Florence Knoll’s Many Influences

Do you know who “Shu” is?  Maybe you’re familiar with her real name as opposed to her nickname: Florence Knoll.  One of the several women that have contributed to the modern design furniture movement, the American architect and furniture designer is well known for her “total design” philosophy and for being one of the founders of famous design firm Knoll.

Florence Knoll was born Florence Marguerite Schust in Saginaw, Michigan on May 24, 1917.  During the 1930s she attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art where she had the opportunity to study under the guidance of Eliel Saarinen, the father of fellow modern design furniture pioneer Eero Saarinen. Schust would go on to study furniture making not only with Saarinen, but also with another famous name: Charles Eames.  With her extensive experience, Schust’s work would be influenced by a number of mentors, especially German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Florence Shust married Hans Knoll in 1946, taking his last name and together they founded Knoll Associates.  After establishing a furniture factory in Pennsylvania, Knoll would go on to produce a number of iconic designs during the 20th century.  When her husband passed away in 1955, Florence Knoll continued operation of Knoll and designed several chairs, sofas, and tables for the company, many of which are still sold by Knoll today.  Florence Knoll continued to be a part of the company until she retired in 1965.

This update is provided by CA Modern Home, offering an extensive selection of modern home furniture by respected brands and designers like those under the Herman Miller brand, including Charles & Ray Eames.  Call us at 1-800-605-1859 for any sales inquiries or more information on furniture by Florence Knoll and the many other iconic designers.