Donald Deskey (November 23, 1894 – April 29, 1989) was an influential American furniture and decorative arts designer. He is best known for his pioneering work in the Art Deco style, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s.

Born in Blue Earth, Minnesota, Deskey showed an early interest in art and design. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley and later at the Art Students League in New York City. In 1927, he founded his own design firm, Donald Deskey Associates, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative and modern approach to design.

Deskey's breakthrough came in 1929, when he was commissioned to design the interior of the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. His bold and geometric designs, characterized by the use of materials such as chrome, glass, and lacquered wood, perfectly captured the spirit of the Art Deco movement. The success of this project catapulted Deskey to the forefront of American design.

Throughout his career, Deskey worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the interiors of the Rockefeller Center, the Crestwood Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, and the interiors of the SS America and SS United States ocean liners. He also designed furniture, lighting fixtures, textiles, and even consumer products such as radios and vacuum cleaners.

Deskey's designs were characterized by their sleek and streamlined forms, as well as their emphasis on functionality and practicality. He believed that good design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should also enhance the user's experience. His work often featured clean lines, geometric shapes, and a harmonious balance between form and function.

In addition to his commercial projects, Deskey was also involved in teaching and writing about design. He served as a professor at the Parsons School of Design in New York City and authored several books on design theory and practice.

Donald Deskey's contributions to the field of furniture and decorative arts were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Architectural League of New York's Medal of Honor and the American Institute of Architects' Craftsmanship Medal. His work continues to be celebrated and sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world.

Deskey passed away on April 29, 1989, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of American Art Deco design. His innovative and forward-thinking approach to design continues to inspire and influence designers to this day