Student Visit March Madness at Knoll

At Knoll, innovating is just as important as sharing the complex decision-making process that lies behind each new design. During March, Knoll hosted several student visits, sharing the brand's rich eighty year history along with various facets of the product development and design process.

Paige Roberts, Appalachian State University alumna and Knoll SVP Sales, Distribution & Customer Service, lower right, with ASU visiting students.

David Bright, Knoll SVP, Communications, discusses "What Drives Us" with students from Appalachian State University.

At the New York Showroom, Knoll hosted Appalachian State University (N.C.), Columbus College of Art & Design (O.H.) and Brigham Young University (U.T.). Students discussed the brand's history from Florence Knoll's legacy to the evolution in workplace design. Students also toured the showroom where they experience the range of Knoll workplace planning paradigms. 

Barbara Santurio, Senior textile designer, presents KnollTextiles.

Barbara Santurio, KnollTextiles, presented a textile timeline, showing students fabrics that date back to the 1950's. She also discussed how today's technology and complex materials are continuously creating new design opportunities for the world of upholstery, drapery and wallcoverings.

Pratt Institute students with Linda Kasper, Knoll Client Services Manager, left and Karen Stone, Knoll Director of Design, third from left.

In East Greenville, PA, industrial design students from Pratt Institute (N.Y.) and Masters candidates in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Smithsonian - George Washington University (W.D.C.) experienced in-depth tours of the Knoll manufacturing facilities. Students learned step-by-step how a design and its aesthetic sensibilities come to life in production. Knoll designs – from a Generation Chair to a Bertoia Chair – served as prime examples of concept, material and form coming together.

Masters candidates from Smithsonian-George Washington University (W.D.C.) at Knoll East Greenville.

Students across the board left with a unique perspective on what it takes to bring a product to life in addition to understanding the importance and value of good design.