Bruce Hannah

From the time of his graduation from Pratt Institute in 1963, Bruce Hannah made a career of understanding and exploiting modern technology and materials to create efficient, practical products. Design, as defined by Hannah, is first and foremost problem solving.

Hannah found a philosophical and creative partner in Andrew Morrison, with whom he introduced several innovative products for Knoll in the 1970s. Exploring the possible applications of aluminum in modern furniture, the pair introduced a lounge seating system in 1971, a related line of tables one year later, and a collection of office chairs in 1974.

In 1976, Hannah established his own office which, among many other designs, produced the Hannah Desk System for Knoll — chosen by the Industrial Designers Society of America as a ‘Design of the Decade’ in 1990. The innovative design employed storage “pedestals” to support the desktop, a concept which eliminated the need for a frame, increasing flexibility and reducing cost.

Hannah joined the faculty at his alma mater, Pratt, in 1993, where he still teaches today.