Herbst was known for his functionalist, minimalist approach to design, which was reflected in his work on furniture, household objects and industrial equipment. He was also a pioneer in the use of modern materials such as metal, glass and rubber.
During his career, Herbst worked with numerous companies and was an active member of several design associations. He was also a professor at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
Among his most famous creations are the Sandows chair (1929) and the Multiplier armchair (1923), both of which were shown at international design exhibitions. Herbst is considered one of the great names of modern French design, and his work continues to inspire designers today.