Norman Cherner (1920-1987) was an American furniture designer and architect, best known for his iconic plywood chair designs. Born on April 15, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Cherner showed an early interest in art and design. He studied at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department and later at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1947.

Cherner's career took off when he served as an instructor and later as the chairman of the Department of Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. During this time, he also worked as a consultant for various furniture manufacturers, gaining valuable experience in the industry.

In 1958, Cherner designed what would become his most famous creation, the Cherner Chair. This chair, made entirely of molded plywood, featured a distinctive curved shape and became an instant classic. It was praised for its elegant and organic design, as well as its ergonomic qualities. The Cherner Chair gained widespread recognition and was even featured in Norman Rockwell's iconic painting "The Artist at Work."

Despite its popularity, the Cherner Chair was out of production for several decades until Cherner's sons, Benjamin and Thomas, reintroduced it in 1999. Today, the Cherner Chair is considered a timeless design and is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

Aside from his chair designs, Cherner also worked on various architectural projects throughout his career. He collaborated with architect Serge Chermayeff on the design of the Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City and contributed to the development of low-cost housing solutions.

Norman Cherner's contributions to the field of furniture design and architecture continue to be celebrated and recognized. His innovative use of plywood and his ability to create visually striking yet functional designs have left a lasting impact on the industry. Cherner's work remains influential, inspiring countless designers and artists to this day.