Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld was a pioneering Dutch architect and designer, widely recognized as a founding voice of modern design. As a central figure of the De Stijl movement, Rietveld sought to strip design down to its essentials—geometry, structure, and visual clarity—merging art and architecture into a single, radical aesthetic.

His earliest breakthrough, the Red and Blue Chair (1918), distilled the human experience into pure form and primary color. This was followed by architectural triumphs like the Schröder House (1924), now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a landmark in the evolution of open-plan, modern living.

In 1935, Rietveld introduced the Utrecht Sofa, a bold yet understated piece defined by its angular silhouette and cantilevered arms. Originally designed for the Metz & Co department store, the sofa has become a symbol of Dutch modernism—uniting comfort with sculptural presence. Reissued by Cassina, the Utrecht Sofa remains a sought-after statement piece in contemporary interiors.

Rietveld’s legacy is one of clarity, invention, and transformation. He challenged conventions and redefined what furniture and architecture could be—not merely functional, but philosophical. Today, his works continue to influence generations of architects, designers, and thinkers who believe in the power of radical simplicity.