In the 1920s, Herbst was a pioneer in the use of steel furniture. The early experiences were in London. In 1921 partecipated for the first time at the Salon d' Automne. In 1924 he presented a dining room with bass-relief decorations in the Salon des Artistes Dècorateurs. In 1930 he was among the founders of the " Union des Artistes Modernes".