Herman Miller is recognized as the inventor of the office cubicle in 1968. His Zeeland, Mich.-based company focuses on a modernist design aesthetic and is well-known as one of the most well-known office furniture manufacturers in the world. It has produced several popular pieces including the Aeron chair, Marshmallow sofa and the Eames Lounge Chair.
Today, the Herman Miller company is working to become more sustainable, using environmentally-friendly methods including saving materials, energy-efficient manufacturing and using recycled and recyclable content. It has even developed a way to create top soil by combining sawdust with chicken manure.
The company offers a wide variety of office furniture options — including both modular and non-modular workspaces — to accommodate changing demands in office layout.
Current available lines include:
Canvas Office Landscape "is a comprehensive, but simple, set of elements that lets you create lively places in which talented people can perform better," according to the website. With this line, you can create everything from private offices to public spaces using simple components that reflect company culture and accommodate increased connectivity through extensive cabling and power. The line offers private offices, wall-based workstations (similar to cubicles), beam-based workstations (similar to benching styles) and group-based collaborative workspaces. Pricing: Workstations $3,000-$12,000.
Ethospace System was created in 1984 to offer a solution to the changing technological needs of a modern office. The line features a first-of-a-kind frame and tiling system that provides a "flexible foundation for thoughtful change." There are nearly unlimited design options for creating individual workstations, enclosed offices, and group spaces that reflect company culture and character. Pricing: Workstations up to $18,000.
Action Office System is the original open-plan office system that has continued to evolve to meet the needs of modern companies. The line offers space-saving benefits, durability, a variety of design options and interchangeable components. "No panel system is easier or quicker to install and reconfigure as you work to balance individual work with collaboration in your workspace," according to the website. It's affordable and built-to-last, which makes it a worthwhile investment for any growing business. Pricing $2,000-$19,000
My Studio Environments marry the features of an open cubicle and a private office, giving individuals a quiet workspace that also invites collaboration. The line was also designed to maximize smaller workspaces — hopefully keeping employees happy without sacrificing valuable real estate. Pricing: $3,400-$17,700
Resolve System tries to mimic the natural world to create a soothing work environment that's also space efficient. The non-panel-based system uses poles with attached screens and canopies which allow for a greater diversity of workstation patterns and a more cost-effective use of space. "Resolve helps people feel comfortable, valued, and effective; they stay connected to their work and to each other. They stay, period," according to the website. Pricing: $3,000-$20,000
Passage Desking System uses modular desks as the building blocks for the freestanding workspace structure. The desks support both technology (with built-in power and cabling), as well as people (with ergonomic design). There is plenty of storage, and a variety of space-division options and the pre-assembled units are easy to specify, order and install. Pricing: starting at $2,000
Sense Desking System offers simple and spacious workspaces that are a cinch to change as needed without a single tool. "You can configure a work area at the end of the day for a fresh start in the morning," according to the website. The line includes adjustable desks, tables, returns, and plenty of accessories including privacy panels, cable baskets, trays and shelves. Pricing: Tables alone start at $1,000
Abak Environments are elegant and contemporary and look at home anywhere on the globe. Create all kinds of workspaces – from open concept to private offices to meeting rooms – using an array of non modular components. Performance walls are able to divide workspaces, hold components, and house data and power. Pricing: $3,000-$10,000
5000 Series Furniture is durable, budget friendly and easy to reconfigure as needed. The line includes freestanding and attached desks, credenzas, desk-mounted flipper door units and takable screens, and attaching returns, bridges and peninsulas. The modular components are shipped fully assembled making specification, ordering and installation a snap. Pricing: Desks alone start at $1,200
If retail prices for Herman Miller furniture don't fit into your company's budget, Arnold's has a variety of used Herman Miller pieces in stock at affordable prices, including:
My Studio Cubicles for as little as $2,450 a piece Resolve Workstations for $995 Vivo Office Suite for $1,850 Ethospace Workstations for $1,850
