Robe Forbes founded Design Within Reach in 1998 with the goal to make iconic European works, such as the designs of Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, available to own for consumers in the United States. It started with catalogue and online ordering before becoming a public company. The focus of Design Within Reach lies in accessible high-quality modern design that celebrates authenticity, showcasing mid-century style works to innovations of today. Design Within Reach later became a retail subsidiary of Herman Miller, a furniture manufacturer, and ultimately helped in establishing Herman Miller as a lifestyle brand.