James Russ

James Russ

About

A master of materiality, James Russ has worked in a vast range of materials and techniques throughout his career, creating a unique genre of lighting design infused with fine-art influence. His visual sculptures serve beyond simple illumination, creating a sense of spacial intimacy whilst encapsulating cultural, natural and human stories. These sculptures have steadily evolved from studies in industrial design into bespoke fine art for an international audience.

James pulls from natural resources using weathered bronze and brass, cast and blown glass and heritage local timbers and veneers from around the world. Combining kevlar and carbon fibre composites and high performance alloys with cold cathode, LED, OLED and photoluminescence materials allows James to utilise the best in lighting technology. James’ extensive knowledge of Dali, DMX, and RF lighting control systems allow his work to be seamlessly integrated into both domestic and commercial applications.

James' design process involves in-depth consultation with clients, architects and designers to create a fusion of collective concepts and ideas. Collaborating with local industry leaders such as Warren and Mahoney, Peddlethorp, Cheshire and Bossley Architects has become typical practice for James, resulting in notable large-scale commissions such as the one million LED “Sky Garden” for the Millennium Hotel Group through to a single bespoke “Infinity” pendant installed in the Philippe Starck-designed super yacht, “Senses.” His work has been commissioned by Moët & Chandon at New Zealand Fashion Week and has been featured on The Block and Grand Designs. James has partnered with G4 Design Studio and Para Designworks to develop unique lighting designs for exclusive client projects. International work ranges from pendants sold into private collections in the UK, Germany, and the USA to public sculptures and exhibitions in Australia and the UAE.

James is proud to share his innovative approach to art and design, blending his sculptures with New Zealand’s unique cultural identity. Let James and his team add value to your next project.

Meet the team

James Russ
James Russ
Owner
Kuk Chul Chung
Kuk Chul Chung
Anna Horley
Anna Horley
Lead Creative

James Russ
James Russ
James Russ

Testimonials

I have known and worked with James Russ for over 10 years and always found them reliable and thoroughly professional. On occasions when I required special lights for a job they would always produce something far beyond my expectations. The knowledge and dedication to the design process and the constant search for cutting edge ideas result in a truly original product. I would not hesitate to recommend James Russ and his team based on the all round skills, professionalism and innate ability to translate a clients ideas. This business is constantly developing high quality and unique solutions in the lighting field.

Elizabeth Gallagher, Designer and Consultant, Halliday Baillie LTD

Thank you so much to you and your team for all your efforts. The pieces you have created will be a stand out feature of the venue. Thank you for all your extra hours, late nights, trouble shooting creative genius you and your team have put in. We look forward to you and your team coming to visit your creations for many years to come.

Carrie Mendell, General Manager, Tantalus Estate

Hi James & Team, we have just moved into our new home (it has been along time coming) thought we would send you a couple of pics of our fantastic “Atomic” light.. We are thrilled with it! Thanks guys.

Debbie & Paul

Just wanted to pass on my thanks and awesome feedback in relation to the Sensory Light installations we now have in 3 of our ASB Advice Centres (Branches) Nothing but fantastic feedback for the spaces overall and the light just really anchors these spatially for us.

Karen Munro
James Russ
James Russ

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