Florence Knoll

Florence Knoll Bassett, born Schust, is a pioneer of modern American design. A brilliant architect and designer, she revolutionized the design of spaces with innovative ideas. Wife of Hans Knoll, she contributed to the success of the eponymous company with iconic creations of the 20th century, including lounge chairs, tables and the Florence Relax collection. Born in 1917 in Saginaw, Michigan, she studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, coming into contact with masters such as Gropius, Breuer and Mies van der Rohe. After her marriage to Hans in 1946, she transformed Knoll into an international reference, redefining work spaces with the Planning Unit and KnollTextiles. After her husband's death, she led the company until 1960, retiring in 1965. She passed away in 2019 in Coral Gables.