A Pioneering Force – 100th Anniversary Of Herman Miller Celebrated by Living Edge

Celebrating the centenary year of its brand name, Herman Miller, Living Edge honours its inspiring legacy and pioneering design thinking. A leader in the world of innovative interior furnishings, this milestone is a timely commemoration of one of the world’s most prolific brands boasting some of the most recognisable pieces and designers.

In commemoration of 100 years, Herman Miller unveiled a curated exhibition and limited-edition poster reprint to celebrate their rich graphic design heritage and during this year’s Milan Design Week, the company transformed their Milan showroom in the Brera Design District into a visual journey of its bold, rich history. “This incredible accomplishment is a testament to the high-quality products and contemporary designs that Herman Miller continues to produce year after year,” says Aidan Mawhinney, CEO of Living Edge. “The company has had a resounding influence on the world of modern design, and its collaborations with iconic designers and clever use of graphics, branding & identity have paved the way for many current and future furniture brands.”

Collaborations were made with designers including Gilbert Rohde, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson.

Initially based in the United States and purchased as Michigan Star Furniture Company by D.J. De Pree, the company name was soon changed to “Herman Miller” – named after De Pree’s father-in-law. Establishing itself early on through collaborations with influential designers propelled the company towards international success. Collaborations were made with designers including Gilbert Rohde, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson.

With an impressive portfolio, the company entered the office-furniture market in the 1940s, the company launched iconic pieces such as the Eames moulded plywood chair and the Nelson platform bench. During this time up until the 1960s, mid-century modern design became the heart of the brand, producing pieces that remain influential today. In the 1950s, the world’s first moulded fibreglass chairs were introduced and in the 1960s Herman Miller continued to prosper on a global scale despite founder De Pree passing his role as chairman of the board to his son Hugh De Pree.

With timeless, beautiful and functional user-focused pieces now synonymous with the Herman Miller name, the brand is recognised as a pioneer of contemporary design in residential, workspace, hospitality and educational environments

Another key factor contributing to the brand’s iconic identity and global recognition is its distinct graphic identity. In the 1980s and 1990s, Barbara Loveland and Linda Powell shifted the brand towards a more postmodern aesthetic which was well-received. The company’s graphics were displayed in touring exhibitions to portray the cooperative reconfiguration idea of the Living Office.

With timeless, beautiful and functional user-focused pieces now synonymous with the Herman Miller name, the brand is recognised as a pioneer of contemporary design in residential, workspace, hospitality and educational environments. Living Edge is the largest supplier of Herman Miller products in Australia, with all products available in Australia through Living Edge.