In Memory of Peter Schmidt

It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to an extraordinary designer who profoundly shaped the visual identity of brands and institutions alike: Peter Schmidt has passed away at the age of 87.

After studying at the Werkkunstschule Kassel, Schmidt founded the Peter Schmidt Studios in 1972, which he led until 2006. The studio eventually evolved into the Peter Schmidt Group, which has been a foundation member of the German Design Council since 2013.

From everyday products to high culture

Schmidt’s body of work includes the iconic fragrance bottle designed for Jil Sander, which was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, as well as packaging for Apollinaris, 4711, and Arzberg. He was also responsible for the corporate identity of Stadt Hamburg, the Hamburgische Staatsoper, and the Bundeswehr. His creative reach extended to set design and book design, which became equally significant facets of his practice. In recognition of his lifetime achievements, Peter Schmidt was awarded the “Personality of the Year” honorary prize at the German Design Award 2019.

At the German Design Council, we are honoured to have had Peter Schmidt at our side for many years. His legacy continues to inspire generations of designers.