Dividends Horizon^®

Dividends Horizon is the latest iteration of the Dividends system, originally designed by Carl Magnusson and David Noel in 1997. Recognizing the strength of Magnusson and Noel’s initial concept and thinking, but aware of changing aesthetics and new technology demands, Knoll Director of Design Benjamin Pardo opted to redesign and update Dividends in 2007.

Pardo enlisted Jeffrey Bernett, Nicholas Dodziuk and David Noel to evaluate the current product — adding where necessary, removing when appropriate and bringing an overall aesthetic freshness to the collection.

The resulting system, according to Pardo, “is all about a product in elevation, to define the space and let light and air flow through.” Jeffrey Bernett explains: “Dividends Horizon evolves the office landscape by creating a layered approach to furniture design, with new focal points and an overall design consistency that integrates existing product with new product offerings."

JEFFREY BERNETT studied business at Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota, before studying design at Parnham College in England. Combining his skillsets, he founded the multi-disciplinary design consultancy, Studio B, in 1995. The following year Bernett presented his debut collection at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and was awarded the Editor’s Award for "Best of Show.”

Bernett continues to work in many disciplines — residential and office furniture, household products, lighting, transportation design, graphic design, packaging and bottle design, environment and interior architecture, and strategic planning. A partial list of clients includes B and B Italia, Bernhardt Design, Boffi, Cappellini, DWR, Knoll, L'Oreal, Michael Kors, and Northwest Airlines.

NICHOLAS DODZIUK studied industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design before conducting research in Germany on Fulbright Fellowship. After working as a freelance designer for companies like Sony and Unilever, he joined the firm Consultants for Design Strategy (CDS) in 2003. At CDS he began a series of collaborations with Jeffrey Bernett. Together, the pair has designed furniture for Herman Miller, Design Within Reach and Knoll.

Dodziuk continues to work at CDC while teaching courses in design and fashion as an adjunct professor at the Parsons School of Design.