Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll

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. We currently have six of Otto Zapf’s Executive Chairs in stock, each in its original condition, showcasing a rich patina that speaks to its history. While our team will meticulously inspect and polish each chair, some signs of age will remain that do not at all affect structural integrity, bearing testament to Otto Zapf’s design prowess and Knoll’s unwavering quality standards. We are pleased to offer detailed condition reports and photos of each chair for your review.