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    Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Tom chose the Netherlands to shape his design practice due to its central location in Europe and the dynamic, supportive design community. "It’s a place where different cultures meet, and it has a strong design infrastructure. That openness to global collaboration is important to me as I continue to grow as a designer," he says. 

    Both his studio and home are currently in Amsterdam, though this hasn’t always been the case. Having recently moved from Rotterdam, Tom reflects on the influence of living and working in close quarters in a dense urban environment.  

    Tom Chung "Living in Amsterdam, you really get a sense of how people navigate smaller, shared spaces. It influences the way I design—focusing on practicality and making sure things can fit into real lives."

    This environment, where diverse influences and ideas converge, has naturally shaped Tom's approach to designing for flexible, multifunctional spaces. "I start by focusing on a specific context, a specific need. Once the design works for that, it often becomes adaptable to other spaces as well," he explains. For Tom, the key is simplicity. "The products I create are often simple in language but designed with a clear, specific purpose in mind. That makes them in a way open to interpretation and use in a variety of settings." 

    • A big olive-green Stacked bookcase with books and small decorative accessories. A black Piton Portable Lamp with a white shade adds a warm glow, complementing the modern, minimalistic design.
    • A modern white metal shelf featuring a silver Piton Portable Lamp casting a warm glow. The shelf holds small decorative items, a container of pens, and a collection of vinyl records, creating a stylish and functional workspace.

    His approach is clearly reflected in the Beam Table Lamp, a project that blends minimalist form with dynamic functionality. The two-sided design, inspired by Tom’s work on an interior project that required both upward and downward lighting, highlights his commitment to creating versatile solutions. The result was a lamp that not only serves a functional purpose but also looks strikingly simple.  

    Tom Chung "I wanted to simplify the adjustment mechanism while still offering the same flexibility in how the light is directed," Tom explains.
    • A Modern setting with silver and black Beam table lamps on a desk with papers, near a window and indoor plants.
    •  A cozy living space with a large window, green plants, and a light grey bench. A round table holds yellow flowers, while a pendant and Beam Table Lamp add warm lighting.
    • A pair of hands holds a circular LED component while sketching design ideas in a notebook. The open pages feature hand-drawn diagrams and notes. The dark table with wooden trim provides a warm, creative workspace.

    Tom’s partnership with Muuto led to scaling up the Beam Lamp, introducing a larger size and new features. "The larger version of Beam allows it to stand on its own as a statement piece," he says. "I wanted to take the opportunity to not just scale up, but to refine the design—integrating a user-replaceable LED light source and upgrading the materials."  

    An open notebook with hand-drawn sketches and notes on lighting design rests on a dark table with wooden trim. A circular LED component sits on the page, aligning with the technical diagrams.
    A close-up of Tom Chung working on a lighting prototype. An open sketchbook with technical drawings lies on the table, with LED components placed on top. A Beam Table Lamp and other lighting elements are placed on the table, reflecting a workspace dedicated to product design.

    The shift from plastic to glass for the diffuser and the new polished aluminum finish is part of a broader effort to refine the design while staying true to the lamp’s core concept. Reflecting on the updated features, Tom elaborates,  

    Tom Chung "The user-replaceable LED was important and an innovative solution because it ensures the product can be repaired to extend its life cycle. If the light source malfunctions, the user can easily replace it themselves instead of relying on a professional."
    A modern interior featuring a metal shelf with a silver Beam Table Lamp and decorative objects. A red flower painting adds a striking contrast against the white wall, while a green plant peeks into the frame.
    A close-up of the Beam Table Lamp in brushed aluminum, showcasing its sleek cylindrical design. The soft lighting creates a warm ambiance.

    He also notes how the polished aluminum finish adds a level of sophistication, which complements the larger scale of the lamp, making it a great fit for both contemporary and more classic interior styles. 

    As for how the Beam Lamp fits into modern homes, Tom sees it as a versatile addition. "Depending on its size and finish, the Beam Lamp can have a different presence in a room. The black version feels more subtle, blending in, while the polished version really stands out as a piece of decor," he says.  

    The lamp, in both its sizes, works seamlessly in a variety of environments—whether on a table, floor, or low shelf. 

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