Humanscale Presents ‘Connected’ at Orgatec 2024 / CWC: Expanding Our Reach into the Savannah Region with the acquisition of Mason Inc. / FCA and Svigals + Partners Unite as a Purpose-Driven, Design Powerhouse / Manhattan Office Sees Highest Net Absorption Levels in Decade / More Companies Signing D.C.-Area Office Leases, But Owners Still Feeling The Pain / Miami's Office Leasing Is At A 4-Year Low As Pandemic-Era Deals Dry Up / How To Take The Hassle Out Of Booking Meeting Rooms In Coworking Spaces / The Blueprint For Successful Hybrid Work: Experts Share What Every Leader Needs To Know / If firms want people to 'return to office', they should offer a better experience / How micro-offices will make remote workers want to come in / Explore new office design and workspace architecture trends / and much more…


The Working Space

Monday, October 21, 2024

Industry News

CWC: Expanding Our Reach into the Savannah Region with the acquisition of Mason Inc.
CWC has announced its acquisition of Mason Inc., a prominent office furniture provider in Southeast Georgia and coastal South Carolina, expected to close in Q4 2024. The acquisition will rebrand Mason Inc. as Mason’s, a CWC Company, integrating its employees into CWC's employee-ownership model. This partnership aims to enhance CWC's regional presence and service offerings, including becoming a MillerKnoll and DIRTT dealer, while promoting a culture of shared ownership and commitment to customer satisfaction.
 
"We are excited to welcome Mason Inc. into the CWC family," said [CWC Principal Kyle Ryan]. "This acquisition not only expands our reach but also allows us to offer an even wider array of cutting-edge workplace solutions to businesses throughout the Southeast. We are especially proud to extend the benefits of employee ownership to the Mason Inc. team, fostering a shared sense of responsibility and commitment to our collective success. We are confident this partnership will enable us to deliver unparalleled value and service to our current and future clients."

Humanscale Presents ‘Connected’ at Orgatec 2024
Humanscale will present ‘Connected’ at Orgatec 2024, showcasing the integration of workspace design, ergonomic wellness, and environmental impact. The exhibit emphasizes "Ergonomics Everywhere" and "Planet Positive" concepts, promoting ergonomic well-being and a sustainable supply chain. CEO Bob King will speak on October 23rd about the evolution of the Freedom chair, highlighting its enduring relevance and innovative design by Niels Diffrient.
MillerKnoll, Inc. announced the results of its annual shareholder meeting, electing new board members and approving executive compensation. The company reported a mixed first quarter for fiscal year 2025, with a 2.4% increase in consolidated orders but a 6.1% decline in net sales. Despite challenges, MillerKnoll remains optimistic about future performance, citing improved demand and a strong dividend track record. The company has a market capitalization of $1.7 billion and has maintained dividend payments for 54 consecutive years.

FCA and Svigals + Partners Unite as a Purpose-Driven, Design Powerhouse
FCA has welcomed Svigals + Partners into its organization, creating a partnership focused on improving lives through design. This collaboration will enhance their capabilities across various sectors, including healthcare and education, while maintaining a commitment to blending architecture, art, and storytelling. The combined firm will operate under the name "Svigals + Partners, an FCA company," ensuring continuity and expanding resources for impactful design solutions.
The office sector is showing signs of recovery after the pandemic, with improving attendance and decreasing availability levels. Key markets like South Florida and Manhattan are leading this revival, with significant employee return rates. Real estate experts predict continued positive momentum as employers push for return-to-office mandates, although the office asset class remains less favorable compared to others like data centers. The future may see a reduction in new office space construction as the market stabilizes.
Miami's office leasing activity is at its lowest in four years, with only 780,000 square feet leased in Q3, bringing the year-to-date total to 2.5 million square feet. Large pandemic-era deals have diminished, with only one deal exceeding 50,000 square feet. Despite the slowdown, Miami's office market remains relatively strong compared to national averages, with a vacancy rate of 15.8% and high office attendance. Average asking rents are $59.93 per square foot, with Brickell and Miami Beach commanding higher rates. Future developments may add significant office space, but demand is uncertain as the market stabilizes.
The D.C. metro office market shows signs of recovery with increased leasing activity, particularly from larger tenants, despite landlords facing challenges due to high vacancy rates and tenant-friendly conditions. Leasing volume reached nearly 6 million square feet in the first three quarters of 2024, the highest since 2019. However, landlords are pressured to accommodate tenant demands, leading to concessions and flexibility in lease terms. The current vacancy rates are 22.7% in D.C. and 23.7% in Northern Virginia, indicating ongoing struggles for property owners in a competitive market.
The office vacancy rate in Downtown Los Angeles reached 32.8% as companies like Wedbush Securities downsize, moving to smaller, hybrid work-oriented spaces. The Greater Los Angeles office market has seen negative net absorption for nine consecutive quarters, with a total of 1.3 million square feet vacated in Q3 2024. The overall vacancy rate in GLA is 24%, with a significant increase in availability driven by tenants optimizing their office space. Leasing activity has declined, and the office development pipeline remains limited.

Features

French workers exhibit a strong attachment to face-to-face work despite the ageing and poorly adapted state of office buildings in France. While they prefer working in the office, with 60% of their time spent there, the quality of these workspaces is declining, leading to lower productivity levels. The paradox lies in the lack of investment in modernizing office spaces, which negatively impacts job satisfaction and productivity. Solutions exist, and companies are encouraged to invest in improving their work environments to enhance employee engagement and performance.

Workplace News

Smart meeting room displays enhance efficiency in coworking spaces by simplifying room management, allowing real-time availability updates, and improving member experiences. They help reduce abandoned bookings and add a modern touch to the workspace. Choosing the right display involves considering size, resolution, interactivity, compatibility, and cost, with many options available to fit different budgets. Overall, these displays transform how members find and book meeting rooms, contributing to a vibrant coworking community.
Successful hybrid work models require a shift from presenteeism to outcomes, establishing trust, setting clear objectives, and fostering social integration. Organizations must prioritize ethical data use, redefine productivity, and maintain employee well-being while implementing technology. Long-term impacts may include flexible work arrangements, redefined office spaces, and cultural shifts in management practices, emphasizing accountability and autonomy.
A study comparing first impressions formed during videoconferences and in-person meetings found that overall, participants could accurately perceive each other's personalities in both settings. However, traits like assertiveness were better judged in person, while originality was more accurately assessed via Zoom due to visual cues. The quality of technology significantly affects interpersonal communication, with poor audio-visual quality leading to less accurate personality assessments. This has implications for online evaluations in various fields, highlighting the need for balance between accessibility and potential misjudgments in virtual settings.
A report from the British Council for Offices emphasizes that to encourage employees to return to the office, employers must create engaging and fulfilling work environments that compete with remote work's comfort. It advocates for a customer-centric approach to office design, prioritizing employee satisfaction through data-driven decisions, flexible leasing, and operational excellence. The report provides strategies for various stakeholders to enhance workplace experiences, reflecting the evolving expectations of a hybrid workforce.

Coworking

WeWork has launched its Coworking Partner Network in collaboration with Vast Coworking Group, adding over 75 new coworking locations across the U.S. and Canada to its existing portfolio of more than 500 sites. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility for hybrid teams and meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality workspaces. Key participating brands include Venture X, Office Evolution, and Intelligent Office, with plans for continued expansion and investment in technology to improve member experiences.

Trends

To attract remote workers back to the office, companies are establishing micro-offices in cities with a high quality of life and lower living costs. Key factors for selecting micro-office locations include talent availability, lifestyle, culture, and strong leadership. Building a thriving micro-office culture involves creating unique physical spaces, allowing decentralized perks, and fostering friendly competition among offices. This approach has unexpectedly strengthened businesses by incorporating diverse perspectives from various locations.

Design

To adapt aging office spaces for a modern workforce, building owners should implement flexible layouts, personalized settings, and wellness-oriented amenities. Key strategies include creating adaptable environments with modular furniture, incorporating wellness features like fitness centers, and integrating smart building technologies. These changes can enhance employee satisfaction, promote sustainability, and ensure that older buildings remain competitive in attracting tenants by aligning with current workplace trends focused on flexibility, technology, and well-being.

Contemporary office designs and architecture trends from around the world are being shaped by renowned architects and firms. Notable examples include Tadao Ando’s Weisenburger HQ in Germany, THE_SYSTEM LAB’s JTBC HQ in South Korea, and the adaptive reuse of structures like the Publicis Groupe offices in the USA. These designs prioritize flexibility, sustainability, and the incorporation of natural elements, reflecting innovative approaches to modern workspace environments.

Workplace Wellbeing

The International WELL Building Institute and The Instant Group have launched the WELL Coworking Rating, a health benchmark for coworking spaces that incorporates over 50 features based on the WELL Building Standard. This initiative aims to enhance workplace health and well-being by providing a public seal for rated spaces, thereby informing users about health attributes before leasing. The rating will be integrated into The Instant Group's platform, promoting productivity and satisfaction in flexible work environments.
Workplace wellness in college environments is crucial, with thoughtful design in faculty workplaces playing a key role in enhancing performance and value. The significant workforce in higher education stands to benefit from Well Standard-driven building concepts, which can improve productivity, satisfaction, and reduce turnover. This design approach emphasizes the creation of shared spaces, the use of healthy materials, and the integration of biophilic elements to promote a culture of health and wellbeing, benefiting both faculty and students alike.

Green / Sustainability

Arper presents its second Sustainability Report
Arper has released its second sustainability report, detailing actions taken in 2023 to enhance people's quality of life, advance a circular economy, and reduce environmental impact. Key initiatives include the "Sustainable Mobility On the Go" project, increased use of recycled materials, and a pilot refurbishment service for products. The report also introduces an impact valuation methodology to measure sustainability efforts more concretely, aiming to inspire other companies in the design sector to adopt similar practices.
Interface, Inc. has been awarded the highest honor in the Net Zero: Leadership category at the Reuters 2024 Sustainability Awards for its commitment to becoming carbon negative without offsets. The company focuses on direct carbon reduction and storage, aiming to achieve its climate goals by 2040. Interface stands out among over 700 submissions, being the only flooring company recognized, and emphasizes its long-term dedication to sustainability and innovation in the industry.

Podcasts

HON Announces Upcoming EDchats Podcast Episode: Power of Colors, Materials and Finishes in Education
HON announces its participation in the upcoming EDchats podcast episode titled "Power of Colors, Materials and Finishes in Education," featuring Taylor Morgan. The episode will discuss trends in colors and materials for educational spaces, focusing on how they can enhance creativity and student concentration. HON will also showcase its products at the EDspaces conference in Houston, including the award-winning Confetti series and the SoCo modular lounge series.

Latest Product News

Berco Designs has partnered with My Favorite Company to launch The Rogue™, an Esports table designed to meet the needs of the growing Esports industry. The table features a unique curved design for user comfort, made with advanced materials like FENIX for durability and aesthetics. Berco, with a history in furniture manufacturing since 1969, aims to fill a gap in the market for Esports-specific furniture, while MFC leverages its experience in professional Esports to promote American craftsmanship and support the gaming community.
Allsteel has launched the Rise Expansion, enhancing its modular seating solutions with new products designed for flexibility and comfort. Key features include the Rise Platform Lounge for structured seating arrangements, versatile Boxes and Planters for dynamic setups, and customizable backrests and cushions. This collection aims to transform various environments into high-performance spaces, catering to both individual and collaborative needs. For more details, visit allsteeloffice.com.
Studio TK, in collaboration with Artifort, has launched the Braso Lounge Chair, designed by Khodi Feiz. This chair features angled arms for comfort and social interaction, available in high- and low-back options with various base styles. The design emphasizes versatility and support, making it suitable for diverse work environments.
The Anthros chair, designed by Steven DuFresne and Eric Murphy, is based on extensive research in wheelchair design, focusing on user comfort and health. It features a unique two-part back system for lower-back support, adjustable armrests, and a tilt-and-swivel mechanism to promote good posture and flexibility. The company introduces the term "Anthronomics," emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and ergonomics to enhance seating design for prolonged use without discomfort.
LightArt has launched Acoustic Sequence, a modular acoustic solution that combines noise absorption, lighting, and design flexibility. It features customizable acoustic fins in six styles, available in various heights and lengths, made from eco-friendly materials. The system can be paired with LightArt's Casper Beams for enhanced lighting effects, making it suitable for diverse environments from small offices to large public spaces. Acoustic Sequence is designed for easy installation and offers effective sound absorption, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Shaw Contract has launched the TractionSAFETY resilient sheet collection, designed for slip resistance in commercial spaces, particularly in healthcare environments. The collection includes two styles: Traction Aqua for wet areas and Traction Sole for high foot traffic areas. Both styles prioritize safety without sacrificing aesthetics, featuring neutral colors and enhanced durability. The collection is certified for indoor air quality and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure sustained slip resistance and performance.
ALTA™ Luxury by Applied Textiles introduces a new technology that enhances the durability of luxury fabrics for high-traffic commercial and residential use without compromising their aesthetic appeal. This environmentally friendly process allows designers to use natural fibers and complex patterns in demanding environments, providing superior repellency against spills and stains. Applied Textiles also offers testing services to ensure compliance with fire codes and wear standards, making it easier for designers to specify these fabrics in their projects.
Concertex has launched five new silicone hybrids in its Aerial Collection, featuring two digitally printed fabrics, Cobble and Salina, and three solid fabrics, Cirrus, Frontier, and Napoli. These fabrics are known for their luxurious feel, durability, and vibrant colors, while being free from harmful chemicals and compliant with CAL 01350 standards. The collection showcases nature-inspired hues and offers excellent resistance to wear and cleaning.
Acoufelt has launched two new collections, the Essentials Collection and the Naturals Collection, alongside updates to existing lines, enhancing its position in the acoustic soft architecture market. The Essentials Collection offers cost-effective sound absorption solutions, while the Naturals Collection features sustainable wool products. The reorganization of their website aims to simplify product selection for clients and designers. Acoufelt continues to focus on delivering high-quality sound management solutions for various environments.

OnOffice's guide to products and launches at Orgatec
Orgatec, starting on October 22, 2024, at Koelnmesse, will feature over 600 brands showcasing innovative products and solutions for modern work environments. The event will include workshops and discussions centered around the theme 'new visions of work.' OnOffice provides a guide highlighting recommended brands, products, and experiences for attendees.

Industrial Design

The Vespa scooter has been transformed into an innovative office chair by the Spanish design studio Bel & Bel. This hand-crafted Scooter Chair retains the original front panel of the Vespa and incorporates elements like blinkers and reflectors. It is customizable in color and upholstery, promoting a blend of vintage style and modern utility. The design emphasizes sustainability through creative recycling and upcycling, showcasing how environmental concerns can merge with contemporary design.
Carsten Gehner, Head of Product Pre-Development at Wilkhahn, discusses the development of dynamic seating solutions that promote movement and well-being in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of intuitive design that encourages users to change posture naturally, highlighting the innovative 'Trimension' mechanism that mimics human movement. Gehner also addresses sustainability in product design, the significance of comfort, and the need for ergonomic solutions that support health, especially in the context of increasing home office usage. Wilkhahn aims to raise awareness about the impact of quality seating on back health and overall productivity.
Steelcase's Ocular line of conference tables has been designed to meet the demands of videoconferencing, featuring organic shapes that enhance visibility and connectivity for both in-person and remote participants. The design focuses on three key sightlines to improve the experience of virtual meetings, reflecting the changes in office furniture design influenced by the pandemic.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Graham Baba Architects renovated a 1920s building in Seattle for Vitus, focusing on timber structure and art integration. The revitalized space includes retail and office areas, with a sophisticated interior design that combines residential comfort and functionality. Key features include a new elevator, a striking central stair with a motion-activated light fixture, and a penthouse designed for meetings and events. The design emphasizes warmth and intimacy, showcasing art throughout and providing a multi-sensory experience.
CF taller de arquitectura designed the Work Lab Santander in Mexico City, a versatile office space of 4,530 m2 aimed at enhancing collaboration and individual work post-pandemic. Key features include a reconfigurable layout, a dedicated auditorium, quiet workspaces, and recreational areas, all promoting employee well-being. The design reflects a shift in banking spaces towards flexibility and community-focused environments, with contributions from various design and construction teams.
Zoom's new London office, designed by Unispace and Downstream, spans 18,000 sq ft and emphasizes a hybrid work environment, integrating advanced technology and sustainability. The office features an Engagement Hub for employees and an Experience Centre for clients, showcasing interactive digital elements and innovative meeting spaces. With a focus on health and wellness, the design incorporates ergonomic furniture and natural light, while achieving LEED Gold certification to highlight its commitment to sustainability. Overall, the office represents a forward-thinking approach to modern workspaces, blending physical and digital experiences.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Vidy Thatte, a serial maker based in San Francisco, is the founder of Webclips, a tool that enables users to create apps using AI without coding. His workspace includes various items like monitors, an office chair, lamps, and plants. He emphasizes journaling and taking walks to spark creativity and finds distribution to be the most challenging aspect of creating a viral app.

Upcoming Industry Events

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

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.
König + Neurath is revolutionizing its presence at Orgatec 2024 with the theme "Connect.Collab.Create," focusing on knowledge exchange rather than product showcases. Their 750 square meter stand will feature a K+N Impulse.Hub, hosting daily talks by industry experts on future work trends. This approach, an extension of their successful K+N Live events and Barcamps, positions the company as a thought leader in work culture. The stand will include interactive spaces like a Makers Space and gaming zone, showcasing innovative designs created in collaboration with university students. Emphasizing sustainability, the stand follows circular economy principles, with all materials being reused or recycled post-event. This strategy reflects König + Neurath's commitment to shaping the future of work through dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable practices.

BDNY 2024: Redefining Hospitality Design With Unmatched Innovation and Networking Opportunities
Boutique Design New York (BDNY) will take place on November 10-11, 2024, at the Javits Center, NYC, featuring innovative design showcases, networking opportunities, and educational sessions. Highlights include immersive spaces by leading designers, a new Dine & Design PopUp, CEU-accredited seminars, the Platinum Circle Awards Gala honoring industry leaders, and the Gold Key Awards recognizing excellence in hospitality design.

NeoCon 2025 / DesignDays 2025
June 9-11, 2025 | 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.  Joining at the same time, in Fulton Market is DesignDays, a compatible show that now hosts more than half of the largest office furniture manufacturers. Hint: See both.

Project Leads

SL Green Realty has secured a significant lease renewal and expansion with Bloomberg at 919 Third Avenue, totaling 924,876 square feet. This includes an 11-year extension of Bloomberg's current lease and an additional 175,841 square feet expansion over multiple floors, solidifying Bloomberg's presence in Midtown Manhattan for years to come.
Hasbro is considering relocating its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston, seeking 200K to 250K square feet of office space near South Station and Beacon Capital Partners' Southline complex in Dorchester. The move is not finalized and would take at least 18 months, with local leaders offering tax incentives to attract the company. Rhode Island officials are working to retain Hasbro, which has been based in Pawtucket for a decade. The Boston office market is currently experiencing high leasing activity, making Hasbro's potential move significant for the local economy.

Industry Briefing

BioFit Appoints New Quality Manager
BioFit Engineered Products has appointed Terry Miller as the new quality manager, bringing over 30 years of manufacturing experience, with 27 years focused on quality. Miller, an expert in lean manufacturing and ISO protocols, aims to enhance product integrity and quality at BioFit. President Jim Connell expressed confidence in Miller's ability to elevate the company's quality standards, while Miller looks forward to collaborating with the team to advance BioFit's renowned product quality.

Landscape Forms Chief Strategy Officer Michael Blum Joins Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Board of Directors
Michael Blum, Chief Strategy Officer at Landscape Forms, has joined the Board of Directors for Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, a non-profit focused on providing students with essential resources and support to succeed in their education. Blum, who has a long history of community involvement, emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network for students to help them overcome educational barriers and achieve their full potential.

Landscape Forms Sustainability Leader Amy Syverson‑Shaffer Joins Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Board of Directors
Amy Syverson‑Shaffer, Sustainability Leader at Landscape Forms, has joined the Board of Directors of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF). LAF is a nonprofit focused on advancing landscape architecture to address environmental and social challenges. Syverson‑Shaffer aims to support landscape architects in climate solutions and reducing the environmental impact of landscape construction, leveraging her expertise in sustainability strategy and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the profession's positive impact.

Three H Furniture adds manufacturing reps as growth continues
Three H Furniture, a Canadian designer and manufacturer of commercial office furniture, has expanded its team by adding two new manufacturer representative groups, Balden Contract Group and Design Theory, to enhance project support and design integration. The company, founded in 1973, is also growing its internal team with new strategic hires, including a Design Director, Director of Sales for the US East, and Vice President of Marketing, to further accelerate its growth and meet modern workplace needs.

Fellowes Brands Select 3D Cloud for 3D Product Visualization and Configuration
Fellowes has partnered with 3D Cloud to enhance 3D product visualization and configuration, aiming to streamline the sales process for complex modular products in the contract office furniture market. This collaboration will provide dealers with interactive tools to better showcase customizable products, starting with best-selling lines like Modular Walls and Markerboards. The integration of advanced technology from 3D Cloud is expected to modernize Fellowes' offerings and improve customer experiences.

Tekloom® Wins the Nightingale’s Innovation Award in Textiles
Tekloom® has won the 2024 Nightingale’s Innovation Award in the Textiles category for its revolutionary fabric that combines woven textiles with a durable TPE layer, making it resistant to stains and easy to clean. The fabric is produced responsibly, free from harmful chemicals, and has partnerships with notable brands, showcasing a commitment to innovation and quality.

RIVA Spain Named 'Flooring Contractor of the Year' by the Latin Builders Association
RIVA Spain has been named 'Flooring Contractor of the Year' by the Latin Builders Association for its exceptional service and commitment to sustainability in the flooring industry. Founded by Borja Iglesias, the company focuses on high-end European flooring solutions that enhance lifestyles through a connection to nature. The award was presented at an LBA luncheon on September 27, 2024, recognizing RIVA Spain's contributions to both residential and commercial markets.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Become part of a forward-thinking team at a company that's quickly becoming an industry game-changer. Wyatt seeks a Territory Sales Manager to promote and sell our seating products in their assigned territories.
Become part of a forward-thinking team at a company that's quickly becoming an industry game-changer. Wyatt seeks a Regional Sales Manager to promote and sell our seating products in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
BioFit Engineered Products is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to oversee and lead the activities of the sales department by performing the duties outlined below. This individual will participate in corporate planning, budget setting, and strategic direction including product & services, markets and channels.
We are seeking a dynamic, high-energy Regional Vice President (RVP) with at least 15 years of experience in the office furniture industry, including 5+ years in a sales leadership role. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a proven track record of sales growth, strategic thinking, and excellent people management skills.
The Regional Sales Manager will be responsible for the sales and sales growth of The Senator Groups products in the region of the country outlined.
The Product Manager will be responsible for outlining the relevant product features and developing a sales strategy for the desking product sales effort. 
N9NE Furniture Group is expanding its reach on the East Coast, and we are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Agency to represent us in the New York and Connecticut territories.
As an Account Manager for Unisource Solutions, you will work with small to medium-size clients, for projects from inception to completion and also be responsible for growing business within assigned.
The individual will be responsible for the Company’s new business development activities for the greater Los Angeles County market. Such duties will include identifying, contacting, qualifying new business leads, and assisting with the closing of sales opportunities. 
Design and create furniture plans, 3D renderings, and specifications for contract furniture.
The Logistics Specialist plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing the flow of goods and materials within a company and to customers. This individual is responsible for coordinating transportation, movement of inventory, and distribution activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
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