Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) was an iconic Italian architect and designer. He found fame at Olivetti, creating the Valentine typewriter in 1969, one of the first pieces of design to cross over into contemporary fashion. Reacting against consumerism, however, he founded the group Memphis in 1980 which was radically experimental. Defined by bright colours and bold geometries, his designs included furniture, lights, and objects for both the home and office. On the back of his many successes, Sottsass established a major design consultancy in 1980, Sottsass Associati, giving him potential to work on substantial architectural projects.