Herman Miller: The name is synonymous with innovation, design, operational excellence, smart application of technology, and social responsibility. Herman Miller, Inc. studies work and living environments and designs and delivers products and services that make these environments work better. Through problem-solving research and design, the company seeks to develop innovative solutions to real needs in working, healing, learning, and living environments.

Herman Miller began in 1923 as a manufacturer of traditional residential furniture, became a leader in "modern" furniture in the 1930s and 1940s; developed lasting ties through the 1950s with legendary industrial designers who led the company in new directions; transformed the office furniture industry with the first panel system in the 1960s; invented and refined ergonomic work seating in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; reinvented the geometry of systems furniture in 2000, and is today the second largest office furniture company with customers and locations around the world. Their history of employee participation and ownership and technological innovation has long roots and continues to grow. They have always worked hard to be serious about both people and business. They look at their primary goal as creating great places to work.

George Nelson laid out five tenets of Herman Miller's design philosophy 50 years ago:

• What you make is important.
• Design is an integral part of the business.
• The product must be honest.
• You decide what you will make.
• There is a market for good design.

While fashion and style have their place, the main criterion for a Herman Miller product has remained constant: Does it truly solve a problem that people care about in a way that improves upon other solutions, or pioneers a new and better answer altogether? The answer is Yes.