Richard Schultz:
A Legacy in Modern Furniture Design

Richard  Schultz has left an indelible influence on the furniture design landscape through his innovative work at Knoll that still reflects till this day. His journey began after studying engineering and industrial design at Iowa State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Although there were no dedicated programs for furniture design, Schultz’s passion for the craft led him to Knoll in 1960.

From the outset, Schultz was part of a tight-knit community of fellow innovative craftsmen. When he married co-worker Trudy Busch, Florence Knoll graciously lent them her Paris apartment for their honeymoon, reflecting the strong bonds within the company. Schultz’s first major breakthrough was the Petal Table, inspired by the delicate Queen Anne’s Lace weed found on the Schultzes' Pennsylvania farmhouse property. Designed to accompany Bertoia’s iconic wire chairs, the Petal Table was later included in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

His creativity flourished at Knoll, leading to the development of the new Café Collection, featuring stackable chairs with playful triangular folds, and the Swell Collection, which catered to clients seeking larger pieces than those in the 1966 Collection. While Schultz focused on design, Peter managed the business side, and Trudy kept a humorous record of their trials and errors.

As the mid-century modern craze gained momentum, outdoor living spaces became increasingly popular. Initially hesitant to sell their brand, the Schultzes ultimately decided to move forward when Knoll approached them again in 2012, feeling the timing was right. Richard had previously gifted his shares to Peter for estate planning, making Peter the sole owner at the time of the sale. Now retired in Vermont, Richard is exploring his passion for small-scale metal sculpture, while Peter has transitioned to a consulting role with Knoll.

In 1966, Schultz debuted the Leisure Collection, crafted at Florence Knoll's request for her Florida home. He fondly recalled, “My editor was Mrs. Knoll.” Schultz remained at Knoll until 1973, when he left to pursue freelance design. Over the years, Knoll changed ownership multiple times, and Schultz's furniture was temporarily out of production.

In 1990, Schultz developed prototypes for the Topiary Collection, a visionary line made from perforated sheet aluminum. With a playful approach, he aimed to design a chair that resembled a shrub pruned into the shape of a chair. After facing rejection from traditional manufacturers, Schultz and his son Peter founded Richard Schultz Design in 1992, with a mission to reintroduce classic pieces like the Leisure Collection—now known as the 1966 Collection—and to explore new design avenues.

Explore the enduring elegance of Richard Schultz's furniture and discover how it can transform your outdoor spaces into stylish retreats that celebrate both innovation and tradition.