If you can't find what you want, sometimes the best solution is to design it yourself. So was the genesis behind Michael McHale's conversion from successful entertainment lawyer to prolific, imaginative lighting designer.

Mr. McHale, 41, got into design by happenstance: shopping for a chandelier for his Brooklyn Heights apartment, he could find nothing he liked. “The materials just sort of struck me as, you’re not getting very much,” he said. “Molded plastic and Mylar in kind of an interesting shape, a light bulb and a bit of electrical cord for $900. I remember being disgusted and thinking I could make it more interesting and it would be cheaper.”

Venti Cup will feature an interview with the innovative McHale in just a few more days. Until then, read about him in today's New York Times feature and drop by his web site to learn more about his incredible works of art. McHale somehow marries such materials as pipe fittings and Swarovski crystals into playful, glamorous works of art. Once exposed to his original pieces, I assure you you'll never look at chandeliers in the same way again.

Stay tuned!