Walter von Nessen (1889-1943) was a German-American designer who became a pioneer of modern residential lighting in the United States. After studying in Germany and working for architect Peter Behrens, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1923 and founded Nessen Studios in New York City in 1927, where he designed innovative lighting and industrial products. He is particularly known for inventing the original swing-arm lamp in 1927.