The brand Österreichische Werkstätten was inspired by a productive cooperative of artisans in Vienna, founded by Joseph Hoffmann in 1912. In the organisation's shop on Kärntnerstraße, Vienna’s most famous shopping street, Österreichische Werkstätten sells a selection of products made by regional craftsmen. The company prizes form and function, so it only sells items that are functional as well as aesthetically perfect. Because the designs are timeless and the brand has a great tradition, it's not only Austrians who buy the products; tourists also like to purchase gifts to take home with them.