An architectural approach
Since 1938, Knoll has remained true to the Bauhaus philosophy of “total architecture”—where furniture complements architectural space to create a harmonious design.
What started as a small firm is now a global brand, and it all began with Florence and Hans Knoll. Early in her architecture career, Florence Schust met Hans Knoll—a German businessman who’d recently founded a furniture company. With Florence’s design skills and Hans’ salesmanship, the pair built an innovative business.
Knoll is built on a rich history of creative collaboration with prominent architects and designers. Florence recruited her Cranbrook associates Eero Saarinen and Harry Bertoia, and it was through her relationships with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer that Knoll first earned the rights to produce their furniture. Piero Lissoni, Antonio Citterio, and Marc Newson were recently added to the Knoll roster, and new collaborations with contemporary voices are currently in the works.