German born...
designer Rainer Daumiller (1939 - 2022) is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to sustainability and simplicity. His journey from crafting furniture as a child to creating iconic designs that are enjoying a resurgence in demand today stands as a testament to the power of his love for nature and his intuitive understanding of materials.
Daumiller's fascination...
with design began in his childhood. While still in elementary school, he collaborated with a friend to design a desk and wardrobe, later bringing them to life with the help of a local carpenter. This hands-on experience paved the way for an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker and shaped his lifelong affinity for craftsmanship.
Rainer Daumiller was profoundly influenced by the work and philosophy of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), a visionary architect and designer renowned for founding the anthroposophical movement. Steiner believed that architecture should harmonize with the natural world and promote human well-being. His designs, particularly the Goetheanum, showcased flowing, organic forms that departed from traditional, rigid structures. This holistic approach emphasized the importance of creating spaces that nurture both the spirit and the environment. Steiner’s principles have left a lasting mark on many designers, including Daumiller, who embraced this philosophy in his own work.
Daumiller would later on develop a unique approach to his design—one that involved “listening” to materials and letting their natural characteristics guide his creations.
In 1959...
at the age of 20, Daumiller relocated to Denmark, a hub of Danish modern design. He studied at the Artisan School’s Furniture Department (later the Design School), where he explored innovative materials under the guidance of mentors like the famed Danish furniture designer Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen (1930–2009), known for his elegant and functional designs that blended Scandinavian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Although Daumiller experimented with acrylic for his graduation project, it was natural materials—especially pine—that captured his heart.
Among Daumiller’s most celebrated works is the Daumiller Armchair, now part of the GUBI furniture collection at Dshop. First introduced in 1975, this chair exemplifies the designer's values: robust construction, sculptural simplicity, and sustainable materials. Crafted from pine, the armchair’s natural finish and timeless design made it a bestseller, distributed across Europe, Japan, and beyond.
The Daumiller...
dining chair, another standout from the GUBI furniture collection at Dshop, carries the same ethos. Its solid pine structure and ergonomic design reflect the European furniture designer's dedication to creating peices that marry functionality with organic beauty.
These iconic wood chairs, with their simple yet bold forms, became trademarks of Hirtshals Møbelfabrik; a Danish furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, handcrafted furniture, for over two decades and remain beloved by design enthusiasts worldwide.
Daumiller’s...
pioneering use of pine marked a refreshing departure from the teak and rosewood furniture that dominated mid-century furniture design in Denmark. His work resonated with the emerging focus on sustainability and responsible material sourcing, positioning him as a forward-thinking designer ahead of his time. Through his creations, Daumiller exemplifies the enduring impact of thoughtful, sustainable design—a legacy that will inspire future generations.
EXPLORE THE DAUMILLER COLLECTION
