Design for Living:
Heller at the Octagon
June 2024 – June 2025
Curated by Laura Flusche
Designed by Susan Sanders
Reimagining Tradition: MODA at The Octagon House
In the heart of Washington, D.C., The Octagon House is a storied piece of early American architecture. Built in 1799, it has long been a testament to Federal-style design, playing host to history-shaping moments, including serving as President James Madison's temporary residence after the burning of the White House during the War of 1812. Yet, recently, The Octagon House found itself transformed in an unexpected way, thanks to a unique partnership with the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA).
MODA was invited to curate and design an exhibition that would challenge traditional notions of this historic space. Our task was to update The Octagon House by showcasing the iconic works of Heller Furniture—a brand renowned for its modernity, vibrant aesthetic, and commitment to functionality. The result was an inhabitable exhibition titled Design For Living: Heller at The Octagon, created in partnership with The Architects Foundation and The Octagon. This exhibition was as much a dialogue between past and present as it was an exploration of how contemporary design can breathe new life into a revered space.
Designing a New Perspective on History
Our approach to designing this exhibition was deeply rooted in the belief that contemporary design does not erase history; instead, it adds new layers of meaning. Heller’s pieces, which have been celebrated as icons of modern industrial design, were chosen not only for their visual contrast but also for their ability to make a statement about functionality and aesthetic pleasure—principles that have always underpinned great design, whether from 1799 or 2024.
The Octagon House carries a complex history, having been home to enslaved laborers, wealthy Washingtonians, immigrants, factory workers, and even a U.S. President. Restored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1898 as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects, it now serves as the headquarters for the AIA’s philanthropic partner, the Architects Foundation. In rooms that once held gatherings of early American leaders, visitors now find contemporary furniture by designers such as Massimo & Lella Vignelli, Frank Gehry, Hlynur Atlason, Mario Bellini, and JUMBO. These modern pieces effectively reimagine the historic Octagon House as a site of modern discourse. This transformation is not merely a juxtaposition; it invites us to think about the evolution of public and private life, and how the objects we choose to surround ourselves with can shape our interactions and experiences.
Creating Conversations
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of MODA's work at The Octagon House was seeing how people respond. Visitors often pause to take in the contrast—to reflect on how history and modernity were meeting in unexpected ways. Some guests shared how the Heller furniture encouraged them to rethink their understanding of historical spaces, breaking away from the idea that such spaces must be preserved in stasis, untouched by contemporary life.
At MODA, we believe that design is a tool for transformation—that it has the power to reshape how we see our surroundings and ourselves. Design For Living: Heller at The Octagon embodied that belief. By reimagining a historic setting with bold, modern furnishings, we not only honored the past but also celebrated the future of design, showcasing how innovation can continue to enrich our shared cultural heritage
This exhibition is open to the public from 11AM - 4PM on Fridays and select Saturdays each month, running through June 2025. Visitor information is available here.
We invite guests to visit The Octagon and find inspiration in the juxtaposition of classical architecture and modern design, and to witness firsthand how contemporary design can bring history to life in new and exciting ways.
Photos by Kate Wichlinski, 2024.
