Otto Schulz was born in Salzwedel, Germany and studied from 1900-1907 at the Technische Universität in Berlin, where he was taught by the Swedish-born professor Alfred Grenander. After graduation, Schulz moved to Gothenburg, Sweden where he got a position as a draftsman with the firm Selander & Söner. In 1910 he founded his own office, focusing on interiors, mostly for ships, but in 1917 he was appointed to do design the interiors of the confectionery Bräutigams.
Three years later, Schulz founded the furniture and interior company and boutique Boet together with Adolf Nordenberg. In the boutique, and the accompanied “inspiration floor”, one could buy furniture made by Schulz and Nordenberg or order a whole new interior made especially for you.
From 1920 to 1938 Boet also published a magazine, and Schulz patented three manufacturing techniques; Bosaik, a coating that made mosaic water resistant, Botarsia; a wood pattern technique with brass pins, and Bopint; a technique with pearl pins on artificial leather. Nordengren left Boet in the mid-1920s but Schulz continued the business until 1950. He also founded the store Vackrare Vardagsvara and the school Bo-Studio where students could learn the art of interior architecture and decoration.
Schulz's designs were often classical and Jugend-inspired, but there are examples of Art Deco and modernistic interiors and furniture (although Schulz regarded themodernistic style as “bicycle tube furniture”). As a furniture designer, Schuls was early with the concept of modules, furniture that could be built on anything, depending on cost and the apartment.
In 1950, Schulz sold Boet and spent the rest of his active life improving one of his other patents, the foldable bed. Otto Schulz passed away in 1970 at the age of 87. He is represented at the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft in Gothenburg, and the Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts.
