JOHN BERRY has over thirty years of professional design involvement.

John has over thirty years of professional design involvement including global manufacturers, international architectural and design firms, foundations and board positions on art & design schools and professional organizations. He is a public relations and communications strategist and advisor on brand and reputation management, internal and external communications for corporate clients, design offices, associations and non-profit organizations. His background includes senior level leadership positions and advisory roles with major manufacturers in the contract furniture industry and other art and design related organizations. His cross-functional design experiences bring an inter-disciplinary approach to projects.

John developed and led the IGS Division (Interiors, Graphics & Signage) of Smith Hinchman & Grylls (now The Smith Group) an architectural, engineering and design firm based in Detroit, Michigan. He founded SEGD, Society of Environmental Graphic Designers, the professional design association that continues to be the voice of signage, graphics and color in the built environment. His award winning projects include work with NASA, John Deere, airports, hospitals, universities, and more than a million square feet of manufacturing spaces.

His 16 year involvement with Herman Miller included being Vice President of Corporate Communications, responsibilities for internal and marketing communications, building the public relations capability and leading the media introductions of major innovative products such as the Aeron chair. He was the liaison between Herman Miller and the Eames Office and has spoken nationally and internationally on the work of Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson. He continues his relationship with the Eames Office and now serves as their liaison back to Herman Miller.

He conceived and directed precedent setting national public relations efforts in the contract furniture industry. His recent book, 'Herman Miller: The Purpose of Design' published by Rizzoli has received positive reviews both domestically and internationally. John is the guest lecturer for the Kendall College Art & Design and Ferris Statue University MBA program focused on design and innovation and the Director of Design West Michigan.

John has a Masters of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from Cranbrook Academy of Art, a BA in Design and Spanish from Indiana University and related studies at DePauw University and La Universidad de Nacional de Mexico.

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