MillerKnoll Appoints Three Dynamic New Members to its Board of Directors / Humanscale Launches 'Refreshed' Program: Pioneering a New Era in Circular Design and Sustainability / N9NE Furniture Group Expands with New Warehouse in Baltimore / Office Market Trends: 'The Worst is Officially Behind Us' / 'We Cannot Get Anything To Work': Chicago Projects Being Dragged Down By Development Hurdles / Microsoft Joins Google In Shift To Data Centers, Away From Offices / Busy Summer Continues For NYC Office Leasing With Midtown The Clear Leader / Colliers Says Office Leasing Spiked 32% In The Americas Last Quarter / Office Sublease Vacancy Drops For 3rd Straight Quarter / Austin Office Leasing Activity Dips In Q2 / A Lively Coworking Space Is Now 'Table Stakes' For Office Owners Hoping To Stay Relevant / Remote work is holding back innovation, study claims / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, August 5, 2024

Industry News

Humanscale Pioneers Refurbished Furniture with Unique 'Refreshed' Program

In an industry where leading office furniture manufacturers have traditionally focused on producing new, single-use products, Humanscale is breaking new ground with the introduction of its 'Refreshed' program. Much like Apple's Certified Refurbished initiative, Humanscale's program offers expertly restored ergonomic products, providing customers with high-quality, sustainable options at a fraction of the cost of new items, all backed by standard warranties.

Starting today, consumers can purchase refurbished Humanscale products, including seating and height-adjustable desks, as part of the company's first-of-its-kind circularity program. This initiative marks a significant departure from the norm in the office furniture industry, where the concept of refurbished products has largely been left to third-party resellers and smaller enterprises. By embracing a circular model, Humanscale aims to extend the life cycle of its products, offering a second (and potentially third) life to items that might otherwise contribute to the growing problem of furniture waste.

"Overcoming systemic obstacles in sustainability requires substantial changes in manufacturing, consumer behavior, and waste management," said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. "With the Refreshed program, Humanscale continues to innovate by shaping new processes for our industry and bridging the gap to a circular economy. This responsible and planet-positive program allows our customers to breathe new life into products designed to be used repeatedly."

Humanscale's approach to circularity is built around four key pillars: longevity, serviceability, material health, and simplicity. The company's products are renowned for exceeding durability standards, featuring modular designs for easy disassembly and component refreshment. By eliminating harmful Red-List chemicals, Humanscale ensures that its products do not contribute to environmental toxicity. Moreover, the company's focus on simplicity results in products with significantly fewer parts, reducing their overall environmental footprint and minimizing maintenance issues.

"Humanscale is proud to pioneer an initiative that will give our products a second life and implement the circular economy in practice," said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. "Circularity is essential in our fight against climate change, and we hope to inspire other companies to follow suit as we make a positive impact on our planet with the Refreshed program."

With furniture waste accounting for 17 billion pounds of landfill waste each year, the Refreshed program offers a practical solution for companies and individuals looking to embrace sustainability. By providing high-quality refurbished products, Humanscale sets a new standard in the office furniture market, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable consumption and production practices.

MillerKnoll Appoints Three Dynamic New Members to its Board of Directors
MillerKnoll has appointed John Maeda, Tina Edmundson, and Jeanne Gang to its Board of Directors, enhancing the board's expertise in technology, hospitality, architecture, and art. Maeda is a technologist and educator from Microsoft, Edmundson is the President of Luxury at Marriott International, and Gang is an acclaimed architect and founder of Studio Gang. Their diverse backgrounds align with MillerKnoll's commitment to sustainability and design as a tool for positive change, bringing the total number of directors to twelve, with eleven being independent.

N9NE Furniture Group Expands with New Warehouse in Baltimore
N9NE Furniture Group announced the opening of their spacious new warehouse in Baltimore, the largest facility in their network. This significant addition strengthens their national distribution capabilities, allowing N9NE to better serve customers and end users across the United States. Ready to enhance service delivery across the North Eastern Seaboard, ensuring quicker and more efficient delivery of their office furniture products.
 
"We’re excited about the opportunities this new facility in Baltimore presents," said David Perez, co-owner of N9NE. "This strategic location enables us to provide improved service to our customers in the North East, ensuring they receive the products they need, when they need them."
 
N9NE brings extensive distribution experience from several major US markets. Their experienced sales team in Baltimore consists of industry veterans Cal Weirich and Yale Silon (Cal and Yale Associates) and Josh Phillips (Phillips Contract), who possess deep knowledge of the region and a proven track record, ensuring customers receive the best service possible. Beyond their distribution capabilities, N9NE offers a suite of tools and services designed to help their customers thrive. These offerings include online ordering, inventory checks, national drawing services, a custom re-upholstery program, and more. N9NE values their committed relationship with Performance Furnishings.
 
Recently, N9NE has introduced exciting new colors to their PL laminate offering, Silver Birch and Coastal Gray, providing customers with even more choices when it comes to desking and storage solutions.
 
"Our goal is to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers," added Dave Baker, another co-owner of N9NE. "The opening of this new warehouse is a testament to our relentless drive to provide superior service and cutting-edge solutions."
 
N9NE Furniture Group's new Baltimore warehouse marks a significant step in their journey to becoming a leading office furniture provider in the nation.  N9NEFG.com
Recaro Automotive, a well-known automotive seat manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy on July 29, 2024, surprising employees who were unaware of the situation. Founded in 1906, the company shifted focus to seats in the 1960s and has supplied high-performance models for various automakers. The bankruptcy allows operations to continue under an administrator while the separate Recaro Group remains unaffected.
Demand for office space in the U.S. has been increasing since late 2022, indicating that the market has bottomed out. The VTS Office Demand Index shows a 17% year-over-year increase in demand, with a notable stabilization in office-using employment and a decline in work-from-home rates. While markets like Los Angeles and New York City are experiencing growth, others like San Francisco and Washington, D.C. remain stagnant, particularly due to the tech sector's reliance on remote work.
Microsoft is significantly increasing its investment in data centers, focusing on cloud and AI infrastructure, while reducing its office space occupancy. The company expects a 54% decrease in annual operating lease liabilities, translating to about $2.2 billion, due to moving out of office spaces. In the second quarter of 2024, Microsoft invested $19 billion in data centers, nearly double from the previous year. Other tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta are also ramping up their data center investments, despite concerns about a potential AI bubble.
In July 2024, Midtown Manhattan dominated NYC office leasing, capturing over 75% of the market with 3.9 million square feet leased, a significant increase from previous months. The overall Manhattan office market showed signs of recovery, with a decrease in availability to 17.6% and a drop in sublease supply. However, Lower Manhattan lagged behind, with only 180,000 square feet leased, reflecting a 40% decline month-over-month. Major leases included Blackstone's expansion at 345 Park Ave., indicating strong demand from finance firms.
Chicago's commercial real estate (CRE) sector faces significant challenges due to high taxes, stringent regulations, and an unclear political agenda, making new projects difficult to finance. Despite some optimism about the market's potential, many developers express frustration over the lack of predictability in tax liabilities and the city's political environment. However, initiatives like Mayor Brandon Johnson's "Cut The Tape" aim to streamline development processes and address these hurdles.
Colliers reported a 32% increase in office leasing in the Americas last quarter, contributing to a 6% revenue growth overall. The company experienced strong leasing activity across all service lines, with net earnings up over 50% year-over-year. Additionally, Colliers completed a $475M acquisition of Englobe, enhancing its engineering services. Executives anticipate a rebound in capital markets and continued growth in leasing revenues as market conditions improve.
Austin's office leasing activity declined in Q2 2024, dropping from one million to 900,000 square feet, despite a 32% year-over-year increase in the first half. Most leases were under 100,000 square feet, with Visa being a notable exception. The office market faces high vacancy rates at 28.1%, with ongoing construction potentially increasing availability. While average asking rates rose slightly, Savills anticipates downward pressure on prices due to high vacancies and a slowdown in the technology sector's demand, although short-term leasing activity may improve with increased tours.

Workplace News

Post-COVID, office leases on higher floors have shown strong performance, with higher effective rents, particularly in Manhattan, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Law firms and investment banks dominate high-rise leases, with significant deals reported. While Manhattan's rents rose, San Francisco experienced a decline compared to pre-COVID levels. Despite a preference for higher floors, concession ratios for these leases were similar to or exceeded those of lower floors, indicating a complex market dynamic.
Post-pandemic, coworking spaces have become essential amenities for office landlords to attract tenants, offering flexibility and a hospitality-driven experience. With a national office vacancy rate at 20.1%, landlords are incorporating coworking options to meet evolving tenant needs and maintain occupancy, despite some landlords preferring long-term commitments over flexible arrangements.
A study by economists from the University of Essex and the University of Chicago indicates that remote and hybrid work models may hinder innovation. Employees in hybrid settings generated fewer innovative ideas and those working from home produced lower quality ideas compared to in-office workers. The research highlights the importance of spontaneous interactions for innovation, suggesting that companies should coordinate in-office days to enhance creativity, despite the benefits of work-life balance offered by flexible work arrangements.

Dealers

Forward Space - Celebrating 5 years of Winning Culture!
Forward Space's Milwaukee office has won the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Award for five consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to a people-first culture. The office design emphasizes employee well-being with features like natural light, wellness corners, and flexible benefits. Leadership from Tim Geier and Elizabeth Lewis fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, contributing to high employee morale and satisfaction.

Trends

Workplace management vendors are exploring new methods to track worker occupancy in buildings, which is crucial for efficient space management and energy use. Techniques include sensors, IoT devices, and badge data, each with limitations. Tango has introduced a product that combines traditional occupancy data with information from computer networks, providing a comprehensive view of space utilization while adhering to privacy regulations. This system can help companies analyze team behaviors, optimize space usage, and adjust strategies based on hybrid work policies and occupancy trends.

Design

Modern employees seek office environments that enhance productivity and accommodate diverse workstyles, similar to the user-friendly experience of an iPhone. To attract workers back to the office, organizations must integrate advanced technologies, create adaptive spaces, and implement smart hybrid solutions that cater to individual needs. Intentional design and thoughtful use of space are essential for fostering a positive work experience and ensuring employees see tangible benefits from returning to the office.
Web 2.0 has transformed the modern workplace by fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment where purpose, value, and community are essential. Organizations must articulate a clear purpose to engage employees, provide growth opportunities, and create spaces that promote collaboration and celebrate community. The shift from Work 1.0 to Work 2.0 emphasizes the importance of thoughtful workspace design and the cultivation of loyal employee relationships, aligning with the principles of the creator economy.
Creating inclusive workspaces for neurodivergent individuals is essential for fostering creativity and high performance. Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact their work experience, necessitating supportive design that addresses the eight sensory systems. Employers should implement changes that allow for user control and choice, ensuring that physical and emotional needs are met. Additionally, promoting general awareness, flexible work schedules, and self-advocacy can further enhance the work environment for neurodivergent employees.
Human-led design is increasingly vital for successful hybrid workplaces, focusing on employee needs and productivity. Despite a rise in office attendance, many workers still prefer remote work for focused tasks. Effective hybrid design requires a balance of various workspace types, informed by data on employee preferences and productivity. Challenges remain in optimizing office utilization, with organizations needing to consider costs and return on investment while enhancing workplace experiences through strategic investments in technology and flexible furniture.

Coworking

IWG is expanding its coworking presence in California by opening 17 new locations by mid-2025, increasing its total to 196. This expansion comes amid a surge in demand for flexible workspaces, with IWG reporting record revenues of over $3 billion in 2023. The new locations will primarily operate under managed partnership agreements and will cater to the growing preference for flexible work environments.

Latest Product News

Allsteel has introduced 15 new modern colors for its poly shell seating, enhancing the Lyric, Vicinity, and Inspire lines to suit contemporary office environments. The colors are designed to complement existing Allsteel paint colors, featuring a mix of neutrals and vibrant hues for cohesive office design.
Arcadia has launched the Lineup series, a versatile collection of lounge and modular seating, semi-private booths, tables, and planters designed for collaborative environments. Created by IDA Design, Lineup features customizable components that cater to various work styles and settings, promoting human interaction and collaboration. The collection includes diverse seating options, meeting tables, and planters, all designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind, making it suitable for corporate, educational, healthcare, and hospitality spaces.
Carnegie has launched new silicone hybrid coated upholsteries, Embellish Print and Botanic Print, as part of its Conscious Collection. These PVC-free fabrics combine sustainability with design, featuring digital prints that mimic woven textures while ensuring durability and cleanability. Both prints are suitable for high-traffic environments and can be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants, making them ideal for various applications in healthcare, hospitality, and education.

Kirei Launches the Breeze Cloud, Cypher Panel, and Contour Tile, a Part of the First Collection From Carnegie Acoustic Solutions
Kirei has launched the Breeze Cloud, Cypher Panel, and Contour Tile as part of the Hyper Sonic Collection from Carnegie Acoustic Solutions, offering innovative acoustic design elements for walls and ceilings. These products are made from 60% recycled materials, meet environmental standards, and provide aesthetic appeal while enhancing sound absorption. The collection allows for customization in colors and prints, and Kirei offers design support services for tailored project needs.
Carl Hansen & Son is expanding its collection to include the BM0057 sideboard, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1957. The sideboard features exclusive oak and brass craftsmanship, focusing on functional details with two adjustable shelves and two elegantly designed drawers that showcase fine joinery.
Reed, from Armadillo's New Icons collection, features a tight, flat weave reminiscent of Japanese tatami mats, combining hand and mill-spun jute with a subtle wool weft. This full-coverage rug is designed for spaces meant for relaxation, dining, or play, and is part of the brand's 15th-anniversary celebration.
The Infinity Collection by Rachael H. Grochowski for Jamie Stern Furniture features nature-inspired seating designed to enhance connection and creativity. It includes two chairs and two sofas, emphasizing comfort and beauty. The collection arose from Grochowski's desire to create a furniture line that reflects her vision of comfort and connection, leading to a collaboration with Jamie Stern. Each piece can be customized with various fabrics and leathers, catering to diverse interior styles. Jamie Stern has over 40 years of experience in the design industry, while RHG Architecture + Design focuses on creating immersive, holistic spaces.
Jamie Stern Furniture, Carpet, Leather & Fabric has expanded its Verona and Metro II leather collections with 15 new colorways, adding seven shades to Verona and eight to Metro II. The Verona collection features aniline-dyed leather with a high-gloss finish, now totaling 34 colors, while Metro II offers classic aesthetics with a two-tone effect. Both collections balance elegance and durability, are in-stock, and ready to ship within a week. Jamie Stern has over 40 years of experience in the interior design industry, providing resources for various high-end projects.
The Emilio Velvet Collection by Jeannene Doub for Jamie Stern Fabric features playful upholstery textiles inspired by mid-century design, offering four patterns and 19 colorways. The collection combines vibrant graphics with durability, suitable for hospitality and residential projects. It reflects a strategic expansion of Jamie Stern's fabric division, emphasizing beauty and sustainability while providing unique options for designers.
Jamie Stern Furniture has introduced the Trilogy and Peek tables and stools, designed for versatility in various settings such as corporate and residential spaces. These lightweight, customizable pieces feature a blend of straight and curved lines, making them easy to move and group for seating. The Trilogy Table and Stool have a round top and upholstered seat, while the Peek variants feature rectangular tops with curved sides. Both collections offer multiple finishes and upholstery options, emphasizing clean lines and thoughtful design details.

Industrial Design

Polaroid has collaborated with the Eames Office to create the limited-edition Polaroid Now Generation 2 Eames Edition camera, reflecting a blend of design history and functionality. The camera features a subdued Elephant Hide Gray color, double-exposure mode, and is made with 40% recycled materials. This partnership honors the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, who integrated photography into their design process, making the camera a tribute to their innovative spirit.

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Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Graham Baba Architects revitalized a 1920s building in Seattle for Vitus, transforming it into a mixed-use space with retail, office areas, and a penthouse. The design emphasizes the building's historical character while incorporating modern elements like a feature stair and art display areas. The penthouse serves dual purposes for business meetings and entertainment, featuring multiple decks with views of Puget Sound. The project highlights sustainability and community involvement in the design process.
Samsen Technology's new office, designed by Note Design Studio, merges the aesthetics of an aspirational apartment with a functional workspace, emphasizing comfort and individuality. The design features warm textiles, custom furniture, and a cozy atmosphere, promoting a human-centric approach to work. By embracing hybrid work styles, the office reflects a blend of home and office environments, creating inviting spaces for collaboration and creativity.
The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) has opened its first permanent headquarters in NYC, designed by M Moser Associates, to serve the community of low-income, immigrant, and Chinese American New Yorkers. The 40,000 sq ft space emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and accessibility, featuring flexible areas for various programs, gender-neutral bathrooms, wellness rooms, and a central staircase for interaction. The design incorporates community input and reflects CPC's mission, with artistic contributions from Asian-American artists. The headquarters aims to enhance the lives of the 60,000 individuals served annually through education, family support, and economic development programs.
Studio Rhonda transformed Omlet's new HQ in a historic malt house into an inviting workspace by incorporating biophilic design principles, bold colors, and natural materials. The design emphasizes open spaces with acoustic considerations, playful kitchen areas, and a cohesive visual language using cork and ash, reflecting the company's identity and fostering a comfortable environment for employees.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Dinesh Dave, Co-founder and Creative Director at Work is Play, has over 15 years of experience in design, having worked with major brands. His workspace features a mix of functional and playful items, including a mini basketball hoop that fosters creativity and team bonding. His daily routine includes enjoying espresso, solving puzzles, and collaborating on design projects, all while maintaining a joyful and engaging environment.
Adam Noffsinger, a Product Designer and founder of Found, has a workspace equipped with Apple products and furniture like a Jarvis standing desk and EQ3 chair. He utilizes tools such as Arc, Notion, and Figma, and recently added an Inventery Bolt Action Pen to his workspace. His daily routine is evolving as he starts a new company.

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.

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.

Industry Briefing

Groupe Lacasse - Nomination of Laura Brown, Healthcare Sales Manager for East US
Groupe Lacasse has promoted Laura Brown to Healthcare Sales Manager for the Eastern US, where she will lead sales for the Neocase brand and healthcare portfolio. With extensive experience and strong relationships in the industry, her leadership is expected to enhance the company's market presence and drive growth.

MiEN Appoints Avron Levin as Senior Director of Furniture Innovation
MiEN Company has appointed Avron Levin as Senior Director of Furniture Innovation, where he will lead the creative team in designing agile learning spaces. Levin, with over 20 years of experience, previously founded NorvaNivel and is committed to delivering innovative designs tailored to educational needs. CEO Remco Bergsma expressed confidence in Levin's ability to enhance MiEN's reputation and product offerings in the education sector.

Empire Office Adds to New York Sales Team
Empire Office has appointed Michael Gerla as Executive Vice President of Sales in New York to enhance business development and client relationships. With over 20 years of experience, he will focus on innovative sales initiatives and achieving sales targets. Empire Office, a leading provider of commercial furniture and interior solutions, has a 78-year history and serves many top Fortune 500 companies.

Spectorgroup Welcomes Senior Designer to New York City Office
Spectorgroup has welcomed Senior Designer Gergana Tzolova to its New York City office, bringing ten years of experience in hospitality and commercial design. Gergana will focus on creative solutions for various sectors and aims to foster deep client relationships. Spectorgroup, celebrating its sixtieth anniversary, emphasizes research-backed design to enhance the built environment.

Camira launches the ‘Colour Manifesto’ in collaboration with world-leading colour consultancy
Camira has launched the ‘Colour Manifesto’ in collaboration with Luminary Colour to assist interior design professionals in fabric specification. This resource features four distinct colour palettes and lifestyle photography, aiming to inspire architects and designers while reflecting Camira's approach to colour as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The manifesto emphasizes timeless colour schemes and sustainable interior design, moving away from trends to create enduring aesthetics.

Whitney Brothers Furniture Earns Antimicrobial Certification
Whitney Brothers Furniture has announced that its entire product portfolio now features a natural UV finish certified as 99.99% antimicrobial, effectively preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This certification, achieved through independent testing, underscores the company's commitment to safety and health for young children, who frequently interact with furniture surfaces. Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers is known for its high-quality early learning furniture and has a long-standing reputation for safety and innovation.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I work for one of the major manufacturers where there have been lots of job and title changes, and in the process, my job was elevated from sales to a more strategic leadership position where I'm managing our brands.
OFS is excited to announce that we are actively seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as the National Account Director Federal in the West.
We are looking for individuals with experience as healthcare sales leaders and a strong track record of driving sales growth in the healthcare sector.
Indoff is expanding and needs experienced outside sales professionals in your area. If you’re tired of missing out on money due to low commission rates or you’re sick of quotas, then Indoff is the perfect solution for you.
We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and maintaining relationships with key clients, identifying new business opportunities and driving sales growth for the company.
The Healthcare Account Manager will be responsible for representing Wieland products to the healthcare market inIndiana and Kentucky.
JSI, a design-driven furniture brand focused on building a strong, thriving business for the next generation is seeking a Vice President of Sales. 
OFS is excited to announce that we are actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team as Healthcare Sales Specialists.
Exemplis, manufacturer of SitOnIt and IDEON seating, is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated sales representative for our Northern California Sales Team. 
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