Herman Miller
ActiveOverview
Herman Miller produces office furniture, equipment, home furnishings, and interior solutions. It holds a position in the premium segment of the furniture market, known for designs by architects like Charles and Ray Eames and Isamu Noguchi, and innovations such as the office cubicle invented in 1968.14
History
Herman Miller originated as Star Furniture Co. in 1905 in Zeeland, Michigan, and was acquired in 1923 by D.J. De Pree and his father-in-law Herman Miller, who became its namesake.145 In 1930, it hired designer Gilbert Rohde, shifting to modern furniture production.45 The company gained prominence mid-20th century for modern designs and invented the Action Office cubicle system in 1968 under Robert Propst.1 In 2021, it joined the MillerKnoll collective.4
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Aeron Chair (ergonomic task chair) | Iconic office seating | $1,500 - $2,000 |
| Embody Chair (posture-support chair) | Advanced ergonomic workstation chair | $1,800 - $2,200 |
| Eames Lounge Chair (leather recliner) | Classic home lounge furniture | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Mirra Chair (adaptive task chair) | Sustainable office seating | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Locale (modular desking) | Flexible office workstations | $800 - $3,000 |
| Gaming Chairs (e.g., Vantum) | Ergonomic gaming furniture | $800 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in facilities in the U.S., China, Italy, and the United Kingdom.2 Operations include both in-house production and collaborations with designers.1
Notable Products
- Aeron Chair - Ergonomic mesh task chair designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick in 1994.
- Eames Lounge Chair - Plywood and leather recliner by Charles and Ray Eames from 1956.
- Embody Chair - Pixelated support task chair by Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber, released 2008.
- Mirra Chair - Flexible, recyclable task chair by Burrell Smith and Yves Béhar.
- Noguchi Table - Glass-top basalt table by Isamu Noguchi from 1947.
- Action Office - Modular cubicle system invented by Robert Propst in 1968.
Reputation
Herman Miller is regarded by professionals for durable, innovative designs and ergonomic excellence, particularly in task chairs like Aeron and Embody.13 Enthusiasts value its collaborations with notable designers and commitment to sustainability.45 Criticisms include high prices limiting accessibility and occasional perceptions of overhyping legacy products.2
Sources (6)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Miller
- https://rocketreach.co/herman-miller-inc-profile_b5d4bbb3f42e386d
- https://www.zoominfo.com/c/herman-miller-inc/17630258
- https://www.hermanmiller.com/about/
- https://www.designinsiderlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/an_introduction_to_herman_miller_1.pdf
- https://www.hermanmiller.com/welcome/