Herman Miller: A Way of Living

Design Theory

18 Oct

“There have been many books about Herman Miller, its ethos, designers, and furniture, but none as comprehensive as this.”

— Interior Design

The ultimate furniture design tabletop book, Herman Miller — A Way of Living (2019) details defining moments in the company's history while showcasing its visionary designers. This Herman Miller coffee table book makes an indispensable addition to any design lover's library.

The acclaimed chronicle of the rich history of this innovative furniture company, from its founding in the early twentieth century to today

For more than 100 years, Michigan-based Herman Miller has played a central role in the evolution of modern and contemporary design, producing timeless classics while creating a culture that has had a remarkable impact on the development of the design world. Herman Miller is known as much for its pioneering designs and international influence as for its emphasis on environment and community service.

In this far reaching survey, new and archival photography illustrates the evolution of Herman Miller's furniture designs over the course of the century. Featuring the stories and creations of legendary designers including Ray and Charles Eames, George Nelson, and Alexander Girard, and through its thousands of illustrations, this book tells the Herman Miller story as never before, documenting its defining moments and key leaders, and making Herman Miller: A Way of Living an indispensable volume for the bookshelves of design-lovers around the globe.

Amy Auscherman

From designer secrets to product backstories to company lore, Amy Auscherman knows it all by heart. Amy leads organizing, researching and preserving Herman Miller’s most prized products and stories, serving as a top resource for reintroducing legacy products and teaching us all how to honor our past as we learn and grow into the future.

Areas of Expertise: Brand Heritage, Archives, Company History, Design Theory, Design Process, Restoration

Sam Grawe

As Global Brand Director of Herman Miller, Sam led integrated brand marketing, creative, and communications teams to design immersive and intelligent experiences across a variety of platforms and media, including print, exhibitions, video, social, and digital. Prior to working for Herman Miller, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of Dwell magazine. While at Dwell, he was part of the team that garnered a National Magazine Award in 2005 and in 2009 was a finalist in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Design Awards. His first book, Herman Miller: A Way of Living, an expansive compendium of the company’s contribution to modern design, will be published by Phaidon Press in May 2019. In addition to working in the design field, he has produced numerous recordings and remixes as Hatchback and Windsurf.

Leon Ransmeier

Leon Ransmeier believes that “use follows form.” As a hands-on designer, Ransmeier works by developing full-scale, usable prototypes. In 2008 he established Ransmeier Inc., a New York-based industrial design practice. Notable projects include the Chiaro chair for Mattiazzi and the Revolver bar stool for HAY. Ransmeier’s collaboration with industry often results in subtle interventions into the way we perceive and use things.