Herman Miller Design Yard

The concept of a yard, which contains many buildings that function in the spirit of collective production, inspired the creation of a design yard for Herman Miller, Inc., to house its design, development, manufacturing engineering, and testing facilities.

Completed in 1990, the complex incorporates modified prefabricated metal structures, silos, and houses, which were flexibly designed to accommodate changing uses and future expansion. Twenty-seven years after the Design Yard opened its doors, the complex is still living up to its original intent. The durable, low maintenance exteriors have aged gracefully. Open, flexible interior spaces have accommodated changes in how people work, as well as evolving technologies. The whole fits well into its rural environment and serves as an appropriate backdrop for Herman Miller’s classic modern pieces and new designs for furniture systems and products.