ABOUT
KAIA
The term 'KAIA', a word symbolizing both light and shade, serves as a testament to the brand's adeptness in balancing contrasts. Since its inception, KAIA has cultivated partnerships with a diverse array of creative talents to produce distinctive lighting pieces renowned for their exceptional design and unparalleled quality — a dedication resulting in an authentic fusion of European creativity.
KAIA is timeless elegance and purity expressed often through geometric precision and rigorous design. The design process is a continuous journey with no beginning or end.
KAIA’s objects are designed to be experienced on multiple levels. When unlit, you respond to it as an aesthetic object; when illuminated, you value its function.
Every KAIA object reflects meticulous construction and refined materiality. Exposed screws and the heaviness and weight of the metal, underscore KAIA’s devotion to honesty and quality.
KAIA’s roots are deeply informed by the Viennese Secession, drawing inspiration from Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser. At the same time, the brand is grounded in the modernist clarity of Eileen Gray and the Bauhaus principles of Walter Gropius, with selected collections further influenced by the material sensitivity and architectural poetry of Carlo Scarpa.
ATELIER
Liberated craft
KAIA dedicates careful attention to craftsmanship and sustainability, positioning itself as the antithesis of mass production, with a selection of natural and reusable materials, made-to-order products, and artisanal production traditions.
A return to the fundamental act of making what is truly needed and objects that endure. KAIA creates objects that are repairable, resilient, and resistant to the prevailing Zeitgeist of rapid consumption.
KAIA works closely with family-owned workshops and suppliers all over Europe, honoring traditional practices. Every detail is accounted for. All components being glass, marble or metal, go through a rigorous quality control process before being assembled and wired in our atelier near Munich.
Every piece is uniquely crafted in KAIAs workshop, never standardized. Made with intention, not ego.
EDITIONS
designed to be collected
The brand's acclaimed artists and collaborators mirror KAIA’s values. Their work pushes the boundaries of design and innovation and echo a deep engagement with materiality, history, and form.
Manuela thoughtfully curates and engages in a close dialogue with artists to develop works that resonate with KAIA’s aesthetic identity.
STUDIO
Woman-owned and independently led
KAIA’s small, but multinational, team honours sustainability, thoughtful design, and integrity. Since 2013, KAIA has been headquartered in London. In 2021 KAIA relocated both the studio and atelier from Vienna to Munich, Germany.
KAIA works with talented individuals to design and create collections in-house as well as collaboratively with European designers and artists to create unique lighting objects of the highest design and quality – a European creative fusion.
MANUELA SZEWALD
Creative and managing director
“I studied law and political science at university and began my professional career in a law firm in Munich, later working as a tax lawyer within financial institutions in Frankfurt and London.
In 2010, while refurbishing my family’s holiday home, a hamlet of 300-year-old farmhouses, I rediscovered my profound love for architecture, design, and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. It became clear that the professional path I had taken, though successful, was unrewarding.
In December 2013, I joined Kaia and introduced myself to the world of design, which opened an entirely new perspective on life and work.
After thirteen years in London and with young children, we chose to leave city life behind. In the summer of 2016, we moved permanently to the Bavarian countryside, making our former holiday home the foundation of our family life. Living closely with nature and our animals sharpened my understanding of harmony: the balance between nature, life, responsibility, and self.
I strongly believe in sustainability, preserving tradition, and in contributing through small, conscious changes that create meaningful impact for the environment and future generations.
Since then, I have focused on supporting European craftsmanship through long-term partnerships with small, family-run workshops across Europe. At the same time, we expanded our atelier near Freising, building a young, diverse team of exceptional craftsmen and creatives — true Freigeister.
Through collaborations with artists, I actively support cross-disciplinary work, with a particular focus on women in architecture, design, and art. Beyond my professional life, I support cultural institutions like the Haus der Kunst and the Deutsche Werkbund in Munich, the MAK in Vienna and initiatives committed to sustainability, craftsmanship, and responsible thinking.”