Josef Hoffmann started studying classic architecture in Brunn. From there he studied architecture under Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer at the Academy of Fine arts in Vienna. At that time, von Hasenauer was one of Europe's most popular architects. After von Hasenauer's death, Otto Wagner, Europe's most famous 19th century architect took over the class. Josef Hoffmann went onto work for Wagner later in his career. Two of Hoffmann's enduring furniture designs, the Hoffmann Kubus and Hoffmann Velvet Chair, have gone onto to be very popular into the 21st century.
