His life defines his design. El Schmid is a Hispanophile; however, he was born in 1953 in Austria. He started designing using metal during his handicraft apprenticeship. He completed his Master of Handicraft in Munich using the materials brass, bronze and silver. In 1981 he founded the “Schmid & Stemmann” design manufactory with his partner in Munich. He worked in his own master workshop making individual pieces made from raw iron and pure metals for 10 years. By exploiting the material qualities he influenced the Munich design scene in a ground-breaking way during this time. “My aim today for my work is to create long-lasting good design with a unique character using master handicraft detail work.”