More Fortune 100 companies are buying used office furniture / Can We Beat The Great Gloom? It’s Going To Take A Lot More Than Cushy Office Perks / Creating the epicentre: unlocking the untold benefits of next-generation office spaces / Andreu World Unveils Largest U.S. Showroom Expansion / Return to office is dead, Stanford economist says. Here’s why / Think Companies Are Struggling to Fill Offices? Look at the Government  / Manhattan Office Availability Ticked Back Up In November With Dearth Of Big Deals / Flexible workspace market will be worth up to $50bn by end of decade / Post-Pandemic Office Design Emphasizes Calm, Comfort, Privacy / Industry: the art of working from anywhere / London Has More Work-From-Home (WFH) Flexible Jobs Than Paris / New incentives could boost satisfaction with in-person work, but few employers are making changes / Where Remote Workers Have it Best (and Why That Matters for Their Employers) / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, December 4, 2023

Industry News

Andreu World Unveils Largest U.S. Showroom Expansion
Andreu World, a global leader in furniture manufacturing, has recently unveiled its largest showroom expansion in the U.S. in NYC. Spanning over 10,000 square feet, this expansion solidifies Andreu World's position as a serious competitor in the U.S. market. The celebration of the expanded showroom included a live flamenco performance paired with tapas and drinks, bringing a taste of Spain to NYC. With the added space, Andreu World can now showcase a wider range of their product catalog, including outdoor collections, new fabrics and finishes, and designer collaborations. The revamped showroom at the New York Design Center provides a curated environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration, inviting visitors to explore new ideas. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for Andreu World and showcases their commitment to providing a unique and inspiring experience for designers and architects in the U.S.
HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) is largely controlled by institutional shareholders who own 79% of the company. This high institutional ownership makes the stock price vulnerable to their trading decisions. The top 7 shareholders, including BlackRock, Inc. as the largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding, The Vanguard Group, Inc. as the second largest shareholder owning 11% of common stock, and State Farm Insurance Companies, Asset Management Arm holding about 8.7% of the company stock, hold 51% of the business.
More Fortune 100 companies are adopting circular practices in workplace design, such as repurposing, donating, or selling unneeded office furniture, to meet sustainability requirements, reduce costs, and attract talent. According to a recent report, 56 of the Fortune 100's sustainability reports mentioned circular practices. Employees increasingly expect companies to share their sustainability values, and companies should incorporate these practices into their employer branding.

COE Distributing’s J.D. Ewing Honored with 2023 Smart 50 Award
J.D. Ewing, chairman and CEO of COE Distributing, has been honored with the 2023 Smart 50 Award for his leadership in building and leading successful organizations. COE Distributing, known for its innovation and user-friendly products, has been featured on the list nine times. The award recognizes regional leaders in innovation, impact, and sustainability. The Pittsburgh Smart 50 winners were recognized at a luncheon on November 29 highlighting regional leaders in innovation, impact and sustainability.
This article discusses the benefits of next-generation office spaces in improving workforce productivity, creativity, and wellbeing. It emphasizes the importance of the office as a destination for collaboration and suggests simple steps like altering desk layouts and adding interactive whiteboards to boost creativity. The impact of next-generation technology, such as environmental sensors and interactive meeting room technology, is also highlighted. The article proposes the introduction of a Chief Workspace Officer to manage the physical workplace and emphasizes the need for well-designed office spaces to unleash employees' full potential.
The flexible workspace market is expected to reach a whopping $35 to $50 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for flexible and agile work environments. Nowadays, businesses and professionals are all about adaptable workspaces that offer location flexibility and cool amenities. The best part? You can work in fancy central hubs without the hassle of traditional office leases. It's not just startups looking for cost-effective workspaces; the real estate industry is also catching on and making changes. Plus, with modern tech like individual phone booths and video conferencing systems, the possibilities are endless. But let's not ignore the challenges, like the lack of personal space and routine. We need to address these issues to keep the market booming. Despite the obstacles, the future looks bright, with more and more people craving collaborative and flexible work environments. And guess what? This positive trend also benefits office furniture makers. As the demand for flexible workspaces grows, so does the need for furniture that fits these modern setups. It's a win-win for everyone involved!
Due to active development, Class A availability now surpasses Class B and C, as per a new report from Savills. Tenants are seeking prime locations and amenities, leading to higher pricing for Class A properties. The "flight to quality" and ongoing construction contribute to stable rents for Class A properties. The top markets for inventory growth are Austin, San Diego, and Nashville. Overall, availability remains high due to increased sublease space and landlord concessions. San Jose and San Francisco have the most sublease space. CBD availability is currently at 24.7%, up from pre-pandemic levels. Suburban availability has increased by 24.4%. It will take time and sustained leasing activity to offset the space returned to the market during the pandemic. Markets are experiencing a growing divide in pricing, with top-tier buildings commanding high prices while older, outdated space stays on the market for longer.
The share of workers returning to the office has plateaued, indicating that remote work has become a permanent part of the U.S. labor market. The percentage of paid work-from-home days has remained flat at around 28%, four times higher than pre-pandemic levels. Office occupancy in major U.S. metro areas has also remained stagnant at around 50%. The trend towards remote work was initially driven by the pandemic but has been reinforced by worker preferences and a strong job market.
Office leasing activity in Manhattan was sluggish in November, with no deals for 200K SF or more closed. While activity was busier than the previous year, it still fell behind pre-pandemic levels. Demand has yet to fully recover, contributing to decreasing asking rents. Class-A and trophy spaces are in high demand, while older buildings are lowering prices due to lack of demand.
The Biden administration is facing challenges in getting federal employees back to the office, similar to private companies. Despite urging agencies to increase in-person work, return-to-office goals have not been reached. The Government Accountability Office found that many agencies were using only a fraction of their office buildings' capacity. The issue has affected office and retail landlords, small businesses, and the vibrancy of business districts. While some federal agencies have met their return-to-office goals, others have not. The federal government's return-to-office policy is likely to be an issue in upcoming elections, with Republican members of Congress calling for a return to prepandemic schedules. Cities have had more success in bringing workers back due to recognizing the importance of commuters to property values and tax revenues.
The ability to work from anywhere has become a quintessential 21st-century phenomenon, enabled by efficient internet connectivity, cloud-based services, and improved cyber security. People can now work anytime and anywhere, as long as they have their technology with them. This flexibility has allowed individuals, especially working parents, to fit work around their personal lives and has contributed to the rise of flexible working arrangements. Even before the global lockdowns, workplace flexibility was already gaining traction, with studies showing that it leads to increased productivity and a happier workforce. The connection between a productive workplace and engaged employees is increasingly recognized by management teams. However, some still associate the workplace solely with an office, overlooking the various shades of hybrid working and distributed options available. The reality is that we have been working in a flexible and hybrid manner for years, and the pandemic has only accelerated this shift. Working from anywhere has become a fundamental aspect of the 21st-century Industrial Revolution.
Building owners are increasingly returning office properties to lenders instead of holding on to them due to shifting office demand and high refinancing costs. The share of office buildings being voluntarily surrendered to lenders is more than double the average before the pandemic, indicating a growing trend. Higher interest rates and changing work habits have contributed to the decline in office performance and occupancy rates. Office landlords are cutting their losses and surrendering properties, as refinancing is not a viable option.
One Wall Street in New York City has undergone a remarkable transformation from a vacant office tower to a luxury residential condominium property. The 1.1 million-square-foot building now features 566 condominium units, along with modern amenities and a vibrant retail mix. The conversion project, led by Macklowe Properties, faced challenges in terms of infrastructure and design, but ultimately resulted in a successful adaptive reuse of the iconic Art Deco building. While the condominium market in Manhattan may currently be slow, the project serves as a prime example of office-to-residential conversion done right. The conversion of One Wall Street has had a positive impact on the availability of office space in the area. By repurposing a portion of the building into residential units, Macklowe Properties has effectively taken some office space off the market, potentially addressing the oversupply of commercial real estate in the region. This strategic move demonstrates the adaptability and flexibility of the development team, showcasing their ability to respond to market demands and maximize the potential of the property.

Features

Employers are adopting a high-end office design trend that aims to entice people back to the workplace by providing them with the comforts of home and a sense of personal space. This shift is driven by the challenges faced by employees in open-plan offices, particularly with the distractions posed by Zoom calls. To address this, companies are seeking modular office interiors that can be easily reconfigured to offer both privacy and flexibility for various types of work and meetings.

One example of such a solution is the Verandas system by Spacestor, which provides self-contained pavilions for small meeting rooms and libraries. These modular room-within-room systems, showcased at design shows like NeoCon, offer individuals and small groups a serene and private space within the office environment. Manufacturers are focusing on creating aesthetically pleasing and tactile interiors, incorporating natural materials and calming color palettes. The popularity of these solutions highlights the changing perception of office spaces, as companies seek to redefine their real estate after a period of remote work and prioritize productivity and employee well-being.

Overall, this shift toward privacy-oriented office design reflects the need for adaptable and sustainable solutions that can accommodate the evolving work landscape. The flexibility of modular furnishings allows companies to define spaces more effectively, while also promoting longevity and material sustainability. However, this trend also blurs the boundaries between work and home, raising questions about work-life balance and the impact on productivity. Despite potential challenges, employers are embracing modular office systems as a way to enhance the office experience, create a sense of destination, and navigate the uncertain future of the workplace.

Workspace News

Groupon is downsizing its headquarters and moving to a 25,000-square-foot space in the Leo Burnett building in the Loop. The struggling online marketplace will sublease the 25th floor of 35 W. Wacker Drive from Publicis, the parent company of Leo Burnett. The move is seen as a step towards a new hybrid working ethos for Groupon's Chicago team.
According to a survey by Bloomberg Intelligence, London has more work-from-home flexibility than Paris, with only 4% of London workers not allowed to work from home compared to 20% in Paris. The survey also found that Londoners have more overall flexibility in hybrid working setups. The UK job market remains tighter than in France, and Londoners have more bargaining power, asking for higher compensation if denied work-from-home opportunities. Transportation and childcare costs, as well as savings on home bills, are factors influencing the preference for working from home in London.
Improving office amenities alone cannot solve the problem of employee gloom and reluctance to return to the office. Factors such as lack of trust, recognition, and purpose at work play a more significant role. Leaders with cultural intelligence who prioritize long-term goals and address these fundamental issues can make a difference, rather than focusing solely on financial goals and luxurious perks.
A newly released poll conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that only 13% of employers have introduced new incentives to retain employees who prefer remote work. The top factors behind employees' desire to work from home include flexibility, work-life balance, and the length and costs of commuting. Paying employees more for in-office work, as well as offering commuter benefits, in-office childcare, free food, and social gatherings, could increase satisfaction with returning to the office. The number of people working remotely has fallen since the peak of COVID-19 but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
According to Colliers' Remote Workplace Locations Report, Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington is the top metropolitan area attractive to remote workers, excelling in quality of life, workforce and earnings, and remote environment. Other top performers include San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Denver. The report also highlights the importance of like-minded working communities, affordability, and safety for remote workers.
In the current professional landscape, employees are seeking improved work-life balance, enhanced well-being, and more fulfilling careers. Companies must adapt strategies to attract and retain top talent. Prioritizing employee well-being, creating restorative work environments, fostering a culture of growth, and embracing flexibility are key initiatives to achieve this.
The contract between employers and employees has evolved throughout the 21st century. It has shifted from a focus on retention to engagement, and now to a new model called the "Thrive contract" centered around purpose, equity, and impact. Lifestyle issues have become increasingly important, with employees prioritizing flexibility, well-being, and a better work-life balance. Companies that recognize the whole person and offer opportunities for socially responsible activities are ahead of the curve. The issue of rewards, upskilling, and the use of AI in talent decisions also play a role in this evolving contract. The key is to prioritize people and their choices, connections, and contributions to increase retention and job satisfaction.

Trends

Architect Christian Giordano, President and Co-owner of design firm Mancini Duffy, believes that the office of the future will be highly customized to meet the needs of each individual company. Instead of following outdated one-size-fits-all models, offices should be tailored based on specific workflows and culture. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, many employees have lost enthusiasm for commuting to the office five days a week. This has forced companies to reassess the allure of a central office and focus on understanding how their employees work. Offices need to incorporate more private enclaves, multipurpose conference rooms, and flexible spaces to balance the need for quiet, focused work and social interactions.

Furthermore, Giordano emphasizes the importance of community and culture in the workplace. While remote work offers efficiency, in-person bonding and fun still matter, especially for new hires. Offices should provide spaces for communal activities and events to foster connections among employees. Amenities and common areas are being consolidated into vibrant, multi-purpose spaces to encourage interaction and collaboration. By tailoring office designs to reflect and embody corporate culture, organizations can create beloved places to work that align with their values. It is crucial to avoid making assumptions and instead seek direct input from staff when planning for the future of work. By considering employees' needs and voices, offices can become vibrant hubs that employees are excited to inhabit.

Law firms are rethinking their workplaces in the age of hybrid work, considering sustainability, employee well-being, and business opportunities. Questions arise about the benefits of assigned seating, the importance of culture and mentoring, and the challenges of privacy and individual needs. Design elements that enhance collaboration and employee experience are crucial for attracting people back to the office. Providing a diverse range of spaces is key to attracting and retaining talent. Transforming workplaces with a focus on wellness and equity of space can lead to higher occupancy and a stronger connection to the culture and business.

Design

The concept of free address seating, where desks in the office are unassigned, has become increasingly popular in post-pandemic times. However, this model presents challenges for employees, particularly the loss of a "home base" at the office. To address this, the Perkins Eastman Design Strategy team conducted a survey to understand what makes people feel at home in the office. The survey revealed that physical comfort was the most important factor, followed by the ability to modify the environment, a sense of privacy, and familiarity with the space. While objects of identity were deemed less important, they still contributed to the overall sense of hominess. To create a better home base for hybrid workers, it is crucial to prioritize physical comfort by considering factors such as lighting, thermal comfort, ergonomic support, air quality, and acoustics. Additionally, incorporating elements of functional comfort, such as spaces for collaboration, control over interactions, suitable computer positioning, and personal item storage, can enhance the overall functionality and comfort of shared-desk settings. Finally, small interventions like improving task lighting, reducing glare by orienting desks at a 90-degree angle to windows, and adding greenery or plants can contribute to a more comfortable and home-like office environment.

In summary, creating a better home base for hybrid workers requires prioritizing physical comfort, incorporating elements of functional comfort, and considering small interventions that enhance the overall employee experience. By focusing on factors such as lighting, thermal comfort, ergonomic support, air quality, acoustics, collaboration spaces, and personal item storage, companies can create shared-desk environments that promote comfort, productivity, and a sense of belonging for their employees.

Companies are redesigning their office spaces to prioritize staff wellness and inclusivity. This includes incorporating on-site meditation and prayer rooms to cater to spiritual and religious practices. These private spaces can also serve as a retreat for employees who need a break from the office environment. The focus on wellness and belonging is influencing office design and employee retention. Providing these spaces sends a strong message of support and inclusivity to employees.
Midcentury modern architecture, known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature, continues to be relevant today. A new book, "Modernist Icons: Midcentury Houses and Interiors," captures the spirit of the movement and highlights its elegant simplicity, practical functionality, and focus on the natural world. The book also explores the replicability factor of midcentury modernism and its efforts to create simpler, affordable designs. While the book doesn't delve into the movement's flaws, it serves as an introduction to the global reach and positive impact of midcentury modernism.

Sustainability / Green

Arper launches first sustainability report
Italian furniture manufacturer, Arper, demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report. The report highlights Arper's dedication to improving the quality of life, transitioning to a circular economy, and reducing environmental impact. Key achievements include job creation, circularity measurement, waste recovery, and a greenhouse gas reduction plan.
 
Arper created 58 jobs globally in 2022, including 12 for people under 30, ending the year with a workforce of 261 employees. The company scored 43% in the TECLA (Wood-Furniture Circular Economy Tool) measurement. The tool, developed by FederlegnoArrredo, the Italian association responsible for wood and furniture, allows companies to measure their level of circularity according to recognized and rigorous standards. In 2022, Arper sent more than 60 tons of waste to recovery. Arper has also outlined a greenhouse gas reduction plan that aims to reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 42%.

Steelcase 2023 Impact Report Announces Significant Progress Toward the Wellbeing of People and the Planet
Steelcase's 2023 Impact Report highlights the company's significant progress in promoting the wellbeing of people and the planet. They have achieved carbon neutrality, set science-based emission reduction targets, and partnered with suppliers to establish their own targets. The report also showcases their efforts in building community, fostering inclusion, and acting with integrity. In terms of environmental impact, Steelcase has reduced emissions, designed for circularity, and chosen materials responsibly. They have introduced products with CarbonNeutral® certification and diverted furniture from landfills. The company is committed to continuous progress and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Decarbonized buildings and workplace design are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and creating sustainable environments. The future of workplace design involves decarbonization through innovative building renovations, efficient energy use, and sustainable materials. Fiscal planning is also important to maximize return on investment and reduce carbon emissions. Case studies like Microsoft's Silicon Valley Campus demonstrate the successful implementation of holistic design strategies to achieve carbon reduction goals.

Other News

American artist Noel Mercado has modified classic Knoll chairs using salvaged car parts. The modifications include a Cesca Chair adorned with air fresheners, a Spoleto Chair with speakers, and a Wassily Chair reupholstered with seat belts. Mercado's fascination with automobiles and self-expression inspired these unique art pieces.

Design on Screen: Novità Clients As Seen on TV
Contract industry PR firm Novità clients have had various design products featured on TV shows recently. The Bear x Turf's Datum ceiling baffles are showcased in Ever, Succession features Room & Board's Leather Boden Chair, Severance showcases the iconic Bell Works building renovated with Italian ceramic tiles, Billions includes lighting from David Weeks Studio, and Emily in Paris features Lodes' Easy Peasy lamps.
Developers can make office buildings more adaptable and relevant by activating the ground floor to contribute to the surrounding community, creating mixed-use programs that include residential spaces, and engaging with the urban streetscape. Embracing sustainable design and decarbonization involves steps such as reducing the load, decarbonizing building systems, minimizing embodied carbon, and utilizing renewable energy sources. Repositioning assets and designing more adaptable buildings that can change to new uses increase long-term value. The "flight to experience" trend emphasizes delivering a quality experience to tenants through building amenities and creating a sense of community. Urbanizing the suburbs is becoming popular due to lengthy commutes, with mixed-use suburban areas offering convenience and amenities. The location of buildings near mass transit enhances their resilience in the future.

Latest Products

Unika Vaev is excited to introduce their Latest Acoustic Product Collection, consisting of three innovative offerings: Louver Tile, Radius Panel, and Light Blade. These products aim to revolutionize acoustic design by combining aesthetic appeal with superior sound absorption. Each product is exclusively available in a wide range of captivating Wilsonart patterns.

Light Blade is a sleek and elegant solution that provides both ample illumination and remarkable sound absorption. With versatile options for downlighting, up-lighting, or a combination of both, Light Blade can enhance the ambiance of any interior space. Louver Tile gracefully merges industrial and classic design sensibilities, offering excellent sound absorption results. Its distinctive angular structure beautifully highlights the Wilsonart patterns used, adding sophistication to the overall design. The Louver Tile seamlessly integrates into both standard and narrow ceiling grids. Radius Panel addresses the complex task of sound absorption on curved surfaces with finesse. It features meticulously cut linear grooves and is available in a diverse array of striking patterns from Wilsonart's collection. The use of advanced technology allows for patterns with a printed finish that outshines other digital print products.

Humanscale has launched the M/Connect 3, a USB power and data hub that reduces cable clutter in modern workspaces. It offers easy servicing and upgradability, comes in multiple models including a charging hub and a docking station, supports multiple displays, and requires no drivers for operation. It can be integrated with Humanscale monitor arms or used as a standalone solution.
Versteel has launched enhancements for its Socius seating collection, catering to the unique needs of healthcare and communal spaces. The additions include an easy access chair, bariatric widths, enriched ergonomics, and additional design solutions. The updated collection aims to provide aesthetic appeal, practical features, and improved comfort for users. Socius meets safety and performance standards and offers a range of customization options.
EF Contract has launched District and Control II, two coordinating carpet tile systems inspired by technology and urban grids. The products feature vibrant color pops and contrasts, providing saturated palettes with vibrant hues and usable neutrals. Designed for corporate, education, and tenant improvement segments, District and Control II offer budget-friendly flooring solutions with customizable accent colors. Manufactured with Encore solution-dyed nylon fiber, the carpet styles come with lifetime performance warranties and are backed by EF Contract's Nexus modular backing for design and installation flexibility.
Designtex and Wallace Sewell have collaborated since 2014 to create vibrant and well-crafted textiles. Their latest collaboration, River Lea and The Thames, features coordinating striped patterns with a high-performance construction. River Lea has fine stripes, while The Thames has bolder stripes, both offered in intentionally coordinated colorways.
The article discusses the enduring popularity of iconic office furniture designs from the Bauhaus and mid-Twentieth Century era. It explores why these designs still resonate with people and why more recent products have not achieved the same iconic status. The author suggests that true icons reflect societal changes and open doors to new ways of thinking. The article also mentions the shift towards curating solutions around a theme and the increased collaboration between furniture manufacturers and technology firms.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Designworks, a subsidiary of BMW Group, has opened its expanded studio in Shanghai, highlighting China's growing influence on design trends and innovations. The studio's strategic location in Shanghai's creative district allows for collaboration with regional clients and a deeper understanding of global user behaviors. With a diverse team spread across Shanghai, Munich, and Los Angeles, Designworks aims to create collaborative projects across various disciplines and markets. The studio's proximity to the BMW Group's research and development center in Shanghai facilitates the exchange of design expertise. Designworks' focus on understanding Chinese users' changing needs and translating them into product ideas reflects their commitment to cultural sensitivity and sustainable materials. The studio's influence extends beyond automotive design, shaping spatial and service innovations worldwide.
Hendy has designed a non-hierarchical headquarters for 5.11 Tactical in Costa Mesa, California. The 39,650 square-foot space incorporates the brand's product materials and gear into the design, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The headquarters promotes employee wellness, collaboration, and efficiency, with flexible workstations and non-hierarchical layout. Sustainability features, such as polished concrete and repurposed materials, were incorporated throughout the space. The project was completed in less than 12 months and stayed within budget. The new headquarters represents a cultural hub where purpose and innovation converge.

Sustainable materials, bespoke design & AI-generated fabrics: furniture firm unveils future-facing hotel project
Furniture Fusion, a leading contract furniture firm in the UK, has collaborated with three design studios to create a future-facing hotel project. The project showcases a hotel lobby concept created using AI tools and features bespoke furniture made with sustainable materials. Each design studio was given a different area to design, resulting in diverse styles and influences. The project highlights the use of innovative materials such as Agri-Panel and Polygood® Coral Reef, as well as the incorporation of AI-generated bespoke fabric designs.
Studio Edwards designed a sustainable and agile office space for Today Design in Collingwood, Australia, using low-impact and recycled materials. The office features movable wall panels, a timber-covered entry, flexible work areas, and scaffolded lounge modules. The unfinished quality of the space allows users to adapt it to their needs, while the decision to avoid applied finishes extends the life of the materials used.

Upcoming Industry Events

Clerkenwell Design Week 2024
May 21-23, 2024 | London

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a showcase of leading UK and international brands and companies presented in a series of showroom events, exhibitions and special installations that take place across the area.

NeoCon 2024
June 10-12, 2024 | Chicago, IL
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. A launch pad for innovation—NeoCon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.  

Orgatec 2024
October 22-26, 2024 | Cologne, Germany

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.

Industry Briefing

20 Years of Paul Smith and Maharam
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the collaboration between Paul Smith and Maharam. The ongoing creative commitment of both studios has led to a strong and lasting relationship. To celebrate this milestone, a book featuring twenty designs and their stories, designed by Maharam Media and illustrated by Andy Rementer, has been released.

Hendrick Principal Selected as IIDA’s Leaders Breakfast Honoree
Chris Heard, principal at Hendrick, an architecture and design firm based in Atlanta, has been selected as the Honoree at IIDA's 2023 Leaders Breakfast. With over 35 years of design experience, Heard advises young designers and architects to have patience in building their careers. Hard work and patience rewarded him with becoming a partner in the firm.

Steelcase Honored with 2023 Governor’s Service Award
Steelcase has been honored with the 2023 Governor's Service Award for its commitment to service and community improvement. Through its Better Futures Community, Steelcase has activated partnerships, hosted design challenges, and volunteered thousands of hours to address equity, education, and environmental issues globally.

Spacestor's Aeonica Wins Prestigious FX Award 2023
Spacestor's Aeonica, an architecturally inspired kit of parts for the designer, wins the prestigious FX Award 2023 under the category of Public, Leisure or Office Furniture. Aeonica offers endless space settings with its 5 classic geometric building blocks, and its recent accomplishment demonstrates its global appeal as an innovative concept for the workplace.

Kimball International Launches Updated and Expanded SpecStudio Visualizer Tool
Kimball International has launched an updated and expanded SpecStudio Visualizer tool, offering modular configuration capabilities for designing seating, lounge, and table solutions. Users can personalize their furniture, explore different configurations, and select fabrics and finishes. The tool provides a true sense of the product series' features and options, allowing users to make informed decisions and visualize their final design. It also includes rotation, measuring, and sharing functionalities, enhancing the design planning process.

BDNY Closes Out the Year With Record Numbers

The BDNY trade fair and conference for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry concluded the year with record numbers, including a 16% increase in overall attendance, a 15% increase in qualified buyers, and a 20% increase in exhibitors. The event featured new products, networking events, and sessions covering various topics in hospitality. The fair also showcased unique Designed Spaces, and the Best of BDNY Product Design Competition and BDNY Best Exhibit Competition winners were announced. The week of events included the Platinum Circle Awards Gala and the Gold Key Awards celebration.

The next edition of BDNY will be held at Javits Center, November 10-11, 2024.

DIRTT and Construction Partner BOLTT are Building Big in Indiana
DIRTT and BOLTT have been awarded over $3M in construction projects for Gaylor Electric's national headquarters and FORVIS's new office space in Indianapolis. Gaylor was impressed with DIRTT's modular solutions and quick installation, while FORVIS chose DIRTT for its flexibility and timber solutions in their new six-floor space.
The Best of Region Winners of the 2023 Shaw Contract Design Awards, showcasing 39 projects from various countries. These projects exemplify innovative and intentional design that inspires new ways of working, learning, healing, and thriving. The awards celebrate designers who uphold Shaw Contract's ideals of Material Health, Circular Economy, Carbon Impact, and Diversity, and Equity and Inclusion. The document also mentions the upcoming 2024 Design Awards and provides links to view the winners and submit for the next competition.
Ronnie Belizaire, the president of IIDA, discusses her career journey, the impact of design on functionality and livability, the importance of equity and inclusion in office design, and the initiatives of IIDA, including the Design Your World program and the focus on sustainability and AI in the coming years.

FLOR Returns to Modernism Week as a 2024 Premier Sponsor
FLOR, a high-end area rug brand, returns as the Premier Sponsor for flooring solutions at Modernism Week 2024. They will be featured at multiple installations, including The Wexler '54 Project and Modernism Week's CAMP. FLOR also plans to launch a new collection, Trina Turk X FLOR, in collaboration with Trina Turk, at the event.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I'm the CEO of a medium-sized furniture company. I am not the owner. I work for the owner, who is a creative genius, and I'm here because he needs a smart executive to run the business side of the business, which I love doing.

As a Designer you will spend your time space planning of client offices in a variety of environments.

Indoff is expanding and in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area.
Work with our Representatives in the New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC markets to help grow sales.
Business Development Professional will seek new business, development relationships, analyze incoming projects, strategize with their team, and follow through with client even after day two.
Conset America a leading height adjustable base and desk manufacturer is looking for representation in the following states - Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida.
We are currently looking for a Regional Architectural and Design Director to join our sales team. This position can be hired in Chicago, IL or Dallas, TX.
MOD, a leader in power and lighting components for furniture in the workplace, hospitality, education furniture industry is seeking an energetic and motivated individual to join our team as a Territory Sales Representative.
You will promote our solutions and services to prospective leads and convert them into new clients. You will act as the primary point of contact, identifying and nurturing potential clients and aligning our solutions with their business drivers.
As the Service Technician you will perform service and product demonstrations and/or warranty repairs as directed by client facilities personnel, or by the Service Supervisor, as required. May be assigned to report directly to client site for periods as required/requested by client. 
Pivot creates workplace environments to enable people to do their best work and as a Sales Executive, you are responsible for improving Pivot’s market position and achieving financial growth. You will promote our solutions and services to prospective leads and convert them into new clients.
Innovations is looking for a Digital Marketing Coordinator to join our Marketing Department to assist in the development and execution of marketing plans for our website, social media, and email campaigns.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
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