INSIDE PLANLICHT
Introducing – Ariunjargal “Anya” Gantulga | Lighting Design Specialist
“For me, light is a supporting element in architecture—it doesn’t compete with the design, but elevates it. It brings the concept behind a structure to life, highlighting form, texture, and intention. At the same time, light plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and emotional experience of a space. I see it as the soul of a building—it gives character, depth, and meaning to the architecture.“
“After moving to Germany, I visited an interior design fair in Cologne, where I came across the master’s programme that had a decisive influence on my professional career. Lighting design is a niche field, particularly in Mongolia, where it is still in the early stages of development. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to do something meaningful and unique. During my studies, my fascination with light grew steadily. As I dove deeper into the program, my fascination with lighting only grew. After completing an apprenticeship at a lighting design firm and earning my degree, I wanted to expand my skills in lighting technology – i.e. luminaires, controls, programming. Working for a manufacturer seemed to me to be the ideal next step in combining design and technology. The journey from Mongolia to Tyrol took me across three continents, four countries and six cities – and each stage brought me closer to my goal of becoming the lighting designer I want to be,” says Anya.
PLANLICHT as a bridge between design and technology
Anya joined the PLANLICHT team at the headquarters in Vomp, Tyrol, in January 2023. What does she particularly appreciate about her job? The diversity: ‘I work on projects in many different countries – every culture, every approach, every challenge is different. That makes my work varied and exciting.’ As a Lighting Design Specialist, she is responsible for all international markets (outside the DACH region) – her inbox is filled daily with emails from various countries, such as France, Sweden, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and Luxembourg.
‘This internationality is an integral part of my everyday work at PLANLICHT. I enjoy working with people from all over the world and immersing myself in different ways of thinking.’
Work-life balance and quality – made in Austria
In addition to the career opportunities, Anya particularly appreciates the quality of life in Austria: “For me, PLANLICHT offers many great opportunities. As a designer, I am always looking to develop my skills further – especially in the field of lighting technology. I learn from my experienced colleagues every day. And on top of that, living and working in the Alpine region is a real bonus: high quality of life, nature and leisure opportunities included – I see that as a gift that comes with working at PLANLICHT.”
Anya’s favourite lighting solution? The PLANLICHT profile systems. “It can be precisely tailored to each building, concept, and set of unique requirements. What I enjoy most is developing these custom solutions in close collaboration with architects, designers, and our technical department. Of course, there are challenges, especially when it comes to technical feasibility, but seeing the project come to life in the end is incredibly rewarding.”
Visions for the future
What does Anya want for the future of lighting design, especially in an international context? “As a young lighting designer, I know there’s still so much to discover and learn – that’s what excites me. I don’t shy away from challenges; on the contrary, I actively seek them out. My long-term goal is to bring the knowledge and experience I have gained abroad back to my home country and contribute to the further development of the lighting design scene there.”
