The Story of Herman Miller: From Local Business to Design Powerhouse

Herman Miller, as it is known today, was originally founded as the Michigan Star Furniture Company in 1905. However, it wasn't until 1923, under the leadership of D.J. De Pree and his father-in-law, Herman Miller, that the company truly began its transformation. De Pree, who had started working at the company as a clerk, decided to purchase it with financial help from Miller. In honor of his father-in-law, a respected businessman in the Zeeland, Michigan community, De Pree renamed the company to Herman Miller.

Key Figures in the Evolution of Herman Miller

The company's success in the 20th century was largely driven by a focus on modern, functional design. D.J. De Pree’s vision was to elevate furniture beyond its utilitarian roots by collaborating with groundbreaking designers. He first enlisted Gilbert Rohde, whose ideas helped pivot the company toward modernism in the 1930s. Then, in 1945, De Pree hired George Nelson as the company's design director. Nelson’s tenure marked a defining era, as he brought in notable designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi, and Robert Propst. These collaborations resulted in innovative designs that are now considered icons of mid-century modernism.

Nelson and his team introduced a fresh, problem-solving approach to design. The Eameses created pioneering furniture using new materials like molded plywood, while Noguchi produced sculptural, minimalist pieces that blurred the line between art and function. Propst, on the other hand, is known for developing the "Action Office" system, a precursor to the modern office cubicle, that revolutionized how workspaces were organized.

Setting New Standards in Showroom Design

In 1939, Herman Miller opened the first standalone showroom for a furniture manufacturer in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Designed by Gilbert Rohde, this showroom was entirely dedicated to modern design and showcased the company's commitment to innovation and forward-thinking style. Nearly a decade later, in 1948, a second showroom designed by George Nelson & Associates was opened in Grand Rapids, Michigan, further cementing Herman Miller's reputation as a leader in contemporary design.

Modernism at the Core: Mid-20th Century and Beyond

By the mid-20th century, Herman Miller had become synonymous with modern furniture design. This era saw the creation of many iconic pieces that are still in production today, such as the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, the Noguchi Table, and the Nelson Platform Bench. The company’s design philosophy focused on functionality, simplicity, and elegance, setting new trends in both home and office furniture.

Through the years, Herman Miller continued to innovate and adapt to changing tastes and needs. The company expanded its focus to include healthcare solutions, ergonomic office furniture, and other contemporary design services.

Herman Miller Today

Today, Herman Miller remains a globally recognized brand known for its contributions to modern design and innovative interiors. The company continues to produce classic furniture pieces alongside new designs that meet the evolving needs of contemporary homes and workspaces. In 2021, Herman Miller joined forces with Knoll, forming the MillerKnoll collective, an unparalleled platform of design brands shaping the environments in which people live, work, and thrive.

Herman Miller’s commitment to blending form, function, and aesthetic appeal has made it an enduring icon in the world of design, with its legacy continuing to influence the modern furniture industry.