The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum bestowed the 2011 National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement upon Knoll giving testament to Knoll’s legacy and vision for design.
We had the opportunity to talk with Knoll Design Director, Benjamin Pardo, about the award and what we can expect to see in Knoll's future.
GDG: What stands out most for you in the time that you've been with Knoll?
BP: I’ve been with the company since 2005. Since then, we have been working on products for a new generation seeking innovative approaches to the ever-changing workplace. The countless individuals involved with our winning this award have maintained one constant goal: a genuine balance of art and industry.
GDG: Has the look and feel of Knoll’s sensibility changed over the years?
BP: Knoll has always been about using modern design to connect people with their work, their lives and their world. Of course, we have evolved over time, but we have always stayed true to our modernist roots. With each product, we seek to explore new materials and processes that meet our high standards for sustainability.
GDG What's next for Knoll?
BP: Our uncompromising approach to design is stronger than ever. In the last two years, Knoll has invested in design by teaming up with six industrial design groups from around the world. New solutions for the office environment like Generation by Knoll®, MultiGeneration by Knoll®, Antenna® Workspaces and the Sapper™ Monitor Arm Collection have rolled out recently. Knoll will also further its introductions with ReGeneration by Knoll™ at NeoCon 2011 in Chicago.
We also continue to work on designs for KnollStudio and KnollTextiles, collections that demonstrate our commitment to design driven products that cross over between the workplace and the home.
Keep your eyes open for more of what Knoll is up to this Summer and stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom at the DDB to get more of your Knoll fix.
