Design for Goetz means getting so familiar with the problem that the answer becomes the only natural way to solve it.
Watch video
Product Story
The traditional sofa is a wooden frame covered with padding and upholstery.
Designer Mark Goetz turned that tradition inside out, wrapping his sofa in a striking molded wood veneer shell to create both a structural frame and a dramatic profile.
Crisp, clean lines and ergonomic support—an instant Herman Miller classic.
Beauty in the Details
To achieve the right look for the wood veneer shell, an intricate miter is incorporated at every corner, allowing the molded veneer to wrap completely around the sides and back.
There is only one seam on the entire shell.
The shell is available in several beautiful wood veneers.
The upholstery—which meets the veneer at a subtle, understated edge—can be leather or one of many fabric choices.
The matte finish to the metal legs adds contemporary appeal.
Ergonomic Comfort
Understanding that people don't just perch on the edge of sofa seat cushions, designer Mark Goetz made sure that his sofa would be comfortable, no matter what position you were in.
Thick cushions and a balanced seat depth—shallow enough to give correct support while sitting upright; deep enough to provide enough room for napping—provide both correct ergonomic support and comfort.
Enduring Quality
The sofa is not only beautiful—it has been designed to retain its beauty.
A durable finish protects the veneer shell for long use and easy maintenance. The cushion covers are zippered, so they can be removed easily for cleaning.
Molded plywood carries an immediate association with classic Herman Miller designs, and Mark Goetz skillfully and creatively incorporates this material in his sofa design. By using common materials and processes in innovative ways, Goetz achieved a clean-lined, modern aesthetic.
As for the element of comfort, so important in a sofa, Goetz conducted his own research and consulted with other experts to arrive at a seat depth that provides ergonomic sitting support as well as room to lie down.
Goetz said that designing the sofa was a "daunting challenge" because it was to be part of the Herman Miller Collection of classic home and office products that define 20th century design. "If I were sitting in a room with Eames, Nelson, and Noguchi, and we were discussing design, I would be listening rather than talking," he said. "When designing the sofa, I took on that role, trying to understand the qualities of the collection that make it so wonderful. I wanted to create something that echoes the collection and respectfully adds to it."
Product Story
Beauty in the Details
Ergonomic Comfort
Enduring Quality