About - Knoll Design Heritage

Knoll Design Heritage

Why Knoll?

Knoll is Modern Always because Modern Always works.

We use modern design to connect people to their work, their lives, their world. Since 1938, we have been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve, and endure.

Today, our commitment to modern design, our understanding of the nature of work, and our dedication to sustainable design have yielded a unique portfolio of thoughtful products that respond and adapt to changing needs.

A belief in modern design.

For nearly 80 years Knoll has remained true to the Bauhaus design philosophy that modern furniture should complement architectural space, not compete with it. At Knoll, modern design has been our guiding principle, and our passion has been shared by customers and design professionals worldwide.

Our founders, Hans and Florence Knoll, embraced the creative genius at the Bauhaus School and the Cranbrook Academy of Art to create new types of furniture and environments for the workplace. Their approach, where craftsmanship joined with technology through the use of design, anchors our perspective and shapes the values we endeavor to live by today.

A long history of collaborations, with pioneering modernists to bold contemporary designers, define not only the past but the future of Knoll through active, recent, and future partnerships with David Rockwell, Antenna Design, Barber Osgerby, Formway Design, Don Chadwick, David Adjaye, and Rem Koolhaas.

Eight decades of workplace experience.

Florence Knoll developed the idea of the modern office and pioneered the interior design profession.

Through research and experience worldwide, we set standards in solving practical workplace needs. From private office furniture for individuals to the evolving spectrum of open plan furniture that supports an ultra-linked, connected workforce, we offer a definitive resource to address the dynamic activities of the contemporary office.

Today, we are inspiring a new generation with a dedication to the most innovative and dynamic designs for corporations, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies.

Whether the goal is to encourage teamwork, set ergonomic guidelines, plan for new technologies or reinvent the office, we work closely with customers to solve workplace issues and accommodate the diversity of its users.

A comprehensive product portfolio.

No company can match the array of our products, which combine a Modernist aesthetic with residential appeal. We are a constellation of people, collaborators, products and brands, united by a rigorous process, shared experience and a distinct modern sensibility. Our strength in office systems, seating, furniture, textiles, leather, and architectural and acoustical elements allows us to compose integrated solutions drawing on a range of products and services that naturally work together.

A commitment to our customers.

We honor what Eero Saarinen called “the enthusiasm, the inspiration and the concern for human beings” that Hans Knoll brought to his customers. Whether you are refurbishing a small office or orchestrating a large project with complex logistics, we can guide you through the process of defining your furniture needs, meeting the highest standards for quality, on-time delivery and customer service.

Our flexible manufacturing capabilities and our rich network of custom product resources can accommodate virtually any customer specification. From planning support to project management and installation, Knoll provides an unparalleled level of service.

We operate four manufacturing sites in North America: East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Grand Rapids and Muskegon, Michigan; and Toronto, Ontario. In addition, we have plants in Foligno and Graffignana, Italy.

A focus on the environment.

We are a leader in policies and practices designed to protect the biosphere, conserve natural resources and reduce waste. Our environmental sustainability programs focus on three areas: climate change; third-party certification; and environmentally sensitive materials.

We are proud of our leadership position on climate change. Our investment since 2004 in energy efficiency initiatives and infrastructure has topped $3.0 million. Following our success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at our manufacturing facilities, exceeding our goal by 23%, we redefined our carbon reduction strategy and joined the Carbon Disclosure Project, which commits to further reductions and public disclosure.

All Knoll manufacturing facilities worldwide are ISO 14001 certified, requiring that we minimize harmful effects on the environment and achieve ongoing improvements in environmental performance. Our global sourcing initiatives ensure that we use materials from suppliers that share our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

We have been an industry pioneer in advocating and submitting our products for independent third party certification. We believe that respected third parties provide the most impartial and trustworthy foundation for broad compliance.