New seating line fosters movement, productivity, connection, and design integrity
Hightower has partnered with Varier®, a Norwegian furniture company known for pioneering ergonomic design and human-centered movement, to bring the innovative Social® Collection to North America. Rooted in Scandinavian craft and innovation, Varier® shares Hightower’s dedication to sustainability, durability, and creating environments that enhance the way people gather, work, and connect. Designed by Snøhetta, Social embodies the best of both brands: playful adaptability, ergonomic integrity, and a purposeful response to the evolving needs of modern life.
Social was originally conceived as a residential solution during the rise in working from home in 2020, giving people the ability to maintain productivity and comfort while away from the office. The residential feel of Social while meeting contract-grade requirements is part of its broad appeal. The seating solution is offered in two distinct models: Tilt, with a responsive tilting base that encourages gentle rocking, supporting focus, comfort, and natural movement, and Turn, which offers a smooth swiveling motion ideal for collaborative settings where conversation flows in every direction. Available in multiple color options, both models blend performance with playful design.
Overall, Social balances form and function through subtle touches: a narrow back for freedom of movement, waterfall edges to support circulation, and a soft, tactile shell that prevents sliding. Its integrated motion and gentle curves offer intuitive, everyday comfort.
“Social is a perfect example of how our Considered Solutions philosophy takes shape, designing with empathy for how people truly interact with furniture,” explained Shawn Sowers, VP of Design at Hightower. “For neurodiverse users, movement can be essential for focus and comfort. The tilt and turn functions of Social allow subtle motion—leaning back to listen, leaning forward to engage—without disrupting the environment. It normalizes movement as part of the human experience while also improving accessibility with features like lower arms and easy rotation for effortless ingress and egress. It’s about creating inclusive, intuitive design that supports everyone’s way of moving in a space.”
Built to last and responsibly designed, the Social Collection reflects Hightower’s commitment to sustainable and thoughtful design. Certified Indoor Advantage Gold, made with recycled materials, and backed by an EPD, Social meets rigorous standards, including BIFMA X5.41 400 Large Occupant drop testing, which gives it a 400-pound rating. Social comes with a six-week lead time on standard finishes and a dependable five-year warranty.
“Social represents a pivotal moment for us,” said Jenna Geigerman, President/COO of Hightower. “In collaboration with Varier and Snøhetta, we have created seating that doesn’t just occupy space, it encourages connection, movement, and a more intuitive way of coming together in commercial environments. This is design that supports individual work—however that may look—and interaction without slowing it down.”
The Social Collection is now available for specification in North America through Hightower’s network of showrooms and sales partners. For more information, imagery, and technical documentation, visit hightower.design.
About Hightower
For more than two decades, Hightower has elevated the way people work, learn, and connect through a curated house of brands and a commitment to meaningful design. At the core of its portfolio is Hightower Studio, the company’s in-house brand designed and manufactured in High Point, North Carolina. Alongside Studio, Hightower proudly partners with leading European brands including +Halle, Ocee & Four Design, and Ondarreta, offering a mix of imported, domestic, and partially domestic products tailored to modern commercial interiors.
Family-founded and women-owned, Hightower is led by Chair/Co-Owner Natalie Hartkopf and President/COO Jenna Geigerman. Hightower is a certified Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
Sustainability and responsible business practices are central to Hightower’s ethos. The company has signed The Climate Pledge and Hightower Studio is a certified B Corp, underscoring its commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit.
Celebrated for innovation and design excellence, Hightower has earned esteemed industry accolades including Best of Competition at NeoCon, Metropolis Likes, and Interior Design’s HiP Awards.
Discover more at hightower.design.