Friedrich von Schmidt was a prominent Austrian architect and professor, born on March 22, 1825, in Vienna. He is best known for his work in the Gothic Revival style, particularly in the design of churches and public buildings. His most notable project is the Vienna City Hall, completed in 1883, which showcases his expertise in combining traditional Gothic elements with modern construction techniques. In addition to his architectural practice, von Schmidt served as a professor at the Vienna University of Technology, where he influenced a generation of architects. He was also involved in various architectural competitions and contributed to the development of urban planning in Vienna. He passed away on September 18, 1891.