Jens Risom was trained as a designer at theCopenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design(Kunsthåndværkerskolen), where he was classmates withHans WegnerandBørge Mogensen.Risom went on to work as a furniture developer and interior designer with the architectural firm of Ernst Kuhn. He later relocated toStockholm, taking a job with a small architectural firm.
In 1939, Risom traveled toNew York Cityto study American design. In 1941, Risom teamed with entrepreneurHans Knolland in 1942, they launched theHans Knoll Furniture Companywith 15 of the 20 pieces in the inaugural "600" line designed by Risom, including webbing, which has since become a design classics.
1961, Risom was one of six furniture designers featured in a profile inPlayboymagazine. One of Risom's executiveoffice chairsbecame famous whenLyndon B. Johnsonchose to use it in theOval Office.