Magna Design, Inc. was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1953 to build furniture systems for K-12 learning resource centers and community colleges and public libraries. During the 1950's and 1960's, Magna became the leading designer and manufacturer of furniture in the educational market serving the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii markets.

Magna Design was acquired in 1972 by Colwell Industries, a publicly held company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thomas Sehrer, an officer with Colwell, became President of Magna Design in 1974 and acquired ownership of the firm in December of 1983.

Since the 1970's the company has emerged as an industry leader in manufacturing open plan furniture systems, modular casegoods, desking systems, and conference and meeting room products. These products are marketed nationwide through a network of sales representatives, furniture dealers and architects and designers.