Hightower Furniture

Besides its heavy Scandinavian influence, Hightower's curated design approach is also shaped by partnerships with designers and manufacturers from other regions, including Australia, Spain, and its own in-house American design studio. 

Other international influences

• Australia: Hightower collaborates with Australian designer Ross Gardam. His studio draws inspiration from centuries-old craftsmanship and Australian landscapes. The "Adapt" collection, a partnership between Hightower Studio and Ross Gardam, combines technology and artistry with "subtle historical and ritualistic references".
• Spain: The company features products from Spanish designers and manufacturers, adding a Mediterranean flavor to its aesthetic. For instance, the Spanish-based studio Yonoh infuses its minimalist designs with what one collaborator calls a "little 'Mediterranean daring'." Yonoh's work, including the "Lana" seating series for Ondarreta, is available in North America exclusively through Hightower. Hightower also recently partnered with the fourth-generation Italian manufacturer Fornasarig to bring the "Link" collection of stacking chairs and desks to North America.
• United Kingdom: Hightower partners with UK manufacturer Ocee & Four Design, which brings an additional European aesthetic to its curated collection. 

In-house design and American craft

Beyond its international partners, Hightower's design approach is heavily shaped by its own in-house team at 

Hightower Studio

, which is primarily based in High Point, North Carolina. 

• American-made design: Hightower Studio designs and manufactures its own products, many of which are produced in its North Carolina factory. This ensures a standard of American craftsmanship while also providing a base for domestic assembly of imported products.
• Fusion of styles: The in-house team combines the global influences from its partnerships with its own design sensibilities. For instance, the "Elemental Collection" fused Scandinavian-inspired color palettes with contributions from designers in Copenhagen and California. 

Summary of multi-faceted influences

In essence, Hightower's design approach is a dynamic mix of the following:

• Scandinavian minimalism: High-quality, functional, and aesthetically clean designs.

• Mediterranean color and daring: Playful yet simple and functional products.

• Australian craftsmanship: A blend of traditional artistry and modern technology.

• American practicality: Products designed and built in-house with an eye for domestic market trends. 

Hightower balances global design influences with domestic manufacturing capabilities through a two-pronged approach: a curated "house of brands" and its in-house, American-made collection, Hightower Studio. This strategy allows Hightower to offer unique, fresh designs sourced from international partners while leveraging the efficiency and craftsmanship of its North Carolina facilities for its own products. 

The "house of brands" approach

• International partnerships: Hightower collaborates with a network of exclusive international partners, including those from Scandinavia (+Halle, Swedese), the UK (Ocee & Four Design), and Spain (Ondarreta). These partnerships give Hightower customers access to a diverse portfolio of globally recognized designs that would otherwise be less accessible in the American market.
• Flexible manufacturing: Depending on the complexity and design of the product, Hightower integrates these international designs into its supply chain in a few ways:
  • Import: Some finished products are directly imported from its partners' manufacturing facilities.
  • Domestic assembly: For other products, some components may be imported while final assembly occurs in Hightower's High Point, North Carolina facility.
  • Made in the U.S.A.: Certain designs are manufactured and assembled entirely within the U.S. under license. 

The Hightower Studio approach

• In-house design and production: Hightower Studio, the company's largest brand, is primarily designed, manufactured, and assembled in Hightower's High Point facility. This allows Hightower to have complete control over the design process and quality of these products.
• Craft-based manufacturing: Unlike the large-scale, automated production lines of a company like Steelcase, Hightower's manufacturing process emphasizes craftsmanship. At its factory, workers use a "hands-on approach" to carefully produce and inspect the furniture. This craft-based ethos is a core part of the Hightower Studio brand identity, focusing on detail and quality.
• Domestic sourcing and efficiency: By making products in-house, Hightower can offer shorter lead times to its customers. This process also supports local craftsmanship and regional sourcing, which aligns with Hightower's B Corp certification and commitment to ethical manufacturing. 

The net effect

By combining these two strategies, Hightower effectively balances global and domestic operations.

• Fresh, diverse offerings: Its international partnerships ensure a continuous flow of fresh, globally inspired designs.
• Reliability and control: Its in-house domestic manufacturing guarantees the quality and consistent supply of its core Hightower Studio collection, appealing to customers who value local production and faster delivery. 

This blended model allows Hightower to differentiate itself in the market, offering a unique collection of design-led furniture that draws on global trends while maintaining a commitment to local production and craftsmanship.