pun intended) now extends to outdoor spaces, transforming them into integral extensions of our homes and offering fresh opportunities for lighting exploration.

In the era of “smarter” homes, our expectations from lighting have evolve. Questions about adapting lighting to accommodate changes in vision over time and leveraging its potential to influence and enhance our circadian rhythms are increasingly interesting. These considerations personally resonate, presenting a captivating realm where science and technology intersect within George Kovacs Lighting. It’s an exciting prospect to explore how advancements in lighting can not only meet our evolving preferences but also contribute to our well-being and the seamless integration of technology into our daily lives.

An intriguing note of interest lies in the collaborative move of George and myself to the New York Design Center in 2002. The Metropolitan showroom, has not only evolved into a premier venue for unveiling the latest Kovacs designs but also stands as a showcase for the ongoing transformation of our product offerings.

Within the showroom’s walls, numerous one-of-a-kind displays come to life, serving as a dynamic “test kitchen” for merchandising our most recent introductions. It’s here that the essence of innovation and design experimentation converge, allowing us to not only present the newest Kovacs designs but also witness the continuous evolution and refinement of our product line. The Metropolitan showroom, in essence, becomes a living narrative of our brand’s journey and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary lighting design and celebrating a legacy of a man who lived and loved the essence on New York City.