The High Museum in Atlanta is set to host a remarkable event showcasing the contributions of four influential figures in the world of design and architecture.
John Edelman, a major player in the design industry, is currently the president and CEO of Heller, a renowned American furniture manufacturer recognized for its modern creations. Prior to acquiring Heller in May 2022, Edelman honed his expertise during a distinguished career leading various notable design companies. His journey began at his family’s business, Edelman Leather, where he spent fourteen years, including six as president and CEO, successfully expanding its global presence. In 2010, he co-purchased Design Within Reach (DWR), a retailer known for authentic modern design, and revitalized the brand by eliminating imitations, strengthening vendor relationships, and broadening its reach. After DWR was sold to Herman Miller in 2014, Edelman continued to lead both DWR and the Herman Miller Consumer Group until 2019, known for his dedication to authenticity and passion for modern design.
Laura Flusche, PhD, serves as the executive director of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Under her guidance, MODA has developed into a key hub for design in Atlanta, driven by the inquiry: Can a design museum change the world? This question has positioned MODA at the forefront of design thinking, STEAM education initiatives for youth, and redefined the museum’s role in the community. With a rich background in classical archaeology, Flusche has curated various exhibitions highlighting design’s transformative power, advocating the notion that “design is archaeology backwards,” connecting the past and future through innovative design.
Monica Obniski is the Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the High Museum of Art, where she oversees an extensive global collection of design, including an annual architectural piazza commission. Her curatorial practice intertwines social issues with architecture and design history, and her recent projects include Sonya Clark: We Are Each Other (2023–2024) and Stephen Burks: Shelter in Place (2022–2023). Obniski has also held curatorial positions at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with advanced degrees from the Bard Graduate Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Josh Owen is an internationally recognized industrial designer, educator, and author currently serving as the Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and Director of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies from Cornell University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, Owen established his design practice in 1998, officially branding it as Josh Owen LLC in 2005. His work, produced by major international manufacturers, has earned numerous accolades and is part of prestigious collections, including those of the Centre Pompidou and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Additionally, he is the author of Lenses for Design (RIT Press, 2016) and the forthcoming Design for Study.
This event at the High Museum promises to be a significant gathering for those interested in the intersection of design and community engagement.
