Having graduated from Iowa State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Richard Schultz joined Knoll in 1951 and worked alongside Harry Betoia. A key figure behind the development of the iconic Bertoia Wire Collection, the collection marked the beginning of Schultz’s long-term collaboration with Knoll, a partnership that continues today. Schultz left Knoll in 1971 and set up Richard Schultz Designs with his son Peter in 1992, where he continued to produce his own designs. His partnership with Knoll came in full circle when Knoll bought Richard Schultz Designs in 2012.

Richard Schultz undoubtedly made his name through his 1966 collection of sophisticated outdoor furniture. The range came about when Florence Knoll approached Schultz and asked him to design an outdoor furniture range specially for her seafront home in Miami. The collection subsequently became an unparalleled success and some of its key pieces are even included in the permanent collections of some of the world’s most celebrated museums, including New York’s MoMA.

Inspired by the delicate Queen Anne’s Lace flower, Richard Schultz designed the white Petal Outdoor Dining Table in 1960 to accompany the iconic Bertoia Chairs Harry Bertoia designed for Knoll.

Showcasing a harmonic shape reminiscent of nature thanks to its flower-like top sprouting from the elegant pedestal base, the table features eight white ‘petals’. Each crafted from polyurethane, the petals expand and contract according to the weather to ensure stability in all climates.

The statement table top is held in place by beautifully crafted powder-coated cast aluminium supports and supported by a stainless steel stem in the same crisp white hue.