Schmidt studied at the Copenhagen School of Ceramics, graduating in 1934. He then worked for the Royal Copenhagen porcelain company, where he designed many famous pieces, including the "Tranquebar" series.
Over the years, Schmidt continued to design pieces for Royal Copenhagen, but also worked for other companies, including Bing & Grøndahl and Saxbo. He created vases, dishes, plates and other tableware, all characterized by their elegance and simplicity.
In addition to his work in ceramics, Schmidt also worked in other areas of design, including interior architecture and furniture. He even designed a house in Copenhagen, which is today considered an example of modern Danish architecture.
Throughout his career, Schmidt received numerous awards for his work, including the Eckersberg Medal in 1960 and the Thorvaldsen Medal in 1990. His pieces are still highly regarded today for their quality and timeless design.