George Nelson for Herman Miller "Model 0693" Sofa from the Modular Seating Group upholstered in Dove Gray cotton velvet — George Nelson for Herman Miller “Model 0693” Sofa

Nelson’s Rise

Renowned for shaping the visual course of mid-century modern design, George Nelson's portfolio boasts the iconic Cloud Sofa, playful Bubble Lamps, and the colorful Home Desk. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Nelson's entry into the world of architecture was serendipitous after discovering the Yale School of Architecture. His studies propelled him into a vibrant career that blended architecture, teaching, and writing.

It was this multifaceted expertise that caught the eye of D.J. De Pree, founder of Herman Miller, prompting a partnership that would launch Nelson’s inaugural furniture line for the Michigan-based manufacturer in 1945. By 1947, Nelson ascended to the role of design director, steering Herman Miller into a new era following Gilbert Rohde's tenure. Under Nelson's direction, the company became a haven for design virtuosos like Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, and Isamu Noguchi. Beyond his personal creations, Nelson's legacy is interwoven with the ethos of Herman Miller and is further immortalized through his firm, George Nelson & Associates, which introduced much of the iconic work he is known for.

Image from the John F. Pile archives of an original brochure photograph of George Nelson for Herman Miller's Modular Seating Group — Credit: John F. Pile, an associate at George Nelson's office, via George Nelson Foundation.

Flexible Living

Among these is the Modular Seating Group, a testament to Nelson's foresight in the world of modular, system-based design. Embracing the shift towards simplicity and away from excess, the collection featured a variety of interchangeable components such as sofas, chairs, benches, and even case goods inspired by his Thin Edge Group. The adaptability of the Modular Seating Group, produced by Herman Miller from 1956 to 1978, allowed owners to tailor their spaces effortlessly.

Keeping History Alive

Limited production has made finding pieces from this collection quite difficult. As such, when we found our first “Model 0693” extra-long sofa, a 96-inch display of Nelson’s aesthetic, it became a project of passion. We reinforced its frame with custom-designed webbing bridges to ensure longevity and selected a sumptuous Dove Gray cotton velvet for reupholstery, which complemented the sofa’s sleek stainless steel frame. The sofa now resides in Tokyo, which truly speaks to Nelson's global appeal.

We are now lucky to have found a second “Model 0693” sofa, and we are ready to once again breathe life into this piece of rare George Nelson design. Alongside the Dove Gray cotton velvet from our first restoration, we are able to offer new hues in both Navy and Cognac, both stunning pairings with the sofa’s brushed steel base. We're thrilled to offer these velvet options, but if velvet isn't quite right for your space, our curated collection of fabrics offers a variety of alternatives, all sourced from esteemed mills that supply brands such as Ralph Lauren, Schumacher, and Restoration Hardware, among others.

We invite the next lucky owner of this “Model 0693” George Nelson Sofa to participate in the restorative journey. If there’s a particular fabric you've envisioned for this piece, please feel free to provide it to us for use. Perhaps even a bold choice, like Dedar's Tiger Mountain, would be striking.