Although German by birth, Leopoldo Rother was a Colombian architect who exerted a great influence in the development of Colombian modern architecture. Rother is known for his rationality which reflects his technical training, his great discipline, his extensive knowledge of construction techniques, and his passion for the craft.

Rother began his studies in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1913 and received the title of architect-engineer in 1920 from the Technische Hochschule Berlin. From 1920 to 1935 Rother worked for the German government. The design of several buildings for the Technische Universität Clausthal gave him a solid basis for his subsequent works in Colombia.

In 1935, due to his Jewish descent, Rother had to seek refuge in Colombia where he spent the rest of his life.