Otto Zapf Executive Chair

$2,750.00

At a Glance

While modular design is commonplace today, it was still somewhat novel during the time of Otto Zapf, the designer of this now-discontinued Knoll Zapf Executive Chair.

Each cushion in Zapf’s design was intended to be swappable and interchangeable. The user can simply lift off every upholstered cushion, shown here in its beautiful original saddle brown leather, for cleaning or in the event of damage. Beneath lies an ingenious frame onto which the cushions attach securely.

This chair is the last from a collection we acquired from its original owner. Our team has meticulously polished every element, revealing a rich patina, as expected with high-grade materials such as genuine leather and steel.

Tearsheet / Inquire

Add To Cart

In-Depth

Otto Zapf, a distinguished German product designer, embarked on his career in his homeland, driven by an enduring passion for flexibility and human-centered design. By the time he joined forces with Knoll in 1973, Zapf was already an accomplished designer, and his transition was as seamless as the furniture he would go on to create for the iconic brand. Marrying a distinctly German design philosophy centered on systems with a deep commitment to humanism and ease of use, Zapf crafted pieces that were as functional as they were inviting. His Softline System, a modular office storage suite, epitomized this approach by combining rigid frames with soft, attachable fabric surfaces. This design ethos found further expression in his Executive Seating Collection, where soft, upholstered pads mounted onto spring steel frames resulted in a creation unmistakably true to Zapf’s vision.

Zapf's commitment to "friendly design" is evident in every aspect of his Executive Seating Collection. He masterfully balanced the demands of comfort and ergonomics, crafting a chair that not only looks inviting but also offers unparalleled functionality—a hallmark of Knoll’s design philosophy. The innovative cushion system, a key feature of this chair, reflects Zapf's dedication to adaptability and ease of maintenance. Each of the five independent cushions can be effortlessly removed for repair or replacement, ensuring the chair’s longevity. The back cushions glide smoothly along dual rails of spring steel, adjusting to the user's preferred reclining position with natural ease. The result is a chair that not only welcomes but also adapts to the user, embodying the very essence of Zapf's design principles.

This particular chair is no longer in production, making it highly sought after, especially when presented in the timeless Saddle Brown leather as shown. Our team has meticulously inspected and polished this chair. Bearing testament to Zapf’s design and Knoll’s unwavering quality standards, this chair remains in sound condition with just minor wear and patina as expected with beautiful genuine leather.

Creator
Otto Zapf for Knoll, c. 1970

Materials
Original Saddle Brown Leather, Steel, and Chrome

Dimensions
30"W x 30"D x 36"H | 19"SH (adjustable)

Condition
Good. Wear consistent with age and history

Lead Time
Ready to Ship

Shipping
Domestic & International Delivery Available (request a quote)