team
Graham Rollins
Nils Rigbers
Ingo Kalecinski
GNI-Projects
GNI project is formed by a collective of three designers from different backgrounds and disciplines, whom share the same passion for design and desire to create new and intriguing multi-disciplinary objects, installations and imagery.
Nils Rigbers and Ingo Kalecinski have been personal friends since 1994 after attending the same High school in Blomberg, North West Germany. Graham Rollins and Kalecinski met each other in 2002, while working for SKK Lighting following their separate design courses at university. All three designers have now been friends since 2006, through their shared love of design, and ambition to pursue shared projects.
In May 2009 Rollins met Helmut Bien (curator of Luminale, Frankfurt) at the IALD Awards dinner, where they discussed possible future participation in the festival, and Rollins and Kalcinski's previous appreciation of the event. This was GNI's first chance of design collaboration, with the added benefit of Rigber's residing in Frankfurt.
By the end of 2009 GNI projects were a confirmed participant of Luminale 2010, and their first installation was designed, entitled 'Light Loves Frankfurt'. GNI projects was officially born from the success of 'Light Loves Frankfurt' during Luminale 2010, and the continued interest and inspiration that has followed.
Graham Rollins
Graham Rollins was born in West Yorkshire, but spent most of his youth living in Hertfordshire, before progressing to study Product Design at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in Kent. Currently living in London, Rollins began his career and love of light whilst working at SKK lighting in Soho (Where he formed his friendship with Kalecinski) Rollins now works professionally for Lighting Design International, designing architectural lighting schemes for hotels, commercial spaces, spas, yachts and private residences.
As a trained product designer Rollins is passionate about concept and understanding the story and emotion behind any piece of design. Rollins is also fond of photography and experimenting with digital images and lighting effects.
Rollins has featured in books about contemporary lighting design follow his success in a series of professional lighting design awards, including IALD Awards, FX International Interior Design Awards, AL Light & Architecture Awards and National Lighting Design Awards.