(1870-1956). Although educated at the Viennese Academy, Hoffman gained much of his inspiration from the stark, cubic Italian country house where he spent most of his life. He held a strong belief in designing the inside of the house coupled to the outside. Many projects he completed encompassed this total design concept. Hoffman was committed to the improvement of materials, and to keep the look of simplicity ever present. His geometric use of ornamentation and cubist forms remain classic principles in modern design.