In 20th-century design, few figures loom as large as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. An architect whose influence stretches far beyond the towering skyscrapers he helped popularize, Mies van der Rohe embodied the multidisciplinary spirit that once defined the design world that we aim to bring back with Nollie. 

In our Past Masters series, we explore the lives and works of designers who transcended the boundaries of their primary disciplines, proving that creativity knows no limits. We hope that you take inspiration from these Designers. We do this to prove that designers don’t need to “stay in their lane” but actually go on to achieve much more when they don’t.

We’ve mapped out Multidisciplinary Design in a new way to help you on your creative journey, check out the 12 Principles of Multidisciplinary Design.

Mies van der Rohe’s career is a testament to the power of this approach, demonstrating how embracing diverse design disciplines can lead to groundbreaking innovations and a lasting legacy.

As we delve into the life and work of this modernist master, we’ll uncover eight valuable lessons that designers across all fields can apply to their own practice. 

Whether you’re an architect, graphic designer, product designer, or creative professional in any field, Mies van der Rohe’s principles and approach offer timeless wisdom for creating impactful, enduring designs.

Who was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe?

Born Maria Ludwig Michael Mies on March 27, 1886, in Aachen, Germany, the man who would become known simply as Mies (he added his mother’s maiden name, van der Rohe, later in life) came from humble beginnings.

The son of a stonemason, young Ludwig was immersed in the world of construction from an early age, helping his father on various building sites. This early exposure to the craft of building would prove instrumental in shaping his future career.

Despite his later renown as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, Mies never received formal architectural training. Instead, he learned through apprenticeships and self-study, developing a keen eye for proportion, materials, and space that would define his later work.

Key milestones in Mies’s career:

1. 1905: At the age of 19, Mies moves to Berlin and begins working for an architect, quickly demonstrating his talent for design.
2. 1907: Receives his first independent commission, the Riehl House in Potsdam-Babelsberg.
3. 1921: Gains international attention with his visionary Friedrichstrasse skyscraper design, a glass-clad tower that, while never built, foreshadowed the future of urban architecture.
4. 1929: Designs the iconic German Pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition, a masterpiece of modernist design that would be demolished after the exhibition but later reconstructed due to its significance.
5. 1930: Becomes the last director of the influential Bauhaus school, steering the institution through its final, turbulent years under Nazi pressure.
6. 1937: Emigrates to the United States, fleeing the increasingly oppressive political climate in Germany.
7. 1938-1958: Serves as director of architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (formerly Armour Institute), where he shapes the curriculum and designs much of the campus.
8. 1954-1958: Designs and oversees the construction of the Seagram Building in New York City, widely regarded as the pinnacle of the International Style of architecture.

Throughout his career, Mies van der Rohe consistently pushed the boundaries of design, working not just as an architect but also as a furniture designer, urban planner, and educator. His multidisciplinary approach allowed him to create holistic environments where every element, from the building’s structure to its furnishings, worked in harmony.

8 Lessons for Modern Designers From Mies van der Rohe

Now, let’s explore eight key lessons that designers across all disciplines can learn from Mies van der Rohe’s life and work:

Embrace Simplicity: “Less is more”

Perhaps no phrase is more closely associated with Mies van der Rohe than his famous motto, “Less is more.” This principle underpinned his entire design philosophy, emphasizing the power of simplicity and restraint. Mies believed that by stripping away unnecessary ornamentation and focusing on essential elements, he could create spaces of elegant simplicity that were both beautiful and functional.

This approach is evident in buildings like the Farnsworth House, a weekend retreat in Illinois that consists of little more than glass walls and a flat roof supported by eight steel columns. Despite its simplicity (or perhaps because of it), the house is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Lesson for designers:

In an age of information overload and complex technologies, the ability to distill ideas down to their essence is more valuable than ever.

Whether you’re designing a logo, a user interface, or a physical product, consider how you can achieve your goals with the fewest possible elements. This doesn’t mean your designs should be barren or boring, but rather that every element should serve a purpose.

Master Multiple Disciplines

While Mies is primarily known as an architect, his influence extended far beyond building design. He was also an accomplished furniture designer, creating iconic pieces like the Barcelona Chair and the Brno Chair.

These designs were often created in conjunction with his architectural projects, allowing him to create cohesive environments where every element worked in harmony.

Mies also dabbled in other areas of design, including typography and graphic design for exhibitions. This multidisciplinary approach allowed him to control every aspect of his projects, ensuring a unified vision from the largest structural elements down to the smallest details.

Lesson for designers:

Don’t limit yourself to a single specialty. By expanding your skills across related fields, you can create more holistic and impactful designs.

Multidisciplinary design is like playing guitar: mastering the basics allows you to easily transition to related instruments like bass or ukulele. While you may not be an expert, your guitar skills provide to adapt to different instruments. Design is the same.

A graphic designer who understands basic principles of user experience, for instance, can create more effective digital interfaces. An industrial designer with knowledge of materials science can push the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion design.

Learn why we need need more multidisciplinary designers in the Future.

Find Beauty in Structure

Mies van der Rohe was a pioneer of what he called “skin and bones” architecture. Rather than hiding structural elements behind decorative facades, he celebrated them, making the building’s support system a key part of its aesthetic appeal. This approach is evident in buildings like the Seagram Building in New York, where the steel frame is visible through the glass exterior, creating a rhythm and pattern that defines the building’s appearance.

This principle extended to his furniture design as well. The Barcelona Chair, for instance, has a clearly visible steel frame that’s integral to both its function and its visual appeal.

Lesson for designers:

Consider how you can make the underlying structure or framework of your designs not just functional, but beautiful. In graphic design, this might mean using a visible grid system as part of your layout.

In product design, it could involve exposing mechanical elements rather than hiding them. By finding beauty in structure, you can create designs that are both honest and visually compelling.

Innovate with Materials

Throughout his career, Mies van der Rohe was at the forefront of material innovation in design. He was one of the first architects to fully embrace the potential of plate glass and steel in building design, using these materials to create structures that seemed to defy gravity. His experiments with cantilevered furniture designs pushed the limits of what was possible with tubular steel.

Mies didn’t just use new materials; he thought deeply about their inherent properties and how to best express them in his designs. He famously said, “Each material has its specific characteristics which we must understand if we want to use it… This is no less true of steel and concrete [than of wood, brick, and stone].”

Lesson for designers:

Stay curious about new materials and technologies in your field. Don’t just use materials in conventional ways – think about their unique properties and how you can leverage them to create innovative designs.

This might involve experimenting with new sustainable materials in product design, exploring the possibilities of emerging digital technologies in interaction design, or finding novel uses for traditional materials in graphic design.

Create Timeless Designs

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mies van der Rohe’s work is its timelessness. Buildings he designed in the 1920s and 1930s still look modern today, and furniture pieces like the Barcelona Chair remain popular nearly a century after they were first created.

This enduring appeal stems from Mies’s focus on fundamental principles of proportion, material, and space, rather than fleeting stylistic trends.

Mies achieved this timelessness by stripping his designs down to their essentials and focusing on quality and functionality. He believed that if a design solved a problem effectively and beautifully, it would remain relevant regardless of changing fashions.

Lesson for designers:

Strive to create designs that stand the test of time by emphasizing quality, functionality, and fundamental aesthetic principles. While it’s important to be aware of current trends, don’t let them dictate your design decisions. Instead, focus on creating solutions that will remain effective and appealing for years to come.

Attention to Detail: “God is in the details”

Despite his reputation for minimalism, Mies van der Rohe was obsessive about details. He’s often quoted as saying, “God is in the details,” reflecting his belief that the smallest elements of a design can have a profound impact on its overall quality and effect.

This attention to detail is evident in all aspects of his work. In his buildings, he would spend months perfecting the profiles of window frames or the finish of a steel beam. In his furniture designs, he meticulously considered every joint and connection. This level of care elevated his work from merely simple to sublimely elegant.

Lesson for designers:

Never underestimate the impact of small details in your designs. Whether you’re working on a logo, a website, or a physical product, pay attention to every element, no matter how minor it might seem. It’s often these small touches that separate good design from great design.

Adapt to Change

Mies van der Rohe’s career spanned significant cultural, technological, and political changes. He began his career in the ornate Neoclassical style popular in early 20th century Germany, but gradually evolved towards the sleek modernism for which he’s best known. This evolution wasn’t just stylistic – it reflected changing societal needs, new construction technologies, and shifting cultural values.

Mies’s ability to adapt was also evident in his move to the United States in 1937. Despite the challenges of working in a new country with different building traditions and regulations, he quickly established himself as a leading figure in American architecture.

Lesson for designers:

Be willing to evolve your style and approach as the world changes around you. Stay informed about new technologies, cultural shifts, and changing user needs in your field. The most successful designers are those who can adapt their skills to meet new challenges while staying true to their fundamental principles.

Educate and Inspire Others

Mies van der Rohe’s influence extends far beyond the buildings and furniture he designed. As the last director of the Bauhaus and later as head of the architecture department at the Illinois Institute of Technology, he shaped the education and careers of countless designers and architects.

His teaching philosophy emphasized a thorough understanding of materials and construction techniques, combined with a rigorous approach to design problems. Many of his students went on to become influential designers and architects in their own right, spreading Mies’s ideas and approach around the world.

Lesson for designers:

Share your knowledge and mentor others whenever possible. By educating and inspiring the next generation of designers, you can extend your influence far beyond your own work. This might involve formal teaching roles, mentoring junior colleagues, writing about design, or simply sharing your process and insights with others in your field.

Conclusion

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s multidisciplinary approach to design allowed him to create a unified vision across architecture, furniture, and interiors. 

His work demonstrates the power of clear principles, attention to detail, and a willingness to innovate and adapt. By embracing these lessons, designers in any field can create more impactful, enduring work.

As we face the complex design challenges of the 21st century, Mies van der Rohe’s example reminds us of the value of simplicity, the importance of understanding materials and structure, and the power of a holistic approach to design. 

Let his legacy inspire you to expand your own creative boundaries, master multiple disciplines, and make your mark across the wide world of design.

Remember, as Mies himself said, “Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.” Whatever your field of design, start with the fundamentals, pay attention to the details, and never stop learning and evolving. That’s the true legacy of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.