George Nelson (1908-1986) was a pivotal American industrial designer, architect, writer, and teacher, considered a founder of American modernist design.

He studied architecture at Yale University and, after winning the Rome Prize, traveled Europe, meeting leading modernists like Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. This exposure influenced his work and writing, as he introduced European avant-garde design to American audiences through his articles.

Nelson's career significantly impacted the furniture industry, especially through his long association with Herman Miller. As the company's Director of Design from 1947 to 1972, he not only designed iconic pieces himself but also recruited and collaborated with other influential designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Girard, shaping Herman Miller into a leading force in modern furniture.

His design philosophy emphasized a human-centered approach, focusing on how people lived and used spaces. He's known for advocating "total design," where all elements, from buildings to small objects, are considered in harmony. Key concepts he introduced include the "family room" and the "storage wall."

Nelson's own designs, often created through his firm George Nelson Associates, Inc., include recognizable pieces like the Ball Clock, Bubble Lamps, and the Marshmallow Sofa. His work blended functionality with a playful and innovative aesthetic, leaving legacy on mid-century modern design.