Alfred Kleene was born in Cloppenburg in 1953 and Gabriele Assmann was born just six years later in Warendorf. Alfred Kleene studied interior design at college in Detmold, whilst Gabriele Assmann studied design in Münster. In 1983 they set up a joint studio specializing in furniture design and product development. Their overriding interest is in developing modern furniture for the domestic and commercial market, as well as exhibitions. Together they work for leading international companies in the furniture industry.