French Architect Pierre Chareau.
Chareau is most well known for his Parisian, avant-garde "Maison de Verre" or "House of Glass". Described as a modernist landmark, the timeless design not only works as an exquisite machine providing a versatile "live-work" space but at the same time has been compared to a surrealistic artwork, as the architect used the floor to ceiling glass windows to create a space "animated by the play of light". Chareau carries his architectural elements from the Maison Project into his lighting and furniture. The entire lighting collection reflects a modern and yet timeless design and like the Glass house, they all juxtaposes function and art in exquisite and unexpected ways. Take the 'La Religieuse' or NUN series for example, with it's triangular alabaster shades in the shape of a Nun's habit. Perhaps what makes this choice even more unexpected is that Chareau was Jewish.