Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, commonly addressed as Mies, is a German architect whose chairs are regarded as some of the best examples of modern furniture design. His designs were influenced heavily by the events of the world, as he expounded upon the World War contemporaries by incorporating a modern style to represent modern times. He sought clarity and simplicity as he used modern materials for his chair designs such as steel. His designs were meant to support freedom and free-flowing ideals by structuring minimal framework. His furniture represented what he deemed the skin and bones of creative design, drawing back to free, open, and simple creative processes. His work reflected his ideas of simplicity and detail.

He was exposed early on to design theories as well as the progressive culture which was flooding Germany between 1908 and 1912. His talent for architecture and simple furniture design was recognized early as well helping him to become an independent designer who used his physical stature, deliberative nature, and reticence to impose his talents upon each commission he received. As a cultural elite, he began to utilize early domestic German styles, broad proportions, cubic forms, and rhythmic elements. His chairs were far from classical styles of the beginning of the twentieth century and dismissed eclectic styles.

After the First World War his chairs began to incorporate neoclassical designs in an experimental effort. He sought designs appropriate for the modern industrial age, learning from the weaker facets of traditional styles.  Because the failure of the First World War in Europe was associated with the failed imperial leadership, the Mies can der Rohe chairs of that era aimed for progressive designs, exterior expressions, and rational problem-solving all made out of modern materials which were quickly becoming some of the most popular items for anti-aristocratic designers.