Hans von Klier

Hans von Klier (1934–2000) was a visionary industrial and furniture designer known for his innovative work across Europe during the mid to late 20th century. Born in Tetschen (now Děčín in the Czech Republic), he was raised in the Sudetenland before relocating to West Germany after World War II. He began his career as an electromechanical technician before pursuing industrial design at the prestigious Ulm School of Design.
 
In the 1960s, von Klier moved to Milan and became a key figure at the studio of Ettore Sottsass Jr., where he designed a range of cutting-edge office equipment for Olivetti, including typewriters and calculators. His contributions during this time helped shape the sleek, modern corporate aesthetic that defined Olivetti’s global image.
 
Later, he joined Olivetti’s Corporate Identity department, where he helped craft the company's brand and communication strategies. One of his most enduring achievements was the development of the “Red Books,” a series of design manuals that became benchmarks for corporate branding and visual identity.
 
In the 1970s and 1980s, von Klier expanded into furniture design, creating refined, architecturally inspired desks, conference tables, sideboards, and lighting. He frequently collaborated with the Italian company Skipper, designing sophisticated executive furnishings that combined warm wood surfaces, leather details, and sleek metal frameworks. His work is recognized for its functional elegance and disciplined form, making his pieces highly sought after by collectors and design aficionados.
 
In the 1990s, von Klier established his own firm, Von Klier Associati, and continued to influence product and corporate design. He also served as a design juror and lecturer internationally, leaving a wide impact on the design industry.
 
Hans von Klier's work embodies the intersection of industrial precision and modern elegance, securing his legacy as a designer who helped define the look and feel of 20th-century corporate and interior environments.