→About me

→ Beat Lüthi

From an early age, I was fascinated by the mysterious world of past eras — particularly the artistic evolution of historic interiors and furniture. Driven by tireless curiosity, I immersed myself in various stylistic movements and traditional craftsmanship techniques, inspired by the beauty and cultural significance of bygone times.

This passion has remained a constant thread throughout my life — a personal journey through time in which each object reveals new stories, secrets, and masterful craftsmanship.

After graduating from the Restoration School in Lucerne in 1996, specializing in furniture, I founded my own studio that same year. I soon realised that light in interior design is far more than illumination — it is emotion, atmosphere, and expression. Thoughtful lighting design allows furniture, materials, and spaces to merge into a harmonious whole, profoundly shaping the sense of comfort and well-being.
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Beat Lüthi, founder of dieZEITREISE

For me, the restoration of historic lighting is far more than a technical task — it is a sensitive interplay of craftsmanship, research, and respect for the original. Each luminaire carries its own story: of its era, of artistic movements, and of the people who created and lived with it.

With a trained eye, I examine materials, construction, and light effect in order to carefully reveal the original character. The aim is not to erase the traces of time, but to understand them and reconcile them with modern functionality. The result is a careful balance between historical authenticity and contemporary technology — allowing the luminaire to shine once again in its full brilliance.

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The beauty and significance
of past eras have always inspired me

→ Milestones

Childhood Room

1977

Even as a teenager, I furnished my room with antiques. I also visited auction houses with my grandmother — experiences that shaped my fascination for historical objects.

World Journey

1989

In 1989, I travelled around the world for six months, visiting countries across four continents.

Education

1990–96

After training as a cabinetmaker, I entered professional life. For six years, a dedicated mentor taught me the art of restoration, while I simultaneously attended the Restoration School in Lucerne.

Company Foundation

1996

Founded my own company, «dieZeitreise» in Bern.

Family Life

2004

Following my marriage in 1998, our third child was born in April 2004, growing our family to five. Numerous family journeys allowed me to experience diverse cultures around the world.

Expansion

2001

Acquired two major lighting businesses with extensive collections of historic luminaires and spare parts.

Schloss Hünegg

2016

In 2016, I undertook my largest project to date: the restoration of 60 historic luminaires at Schloss Hünegg. The process spanned three years, culminating in the castle shining once again in renewed brilliance. The project was complemented by a publication documenting the restoration.

«VSAR»

2018

Admission to the “Swiss Association of Antiquarians and Restorers” (VSAR). Based in Zurich, the association is regarded as a distinguished body of highly qualified professionals. Around 80 members throughout Switzerland are committed to safeguarding the authenticity of their objects, carrying out restorations in accordance with the respective historical period and art-historical principles, and advising and supporting clients and interested parties with expertise, transparency, and in a spirit of mutual trust.

«Light and Glass»

2020

Joined the association “Light and Glass,” a European platform dedicated to the research, documentation, and promotion of high-quality historic lighting, particularly chandeliers. Seminars take place in historic cities such as Venice, Lisbon, Vienna, Prague, and Brussels.

→ Atelier & Showroom

My studio is located in the western part of Bern, in a distinctive industrial building dating from 1923 — one of the first flat-roofed buildings in Bümpliz. This historically rich setting provides the ideal framework for my work, where traditional craftsmanship, research, and creative innovation converge.

For over three decades, I have devoted myself with passion and scholarly precision to the study and restoration of furniture and lighting. Over the past ten years, I have increasingly expanded my international network through my involvement with “Light and Glass.”

Regular seminars and specialist conferences throughout Europe create a dynamic and ever-growing network of knowledge. This exchange of expertise, insight, and passion forms the foundation of my work and remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

Von A wie «Abwaschen» bis Z wie «Zur Vollendung bringen» –
das sind meine Kompetenzen

Leidenschaft . . .

. . . ist für mich der rote Faden schlechthin und die Basis allen Schaffens. Ohne ein Projekt leidenschaftlich zu verfolgen und die Gier nach Wissen zu stillen, wäre meine Arbeit nichts mehr als bloss ein Job.

Fundiertes Fachwissen

Fachliches Wissen entsteht durch Lernen, Erfahrungen und den Austausch mit Experten aus dem In- und Ausland. Wir sind seit Jahren aktives Mitglied des internationalen Vereins «Light & Glass».

Respekt vor der Historie

Den Spagat zwischen einer musealen (möglichst original-getreu) und einer technischen Restaurierung (zweckmässig und funktional) bleibt eine grosser Herausforderung. Wir schaffen ihn mittels fundiertem Know-how und einer gesunden Portion an Kreativität.

Zuverlässigkeit

Mein Team und ich stehen Ihnen jederzeit mit Rat und Tat zur Seite und garantieren Ihnen einen reibungslosen Ablauf Ihres Projekts. Dies gilt für die Qualität der ausgeführten Arbeiten genauso wie für die Einhaltung Ihrer terminlichen und finanziellen Vorgaben.