Headlines

Herman Miller Announces Opening of National Design Centers in the U.S.

April 29, 2002

In order to provide customers with the complete Herman Miller experience outside of its West Michigan headquarters, the company today announced the opening of three National Designs Centers (NDCs) in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Each center will feature state-of-the-art showroom displays and make extensive use of technology to help customers reach informed decisions about workplace furniture and related needs.

The National Design Centers will devote particular attention to the requirements of the architecture and design (A&D) community.

The complete NDC news release, including center locations and opening dates, follows.

HERMAN MILLER, INC., OPENS NATIONAL DESIGN CENTERS
Major Facilities in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Present the Company's Total Capabilities and Will Serve as Important Resources to Architects, Interior Designers, and Customers

Herman Miller, Inc., a leading global provider of innovative office furniture and workplace consulting services, today announced it is opening three National Design Centers in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Created to provide customers with the complete Herman Miller experience, the National Design Centers, or NDCs, will feature state-of-the-art showroom displays designed to highlight the company's experience and capabilities while helping its customers make informed decisions about furniture and related workplace needs.

"Until now it's been necessary to travel to our headquarters in West Michigan to experience the complete range of office furniture, systems, and capabilities that we offer," said Rick Duffy, Herman Miller vice president and leader of the Genesis Design Team. "Now, through the NDCs, we can provide the same amenities and expertise to our customers in and around these three important metropolitan areas."

Duffy noted that particular attention has been devoted to the needs of the architecture and design (A&D) community. "We are going to make it easier for our A&D customers to find what they need quickly and efficiently, both through the informational materials we provide and with the support of our staff."

"There's no better way to understand someone than to visit them in their own home," explained David Schutte, national director of A&D Marketing for Herman Miller. "Our National Design Centers do just that, allowing clients to experience Herman Miller firsthand. With time in such short supply, the centers make designers' work easier by giving them quick access to the products and services that will help them do their jobs more effectively."

All three National Design Centers will make extensive use of technology to optimize the connection between customers, furniture and systems offerings, and the overall Herman Miller experience. Workstation computers will present a relevant, dynamic, and continually fresh flow of product information and workplace solutions. Additionally, the NDCs will differ dramatically from the typically static showroom setting by evolving as new Herman Miller products and breakthrough solutions are introduced.

"The National Design Centers will give customers the opportunity to view Herman Miller furniture and systems in an ever-changing environment," explained NDC Director Kathy Elhart. "Equally important, we will provide a context for our customers to make the critical decisions, from selecting products based on compatibility and aesthetics to gaining an informed perspective on where the office is heading."

"Our goal is to make the NDCs a regular destination for the A&D community and others who want to keep current with industry trends or tap into Herman Miller's knowledge base," Elhart emphasized. She also noted that in the future, Herman Miller might consider sites in other cities for additional National Design Centers.

The New York National Design Center is located at 660 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, and will open Wednesday, May 1. Further information regarding the New York NDC is available by contacting Scott Ashley at (212) 318 3900 or scott_ashley@hermanmiller.com.

The Los Angeles National Design Center is located at 633 West 5th Street, Suite 300, and will open Wednesday, May 8. Further information regarding the Los Angeles NDC is available by contacting Julie Shimizu at (213) 627 5900 or julie_shimizu@hermanmiller.com.

The opening of the Chicago National Design Center, scheduled for Monday, June 10, coincides with NeoCon World's Trade Fair 2002, the annual contract furnishings industry exhibition held at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. The Chicago NDC is located on the third floor of the Mart. Further information regarding the Chicago National Design Center is available by contacting Jim Steckler at (312) 822 8473 or jim_steckler@hermanmiller.com.