It’s safe to say that the design industry wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence of Herman Miller and Knoll’s long history of innovation. Between Herman Miller and Knoll, we have more than 400 active utility and design patents in the US, and many more globally. And the proof is in the results.  

 

Investing in design and innovation has yielded the highest possible accolades in our field. Across our 19 brands, we have over 100 pieces in the permanent collection at MoMA. Our designs are represented in over 40 museum collections worldwide. And we’ve been honored with three National Design Awards, plus several more for the remarkable designers we’ve collaborated with over the years. 

 

Herman Miller’s reason for being has always been human-centered design, which is evident in products like the Aeron Chair. Designers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick set out to create a chair that was health-positive, cross-performing, inclusively-sized, and environmentally sensitive. They arrived at a design unlike the world had ever seen, providing a comfortable solution without the standard use of foam, fabric, or leather. Aeron demonstrated a pioneering step in ergonomics and material innovation. 

 

Knoll’s Planning Unit pioneered the way architects and interior designers put furniture into spaces. It began in 1946 as interior planning service working on projects for some of the biggest corporations in America. The Planning Unit quickly became renowned for "revolutionizing the American business environment" with its unique, detail-oriented approach. Over the years, the Knoll Planning Unit designed interiors across the programmatic spectrum, from individual residences to restaurants to large corporate offices. In doing so, the division redefined the conventions of 20th century office design, cementing the role of Knoll not simply as a company selling individual pieces of furniture, but as a highly regarded purveyor of space. 

 

Innovation has guided Herman Miller and Knoll throughout their history into become industry leaders. Together as the anchor brands of MillerKnoll, we are even better suited to anticipating the future through problem-solving design. 

 

IMAGE CREDITS

Herman Miller Aeron Chair, image courtesy of Herman Miller

Knoll Planning Unit, image courtesy of Knoll