Burkhard Vogtherr (1942–2019) was a German industrial designer renowned for his minimalist and ergonomic furniture designs. After training as a carpenter, he graduated in industrial design from the Werkkunstschulen in Kassel and Wuppertal in 1967. He began his career at Vitra before establishing himself as an independent designer in 1972. Vogtherr’s approach emphasized functionality and comfort, often using lightweight materials and flexible structures to minimize the need for excessive padding.

He collaborated with prestigious manufacturers such as Rosenthal, Arflex, Capellini, Fritz Hansen, Rolf Benz, Klöber, Arco, Davis, and Girsberger. He is particularly known for seating collections like the Motion for Davis, the Diagon for Girsberger, and the T-Line for Arflex. His designs earned numerous awards, including the Gute Form in 1969.

Vogtherr’s studio typically produced about one furniture piece per year, often crafted entirely in-house from concept to prototype. He was recognized for his ability to translate ideas into functional prototypes, often without detailed technical drawings, and developed patented furniture incorporating elements such as rocking mechanisms or flexible back supports.

He passed away suddenly in August 2019 while on vacation in France. His legacy endures through his innovative designs, which continue to influence contemporary furniture design.