The Kloud chair was designed by Karim Rashid and manufactured by Nienkämper. Photo by Leif Norman
For the past five decades, Klaus Nienkämper has been a champion of design in Canada. He has continuously collaborated with architects and furniture designers to realize a broad range of chairs, tables and sofas that contribute to holistic and integrated spaces.
Nienkämper arrived in Toronto from Germany in the 1960s, after working as a furniture apprentice for the design house Knoll International. His company, founded in 1968, developed its expertise and precision as the North American manufacturer under license for Knoll. Nienkämper was also the licensed manufacturer for de Sede, a Swiss modern furniture company.
Nienkämper furnished the Governor General?s suite in Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie. Photo by Milan Knezevc Nienkämper received his first government contract in 1964?to furnish the lounge at the Toronto International Airport. He went on to work on government-sponsored design centres in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. At Expo ?67 in Montreal, Nienkämper provided the modern furniture for  the Governor General?s suite in Habitat, designed by architect and RAIC gold medallist Moshe Safdie, FRAIC. He also helped realize furnishings for the minimalist modern airport terminal in Gander, Newfoundland.
Nienkämper built the furniture for the Prime Minister?s office, designed by Arthur Erickson. Photo by Fiona Spalding-Smith
When Canadian furniture designer Thomas L...