Global Expansion (1959–2005)

1972

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Al Alam Royal Palace -Muscat Oman

It was the first project for Bakalowits within Oman.

The project included all bespoke chandeliers for the entire palace.

1973 - 1975

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Bakalowits was commissioned to design and produce the golden flame for Indonesia’s national monument, “MONAS”.

It marked the house’s first venture into large scale outdoor lighting — a technical and artistic challenge that demanded new approaches to durability, luminosity, and symbolic expression.

This project holds a particularly special place for the Bakalowits family, as it allowed us to contribute to a monument of national identity — a symbol that continues to represent the strength, independence, and spirit of the Indonesian people.

1975

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On his first visit to Hong Kong Friedl Bakalowits managed to secure his first major project with Asia´s biggest Bank at that time “HENG SENG BANK”.

Bakalowits was commissioned to produce the entire decorative lighting for the Bank´s HQ & later also for its new HQ (1985) also in HK.

This project marks the starting point of Bakalowits huge success in Asia.

1977

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Al Wajba Palace -Doha, Qatar

After a private meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Friedl Bakalowits managed to secure the complete lighting package for the entire palace.

It included the biggest chandelier in the arabic world at this time.

(Dia 8,5 x Height 12.5 Meters)

1981

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The Shangri-La Hotel in Kowloon - Hong Kong

This was the first five star hotel in Asia for which Bakalowits supplied the complete decorative lighting.

This landmark project became a tremendous success and helped forge a close friendship with the owning family of the Shangri La Group, opening the door to a long and trusted partnership.

1982

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The Sheraton Grand Doha – Qatar

Bakalowits was commissioned the contract to produce the decorative lighting for the first five star hotel in Doha.

This prestigious project marked a significant milestone for the company and became a true stepping stone into the Qatari market. In the years that followed, it opened the door to numerous commissions for palaces and private residences throughout the country.

1983

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Friedl Bakalowits becomes Professor of Design at the University of Applied Arts in Linz.

1985

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Friedl Bakalowits marries Aglaja Muenz who also joins the company, strengthening international sales and helps to guiding the maison into a new era.

1987

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Penang Mutiara Beach Resort – Malaysia

The main lighting installation featured a distinctive design inspired by the traditional Malay kite, known as the Wau. This motif was not chosen by chance: the Wau holds a celebrated place in Malaysian culture, symbolizing craftsmanship, grace, and the joy of flight.

By incorporating its sweeping curves and delicate geometry, the chandelier paid homage to one of Malaysia’s most iconic artistic traditions, transforming the Hotel interior into a space where cultural heritage and contemporary luxury met in spectacular form.

1989

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Patents a special chandelier glass component.

Today known as Zalloni glass lighting and design collaboration between Cari Zalloni & Prof. Friedl Bakalowits.

1990

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The “Emperor” Chandelier

For the coronation of Japan’s new emperor, Emperor Akihito, Austria sought a gesture worthy of the 121 year friendship between the two nations.

Bakalowits was entrusted with creating a gift of exceptional significance: three closely related chandeliers, crafted as symbols of respect, cultural dialogue, and enduring partnership.

The honour of contributing to such a historic occasion left a lasting imprint on the house. In recognition of this moment, Bakalowits renamed the entire lighting family the Emperor Series—a tribute to the event and to the bond it represents.

To this day, the chandelier continues to be produced with the same reverence, carrying forward the legacy of that extraordinary commission.

1991

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In this year, Bakalowits completed one of the family’s all time favourite Hotel projects:

The Shangri La Island Hotel in Hong Kong

For this prestigious property, Bakalowits once again had the honor of designing and producing the entire decorative lighting—covering the entrance hall, ballroom, VIP areas, and all guest rooms.

The lobby lighting in particular holds a special place in the hearts of the Bakalowits family. We are proud that these iconic pieces continue to shine in perfect operation to this day.

1992

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Kuwait Conference Center

This project was created to host the special meeting of the Arab League that year, following the liberation of Kuwait in February 1991.

Thanks to its strong reputation across many Arab countries — and its proven ability to deliver complex projects on time — Bakalowits was commissioned to design and produce this impressive lighting installation.

1990 – 1993

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Subsidiaries open in Munich, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

1993

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Bakalowits opens the first international lighting showroom in Moscow.

1993

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Soimei no Mori Gakuen College - Chiba, Japan

For this staircase installation, Bakalowits developed a new glass moulding technique to realize the architect’s design intent that was developed together with the design team of Bakalowits.

1994

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SOGO DEPARTMENT STORE in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

It all began with a simple yet poetic idea: to translate the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms into a sculptural lighting installation. What started as an artistic concept evolved into a fully functional design piece that continues to illuminate the space with both purpose and emotion.

Even today, the installation remains a visual highlight, drawing the attention of every visitor.

1998

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Festspielhaus BADEN BADEN, Germany.

Late 1990s – early 2000s

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Strategic shift: focus entirely on chandelier making, restoration, bespoke commissions.

Showroom moves to the Design District Gumpendorferstraße, becoming a curated space for contemporary and historical lighting.