Header: Courtesy of OFT
For CJ Anderson and Jay Jermyn, lighting becomes more than just function – it’s an artistic expression. Through their brand, Objects for Thought (Oft), the duo creates lighting that challenges conventional design, combining industrial materials with a refined aesthetic.
Design philosophy that makes you stop and think
Oft was born from deep discussions and a shared vision between the co-founders.
“We’re not just designing products, we’re shaping a design philosophy that invites others to think differently about their connection to objects and light. We want our lights to feel like they belong, but also to make you stop and think.”
Jay Jermyn
CJ says Oft’s design rigor resonates with interior designers and architects.
“We start with an intuitive approach – designing objects that may look different, but feel right. We know interior designers and architects can really relate to the excitement of designing something both functional and beautiful.”
CJ Anderson
This idea is at the core of their lighting collections, designed not just to illuminate but to create a connection with a space. Their debut collection, the Rider Range, features a signature glass dome in single, double, triple, and quad configurations. Whether mounted on walls or ceilings, these fixtures bring a sense of unity to interiors. The team has carefully considered every detail, using high-grade metals and glass while ensuring easy installation.
Their collaborative process is rooted in craftsmanship and creativity. Both designers have hands-on backgrounds; Jay as an electrician and CJ growing up around metal fabrication. The pair met while studying 3D Industrial Design and instantly connected. Their work has been exhibited at Milan Design Week, Melbourne Denfair, and Melbourne Design Week, among others.
Pushing the boundaries of design
Jay explains, “We wanted a visual language that moves effortlessly between indoors and outdoors.” This led them to develop IP65 outdoor-rated versions – an uncommon technical feature in decorative lighting. The result is a collection that doesn’t just look good but also performs under different conditions, ensuring durability and elegance.
Beyond their own designs, they encourage more boldness in the industry. “We need more courage in design,” Jay says. CJ agrees, emphasizing their focus on creating timeless pieces rather than following trends. “We’re here to make something that feels both new and inevitable.”
Guided by intuition, Oft embraces the freedom to create pieces that may appear unconventional but feel inherently right, blending industrial forms, materiality, and a refined vision. Born from deep thought and conversation, Oft maintains an informal, dialogue-driven approach to design. By rejecting convention and fleeting trends, they transform contemporary ideas into tangible lighting, furniture, and objects for both residential and commercial spaces.
