burdick conference table

Bruce Burdick was exposed early on to the industrial dynamics, creative lifestyle, and architectural activity of California. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he is a graduate of the University of Southern California and the Art Center College. While a junior at the Art Center, Burdick worked with Charles and Ray Eames at the Eames Office. After completing his schooling, he worked with noted designers John Follis and Herb Rosenthal before opening his own office in 1970.

Burdick's early achievements include pioneering a new use of computers in exhibits on economics and nutrition. Both exhibits are permanently located at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. He has also been involved in the design and development of environmental education centers, a museum of oceanography, and the concept planning for the Institute of Automotive Science and History.

In 1980, the Burdick Group received design awards from the Institute of Business Designers and the Industrial Designers Society of America. The following year, Timemagazine named the Burdick Group system one of the Best of 1981 for Industrial Design. The magazine described it as one of the first flexible office furniture systems to come to terms with computer terminals and other electronic office machines.

Herman Miller was a West Michigan businessman who helped his son-in-law, D.J. De Pree, buy the Michigan Star Furniture Company in 1923. De Pree had been working at the company, which opened in 1905, since he was hired in 1909 as a clerk. De Pree knew his father-in-law was a man of integrity, so he decided to rename the company after him. By the middle of the 20th century, the name Herman Miller had become synonymous with “modern” furniture. Working with legendary designers George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames, the company produced pieces that would become classics of industrial design.