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Design Guild Mark Holder

Keyn Chair Group

Name of Designer:

forpeople
/
DGM Number

182

Date of Award

2017

Manufacturers’ Name

Herman Miller

Description

When forpeople were given the design brief for the Keyn Chair Group, it was a challenge that seemed almost impossible. forpeople were asked to create a group of chairs that consist of a four-leg, cantilever and pedestal base each with or without the option of arms. Our challenge was how to resolve the design of each of these types without compromising aesthetic appeal or continuity across the group. At the same time Herman Miller wanted us to maximise the opportunity for shared componentry. forpeople’s solution was to create the chair using four key components, which include a common cradle and one piece seat and back shell, combined with a series of base options, and upholstery variants. Keyn’s patented CradleFlex movement responds as you shift your position. It effortlessly reclines up to 10 degrees whilst simultaneously allowing the seat to move forward.

About

Richard Stevens founded forpeople in 2004 after working as chief designer at Ingeni, Ford Motor Company’s global design centre, and being design director at global branding agency Fitch. It began with just four people. The organisation has grown to over 80 people today. Key among them is Joohee Lee, who joined forpeople in 2012 as Associate Director