# David Wagner

> Austrian computer scientist and pipe maker (1968-2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q124249250](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124249250)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-wagner

## Summary
David Wagner was an Austrian craftsman who began his career as a computer scientist (1995-2005) before becoming a professional pipe maker from 2005 until his death in 2021. He represents a rare example of a technical professional who transitioned to traditional artisanal craftsmanship, establishing himself as a pipe maker in Upper Austria.

## Biography
- Born: 1968
- Died: 2021
- Nationality: Austria
- Education: TU Wien (computer science, completed 1995)
- Known for: Transition from computer science to pipe making
- Work location: Upper Austria
- Languages: German

## Contributions
David Wagner's primary contribution lies in his successful career transition from computer science to traditional pipe making. After earning his degree in computer science from TU Wien in 1995, he worked in the field for a decade until 2005. He then established himself as a professional pipe maker, practicing this craft until his death in 2021. His website, pfeifenmanufaktur.at (archived since 2018), served as a platform for his pipe making business, operating in German and catering to the Austrian market.

## FAQs
### Q: What was David Wagner's profession?
A: David Wagner was a pipe maker by profession, having transitioned from computer science to this traditional craft in 2005.

### Q: Where did David Wagner study?
A: He studied computer science at TU Wien, completing his education in 1995.

### Q: When did David Wagner switch careers?
A: He switched from being a computer scientist to a pipe maker in 2005, after working in computer science for a decade.

## Why They Matter
David Wagner represents an interesting case study in career transition, demonstrating how technical professionals can successfully pivot to traditional crafts. His move from computer science to pipe making illustrates the possibility of pursuing artisanal craftsmanship in the modern era. While his impact on the broader field of pipe making is not documented in the available sources, his career path serves as an example of individual choice over conventional career trajectories. His story contributes to the narrative of modern craftspeople who have chosen traditional artisanal work over technological careers.

## Notable For
- Transitioned from computer science to pipe making in 2005
- Practiced pipe making in Upper Austria from 2005-2021
- Operated pfeifenmanufaktur.at website for his pipe making business
- Earned computer science degree from TU Wien in 1995

## Body
### Early Life and Education
David Wagner was born in Austria in 1968. He pursued higher education at TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), where he studied computer science and completed his degree in 1995.

### Computer Science Career (1995-2005)
Following his graduation, Wagner worked as a computer scientist for ten years. This period coincided with significant developments in the technology sector, though specific details about his roles and contributions in the field are not available in the provided sources.

### Transition to Pipe Making
In 2005, Wagner made a significant career change, leaving computer science to become a professional pipe maker. This transition represents a move from a modern, technology-focused profession to a traditional craft with centuries of history.

### Pipe Making Career (2005-2021)
As a pipe maker based in Upper Austria, Wagner established his business and created a professional website (pfeifenmanufaktur.at) to showcase and presumably sell his work. The website operated in German, reflecting his local Austrian market. The site was archived as of August 1, 2018, though his pipe making business continued until his death in 2021.

### Legacy
David Wagner's career path illustrates the possibility of pursuing traditional craftsmanship in the contemporary world, even for those with technical backgrounds. His story represents a counter-narrative to the common trajectory of professionals moving from traditional crafts to technology fields.

## References

1. ÖsterreichWiki