Herman Miller and Designer Michael Anastassiades Launch New Seating Line

November 17, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Built on the pillars of modesty and minimalism, Anastassiades’ new Comma Seating showcases the power of simplicity. Focusing attention on craftsmanship, sculptural details and precise proportions, the new design is a natural statement piece for any space, whether it is a home, office or business.

"Comma achieves that which very few designs can: the rare combination of quietness and character. A practical and rational design, though with proportions and details which captivate," says Noah Schwarz, creative director at Herman Miller and Design Within Reach. "While a natural fit for the home, Comma is versatile, and appropriate for a variety of settings—anywhere a beautiful chair or stool might be needed." 

"The starting point of this project was the idea of communicating comfort through a simple gesture. It begins with a sleek backrest design that wraps around the chair which then becomes the structure for its legs," says Anastassiades. "The chair simultaneously communicates an invitation to sit down while at the same time providing a sense of enclosure. Between the frame sits the seat, which appears as a floating element." 

While keeping with Herman Miller's tradition of a modern aesthetic, Comma introduces a new material palette and design language to its acclaimed dining chair and stool portfolio by adding a collection celebrating the beauty of wood. 

"The new collection needed to embody the warmth and craft evident in the best 20th century chair designs, yet develop its own unique personality," says Schwarz. Comma's distinct appearance seems to do just that, offering chairs and stools pared down to their essential elements, geometric with circle seats and frames at right angles. Blending the minimalist Scandinavian/Japanese aesthetic with comfort, each Comma option exhibits expressive, fluid sculptural lines able to work in a broad range of settings. . 

"We knew Michael was the right partner for the project. He has an innate ability to create iconic forms—minimalist, yet full of grace and beauty," says Schwarz. 

Comma Seating includes chairs with and without arms, in addition to stools available at both bar and counter heights. The collection is available in a variety of woods and stain colors, with the option to add a leather seat pad. Pricing begins at $595.