Change is happening and the way we work is one of the best reflections of this. While we adapt our working style in the office, in a work space or at home, The Work Space category in the 2023 is the place that showcases the design transformations that are taking place in every country right across our Indo-Pacific region.
The how, where and way we work is certainly adjusting, but so too is business and its approach. Take Herman Miller for example, who has supported The Work Space at the INDE.Awards since 2019. This year sees change, with now sponsoring this important category in 2023.
The name MillerKnoll reflects the combination of two outstanding and iconic furniture brands, Herman Miller and Knoll. However, the name is so much more than these two brands, it is the overarching entity for a collective of major design brands and companies, that include Herman Miller and Knoll. This new entity brings to architecture and design the combined knowledge, experience, expertise, research and development and service that will see an unrivalled approach to supply, both now and in the future.
Formed in 2021 and now rolling out across our region, MillerKnoll supports a collective of brands and companies that comprise Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, DWR, Edelman Leather, FitzFelt, Fully, Geiger, HAY, Herman Miller, Holly Hunt, KnollExtra, KnollOffice, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne and Spinneybeck. It’s a formidable group of stellar brands that bring their own special style and voice to both MillerKnoll and to design.
Elaborating on the new entity and the unification of Herman Miller, Knoll and the other brands, President, International Contract, MillerKnoll, Kartik Shethia says, “This is the biggest acquisition of the century, or for that matter, in the history of the office furniture industry, and so it was viewed by some with a little scepticism. One thought was about the individuality of each of the brands and we stay resolute and committed to this. Secondly, whether there will be savings for the business at the bottom line.”
He continues, “We are in the process of eliminating the overlaps between the product offerings and we can apply the economies of scale in achieving our cost baseline. In terms of distribution, we have already started onboarding dealers in India and South-East Asia, and will be operational in Australia this winter.”
It’s an enterprise that defies scale but everything is falling into place, and MillerKnoll is tasting success as we speak. It is set to take its place as a business that will enhance and contribute an astounding offering to the architecture and design communities in the region.
Together the brands complement each other and fill every market niche in workplace design and beyond. Each has their areas of expertise with products that are individual and unique to reflect their brand and design style. For Herman Miller and Knoll, research and development has been key to their engagement with the architecture and design communities and MillerKnoll can help with this by centralising and then disseminating information to the collective to help conceive new products and directions.
Shethia adds, “We have our own insights team who work in different geographies to understand the distinctive needs, what the future of work looks like and how the working landscape is evolving. We can then share that with the brands to allow them to either develop new products or give direction to their thought leadership. However, the product design will continue to be the domain of the brands and they will drive the direction that would largely come from research and whatever we are discovering on the ground from the market.”
Participating in the 2023 INDE.Awards, MillerKnoll is showing its support for workplace design and architecture and design in the Indo-Pacific more broadly. Giving back and strengthening understanding contributes to a healthy community whether that is in India, Singapore, China, Australia or New Zealand and every other country that makes up our vast and progressive region.
Shethia comments, “The INDE.Awards aligns very well with our vision of working closely with the design community and we are pleased to be part of encouraging and recognising greater achievement by partners in the design industry. And so, we are very happy to be associated with the INDEs and are committed to continue our association.”
While workplace design continues to evolve to suit ever-changing environments, sometimes a giant leap forward is what is needed to progress innovation and set the scene for a brighter future. Just as architects and designers adapt and adjust their designs to meet tomorrow’s needs, MillerKnoll is forging a way forward and making history at the same time. Indeed, change is certainly in the air.The 2023 INDE.Awards is now open for entry. Submit your workplace projects and gain recognition on the regional and global stages of design. Enter The Work Space category and join the Indo-Pacific architecture and design community in celebrating the best of workplace design.
Photography – Courtesy of MillerKnoll
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