The Curator: Debbie Propst
President of Global Retail for MillerKnoll. A cultural and institutional connector within the MCM community.
How has modernism affected you personally and professionally?
Growing up in Barcelona, I was exposed at an early age to Cataluña’s unique form of Modernism (Modernisme) which flourished in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It still plays a strong role in the city’s identity and legacy today, and when I transitioned my retail career from apparel to home in 2012, the influences of Catalan architecture were a frequent reference point creatively. However, it was not until I moved to New Canaan in 2016 that I started to appreciate the unique distinction of American Modernism—with plenty of European references— that emerged in the midcentury.
My desire to understand the impact of Modernism—both in New Canaan and on the world stage that our town occupies among MCM enthusiasts—only deepened when I joined Herman Miller (now MillerKnoll) in 2020 to run Design Within Reach and Herman Miller’s retail business. At the end of the day, Modernism is not a style; it’s an ethos. That ethos prioritizes functionalism, minimalist clarity and truth to materials.
Design Within Reach showcases curated modern furniture. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Gaut for DWR)
What first attracted you to New Canaan?
The moment I visited New Canaan, I felt an immediate connection: It was the first time in 15 years I truly felt at home in America. Before moving to Barcelona as a young teenager, I lived in the south of England where narrow roads trimmed with old stone walls and abundant, mature trees served as delineators of land.
Our first home in New Canaan sat opposite the Landis Gores house, so that sparked an interest in the town’s listed properties. But I’ve learned so much about our Modernist legacy through my work with local institutions such as The Glass House and the research which supported the Capital Committee for the New Canaan Library. Through these organizations I’ve had the chance to visit many of the listed properties and meet the people that cherish them.
How has the legacy of modern architecture in New Canaan shaped how you lead your business?
The modern architecture movement in New Canaan was about more than design—it was about vision. Those architects weren’t afraid to push boundaries, creating homes that solved real problems for modern living. That philosophy mirrors how
I lead our business.
Our heritage is a source of strength and credibility, and I feel a deep responsibility to honor it. But just as modernists reimagined what a home could be, we must continuously innovate—creating solutions that keep our brands relevant, respected and at the forefront of global design.
For me, leadership is about balance: preserving the essence of what makes a brand iconic while moving it forward. Innovation isn’t about novelty for its own sake—it’s about solving problems and shaping the future, without losing sight of the legacy that got us here.
What organizations and projects are you involved with in New Canaan’s modern design community?
I’m a member of the Grace Farms Design for Freedom Working Team (missioned to abolish slave and forced labor in the built environment), and MillerKnoll has been involved in the Design for Freedom Summit and Exhibitions at Grace Farms. I’m also a member of the Glass House Advisory Council, and DWR has been a sponsor for various fundraising and educational events at The Glass House over the years.
I had the chance to meet Devon Chivvas through my social network in New Canaan and within seconds of hearing her vision for the Harvard Five documentary she was producing, I knew it was something that MillerKnoll would want to help bring to life. It was a joy to support her project given how integral our product portfolio is to the homes celebrated in the film.
We also recently supported the Onera Foundation by providing iconic designs to complement one of their inaugural exhibitions.
Tell us about your involvement with the New Canaan Library project.
The library is a perfect example of how the town rallied together to transform a historical local landmark into a contemporary center for education, community and culture. The new architecture references New Canaan’s modern traditions and having the interior experience reflect the design excellence of the exterior was important to continuing the New Canaan spirit. I was happy that MillerKnoll was able to contribute to this important project with authentic modern furniture.
Propst discusses her partnership with Craig Bassam, Scott Fellows and Kirsten Reoch.
You also collaborate with fellow New Canaanites Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows. Tell us more about that.
Over the past couple of seasons, we’ve had some really exciting introductions from BassamFellows, including a product with The Glass House. This was extra-special to work on as it was a true reflection of the New Canaan spirit, with various parties coming together to not only preserve but to also make a pioneering Midcentury design relevant to today’s audience.
This past October, we launched the BassamFellows reissue of the Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly Floor Lamp. Considering our close relationship with Craig and Scott and also our partnership with both The Glass House and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, being able to bring this lamp to our customers across North America was a remarkable experience.
In addition, the BassamFellows Leatherwrap Sit-to-Stand Desk, which we introduced in 2022, was such a success that over the past year we worked with Craig and Scott to expand the line and create an entire New Canaan collection. We say that meticulous construction meets tactile richness in this collection, with solid wood frames precisely wrapped in a range of Geiger Textiles’ premium leathers. This brings BassamFellows’ ethos of Craftsman Modern to life across new desk sizes and configurations, a media console and bookcase styles.
What defines MCM for you, beyond visual aesthetics?
Honesty and optimism.
How does modern design inform this brand?
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that has come together to build a more sustainable, caring, equitable and beautiful world. The MillerKnoll purpose reflects the desire of all our brands to leverage the power of design to improve people’s lives. These values strongly connect with modernist ideals. In fact, the brands that make up our collective, such as Herman Miller and Knoll, were platforms and driving forces for the mission of Midcentury Modernists.
DWR brings modern design to the Piaule Catskills landscape resort.
How can New Canaan and other communities engage future generations on the importance of these designs as well as their preservation?
The most impactful way to inspire future generations to value these designs and their preservation is through education. Without an understanding of the history and context of Midcentury Modern architecture and design, its relevance today—and the ways its principles can continue to shape and enhance our lives—will be lost. Fortunately, we have institutions, protected sites and community leaders who are passionate about educating future generations. Hopefully, their work will continue to expand, and we’ll continue to make more architecturally significant homes, exhibits and programs accessible.