Sedus Stoll AG on course for further growth / Bisley signs with Google to create office furniture for California HQ  / As budget woes continue, NYC turns to high-end furniture designer to outfit offices / Amazon To Mandate 3 Days A Week Of Office Work / Inside Meta’s Push to Solve the Noisy Office / Could a Four Day Work Week Be the Key To Getting People Back Into the Office? / ‘The workplace has become more nuanced’: how 2023 will impact work / How Roles in Workplace Interior Design Have Changed / The Old Office is Dead. Long Live Intentionally Human-Centered Office. / 3 Surprises Impacting the Return to the Office


The Working Space
Monday, February 20, 2023

Industry News

American office furniture makers missed out on this one. Bisley, a Newport, UK-based office furniture manufacturer, has signed a contract with Google to develop custom-made furniture for the tech giant's California headquarters. The company offers interior design solutions to workspaces around the world, including corporate offices, hospitals, hotels, and refugee camps. Bisley has also diversified its product offering, establishing a partnership with John Lewis and transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), with 51% of the company's shares owned by its 500 employees.
With a fiscal crisis looming, New York City municipal workers are apparently enjoying furniture and supplies from the high-concept designer Herman Miller - and last year it came with a price tag of more than $5 million.

Sedus Stoll AG on course for further growth
Sedus Stoll AG, Germany's largest office furniture manufacturer, recorded a turnover of EUR 236 million in 2022, a 21% increase from the previous year. The company has invested in solutions for New Work, digitalisation, and sustainability, and is set to commission a new production facility in 2023, the largest single investment in the company's history. These strategic decisions have positioned the company for further growth in the future.

MillerKnoll Unveils Its New Healthcare Display at Fulton Market Chicago Showroom
MillerKnoll has unveiled its new healthcare display at Herman Miller's Chicago showroom, featuring products and textiles from Herman Miller, Knoll, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, NaughtOne, and Muuto. The display is designed to improve patient outcomes and the caregiver experience, and will remain in Chicago until mid-April before continuing to the Washington, D.C. showroom.
WeWork reported on Thursday that their revenue for Q4 2022 was up 18% to $848M, but they still recorded a net loss of $527M for the quarter. For the full year of 2022, the company lost nearly $2.3B, an improvement from 2021, while their revenue increased to $3.2B from $2.5B.
Companies are increasingly offering four day work weeks to their employees, with studies showing improved mental health, reduced fatigue and burnout, and increased productivity and revenue. However, the cultural norm of the five day work week is still a headwind to adoption, and office building owners and occupiers must embrace the idea in order to make it a successful transition.
Meta Platforms Inc. has developed a noise-canceling cubicle, called "The Cube", to solve the issue of noisiness in the workplace caused by increased video calls and other office interactions. The Cube is made of recycled PET plastic designed to absorb sound and includes a visor to reduce glare on computer monitors. Meta’s cube is designed to work with existing desks at the company. Three of its sides curve alongside a desktop. Unlike a traditional cubicle, it doesn’t have fixed dimensions; a massive fourth wall the size of a classroom whiteboard is unattached and can be moved closer or further away from the desk to block noise and provide privacy.
 
Testing has shown that it reduces sound levels by about 20 decibels, providing a noticeable difference in noise levels.
JP Morgan's new 270 Park Avenue headquarters in New York City is a groundbreaking project, as it is made up of 97% recycled materials and is set to have net-zero operational emissions. This project is setting a new sustainability benchmark on a global scale, with its use of recycled materials and green features such as triple-glazed pane windows, solar shading, and a rainwater harvesting system. The building is a reminder of the value of upcycled construction, as it can help business owners financially and provide a positive message to customers and staff.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced that all employees must report to the office at least three days per week starting May 1, citing the need to strengthen the company's culture and improve teamwork, communication, and innovation. This follows other large companies such as Starbucks and Disney that have implemented similar policies, often in conjunction with mass layoffs.

Features

Commercial interior designers have had to shift and adapt their skills in response to changes in the business world caused by the pandemic, leading to a revolution in the field. As a result, almost 75% of US companies are using or plan to implement a permanent hybrid work model, and 63% of high-growth companies use a "productivity anywhere" work model. Additionally, 55% of employees say they want to work remotely at least three times a week.
Companies are having to balance sustainability goals and amenities with budget cuts, and are finding that it's not an either-or decision. They are prioritizing spending on offices that help achieve a high sustainability rating, while cutting back on excesses of the past. Companies are also investing in sustainable materials that lower the carbon footprint of the office and are looking into transforming the office into a compelling destination for employees.
In 2023, architects and designers of workplaces need to focus on creating innovative solutions to the changing expectations of the workplace, such as circadian lighting systems and modular building elements, in order to create a comfortable and agile environment.

Workspace News

Gensler's latest workplace research study uncovered three unexpected surprises impacting the return to the office: a shift in the role of the office, employees needing to work in the office more often to maximize productivity, and a new mix of experiences that would bring employees back even more.
This article discusses how the traditional office model is outdated and inefficient, and how organizations should focus on intentional efforts to strengthen interpersonal relationships and connections to the organization in order to improve performance, motivation, engagement, satisfaction, and a sense of belonging. It proposes human-centered workplace design as a way to bridge the gap between what employees want and employers provide.
A survey from CBRE suggests that the imposition of more hybrid and flexible working has been an ‘unexpected gift’ for both employers and employees, with benefits including increased productivity and more innovative thinking. The research also showed that the experience of working flexibly has generated positive consequences for employees across wellbeing, productivity, and connectivity, and that the desire for flexibility appears to be permanent. However, the report also concludes that there is a definitive long-term need for the office.
A survey of 300,000 office employees and 200 real estate industry researchers and leaders suggests that workers are increasingly desiring informal social interaction in their work life, and that learning from others in the workplace has become a slightly bigger priority. The survey also found that many workers don't feel their workplace environment enables them to work productively, and that companies are investing in high-quality office space and buildouts to lure people back to the office.
WiredScore Certification is a global standard for technology in buildings that helps building owners, developers, and landlords differentiate their building in a competitive market. It provides tenants with assurance that their office has a resilient digital infrastructure in place to meet their demands and expectations, and can help landlords increase rental value, future-proof their assets, and drive investment values.
Law firm finances have dropped to an all-time low in Q4 2022, according to a Thomson Reuters review, resulting in a decrease in demand for office space. The report states that the drop is due to combined challenges to revenues, productivity, and expenses, which have nearly eaten through the record profit gains of 2021.

Design

The post-pandemic age is an era of real change for workplace design, and new skills are needed to design the next generation of workplaces. These include long-term client engagement, data analysis, and systems engineering. Designers must embrace technology to service clients and provide flexibility in adapting their working environment over time.
Companies are increasingly looking for ways to engage their employees and optimize their real estate investments, and Accenture's recent report suggests that leaders must create reasons for people to want to come into the office beyond free coffee. To do this, organizations must craft a unique combination of sensory and emotional inputs tailored to their culture and ways of working, and plan and program for buzz-promoting spaces and activities, such as on-site/off-site conferencing suites, customer experience centers, executive briefing centers, and community clubs.

Trends

Companies need to rethink their workspaces to accommodate the new normal of hybrid work and to create an atmosphere of inclusion. Flexible workspaces, hot desks, co-working setups, and eco-friendly furnishings are essential for future offices to support employee wellbeing, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Latest Products

BuzziSpace has introduced BuzziFold, a new sustainable acoustic solution inspired by the shape of wavelengths. It is designed to reduce sound waves and provide greater surface area for sound absorption, making it suitable for a variety of settings. Crafted from recycled materials, BuzziFelt is available in three colors and can be ceiling-suspended horizontally or vertically, or wall-mounted.
KFI Studios has launched the Ember table series, designed by Qdesign. It features a tapered pedestal base with a black metal band for protection, and is available in café and bar heights, with two high pressure laminate colors and a PET felt cover for sound absorption. Power options can be installed for device charging, and tops are available in round, squircle, and racetrack shapes in 26 Wilsonart high pressure laminate colors.
Architecture Research Office has released two new designs, ARO Grid 5 and ARO Grid 6, for their ARO Grid acoustic ceiling collection. These designs feature customizable modules, three standard colorways, and are easy to install while providing acoustic performance. They are made with 60% post-consumer recycled content, are 100% recyclable, and are free of harmful substances.
Pair's SOMA office lockers are designed to provide a place for hybrid workers to store their essentials, while also integrating with other office fixtures such as planters, shelving, and conference tables. The lockers are badge-controlled and include USB charging, making them a space-saving, multi-functional solution for the changing needs of the modern workplace.
Herman Miller has partnered with sound specialists to create the Bound collection, a portfolio of acoustic screens designed to deflect distractions. It includes desk, freestanding, and booth options, made from 60% recycled content and 99% recyclable at end of life, in 50mm or 30mm widths and a range of colors.
Móz Designs' latest installation at the Inspira Vineland Medical Center in Vineland, New Jersey, features five backlit Laser Cut columns with biophilic-inspired patterns and warm backlighting to create a calming atmosphere for patients. The installation includes four full-round and one-partial round columns finished with a Snow Powder Coat in a custom variation of their signature Petals Laser Cut pattern, as well as matching graphic divider walls.
RBW, an independent lighting design and manufacturing company, has partnered with industrial designer Jonas Damon to create Highline, a versatile and adaptable light fixture that combines the flexibility of a linear fixture with the design of a decorative pendant. Highline's three distinct fixtures can be easily swapped out and repositioned without the use of any tools, and its thoughtful details, such as its black anodized finish and chamfered edges, elevate traditional track lighting.

Other News

In Apple TV+'s "Shrinking", Harrison Ford, Jason Segel and Jessica Williams were involved in the design of their characters' offices, with Ford being particularly influential in the design of his character's office due to his request for a chair with arms to reflect his character's Parkinson's disease. Segel's office was designed to reflect his character's stage in life, while Williams' office was designed to reflect her character's vibrant personality.
Design Within Reach, in partnership with Champagne Pommery and Slow Factory, recently announced the winners of their 19th annual Champagne Chair Contest, which challenges entrants to create miniature models of either a chair in DWR's product assortment or an original design using only the foil, cap, cage and cork from no more than two champagne bottles. This year, six winners were selected in two categories, with additional prizes awarded by Pommery and Slow Factory.
An anonymous industrial designer has used AI to design three chairs based on the aesthetics of the Atari 2600 game console.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

SPACE10, a Copenhagen-based research and design lab, recently unveiled its redesigned headquarters in collaboration with architecture and design studio Spacon & X. The main floor has been transformed into a community-centric space, featuring a public library with a take-a-book-leave-a-book system, to foster an environment for creative ideation and community exchange.
Vo Trong Nghia Architects created an urban farm-cum-workplace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a vertical farming system integrated into the building's façade. The biophilic façade improves air quality, creates a microclimate, and reduces energy consumption, while the rooftop planting space yields over 900 kilos of fresh produce per year.
Bold graphics and a tall media wall are among the features in the TPG Architecture-designed home office for North America's National Hockey League, which spans five floors in a new skyscraper. The project is located in One Manhattan West, a glazed, 67-storey tower designed by SOM.

Upcoming Industry Events

NeoCon 2023
June  12-14, 2023 | 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.  

Milan Design Week 2023
April 18-23, 2023 | Milan, Italy

Milan design week is the biggest annual design event in the world and takes place from 17 to 23 April 2023. The week includes the furniture fair Salone del Mobile, which takes place at the Fiera Milano exhibition centre and is the largest event to take place during the week. The selection of fringe events collectively named Fuorisalone also takes place across the city.

hd expo+conference
May 2-4, 2023 | Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

HD Expo + Conference is the largest hospitality event of its kind in the country, showcasing the latest products, services, and innovative developments from the industry’s leading manufacturers.  

Clerkenwell Design Week 2023
May 23-25, 2023 | 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.

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

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.
The Milan Furniture Fair 2023 will feature a single exhibition level, a circular route for Euroluce, and a cultural component integrated into the spaces of Euroluce. The event will include 1,962 exhibitors, 550 young talents under 35, and 27 design schools.

Industry Interviews

Bungie Games, the creators of the popular Halo gaming franchise, have unveiled a new headquarters with spaces designed to foster collaboration and a "digital-first" work model. HR leader Holly Barbacovi discusses how the company is adapting to the changing workplace, with an emphasis on flexibility, transparency, and creating community in the office. The renovated headquarters includes a large common dining space, snacks and drinks, a workout space, a climbing wall, and play-test spaces for employees to come together and share their common interests.
Dean Connell is a furniture designer and Creative Director based in London who is developing a new member club concept to explore the 'Future of Work' in a post-pandemic world, as well as a furniture system to reduce commercial furniture waste. He was previously one of WeWork's founding employees, helping to disrupt the world of flex office spaces between 2013-2020.

Industry Briefing

Registration for NeoCon 2023 now Open
Registration for NeoCon 2023, the leading platform and most important event for the commercial interior design industry, opens Feb. 14 at THE MART in Chicago. This year's unifying theme, "Together We Design," will be carried throughout the three days of the show as attendees explore how to effect positive change through the built environment and shared spaces. NeoCon will feature a number of new initiatives, including NeoCon Talks, a podcast studio, and an ART on THE MART projection. Show registration is free for all attendees.
 

AIS’ National Sales Meeting Wraps Up Successful Year, Promotes Two Sales Team Members
AIS held its annual national sales meeting to celebrate a record-breaking year for growth, and promoted two sales team members, Justin Brzostowski and Anthony Heim, to leadership positions. Brzostowski was named director of sales for the New York and New Jersey markets, and Heim was promoted to senior territory manager for North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Both have extensive experience in the contract furniture industry and are passionate about creating efficient and thought-provoking workspaces.

Humanscale Looks to its Customers for Workplace Insights to Inform Future Wellness & Ergonomic Needs
Humanscale is conducting a research study to gain insights on their customers' work modes since the onset of the pandemic, which will be used to inform future industry discussions around health, wellness, and ergonomics. Participants can take the survey and join the webinar with renowned ergonomist Dr. Alan Hedge to learn more about the insights.

Now Available: Ghent’s Glassboards & Whiteboards in CET Designer Marketplace
Ghent has released a new CET Designer Extension, available for free, which allows users to easily specify their range of glassboards, whiteboards, tackable surfaces, and space division furniture. The extension also includes typical configurations, new products, and enhancements based on user feedback. Designers and specifiers can download the extension from Configura's Marketplace or use Ghent's other e-tools.

Empire Office Grows Atlanta Sales Team Focusing on A&D Relationships
Empire Office, a provider of furniture and interior solutions for commercial spaces, has announced the addition of Cameron Giddings to their Atlanta sales team in a leadership role. Cameron holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from East Carolina University and has over three years of experience in the furniture industry. Empire Office has a 77-year history of success and has recently expanded their physical footprint with the acquisition of DeKalb Office in Atlanta and Birmingham.

Empire Office Grows Atlanta Sales Team Focusing on New Business Initiatives
Empire Office, Inc., a provider of furniture and interior solutions for commercial spaces, has announced the addition of Elizabeth Young to their Atlanta office as Vice President of Business Development Strategy. With over 25 years of experience in commercial interior design and sales, Elizabeth will be a key market leader in Atlanta, introducing product offerings and communicating service offerings to new and existing clients.

3form Transforms Showroom Experience, Leaping Into the Virtual World
3form has unveiled the 3form Campus, a virtual showroom that provides an immersive experience into their products and materials anytime, anywhere. The platform offers easy navigation to view materials, download spec info, order samples, and view sustainability certifications, and is regularly updated with new products. In addition to the virtual showroom, 3form is excited to announce more in-person designer events at their Salt Lake City headquarters.

Humanscale Presented Path Goes Global at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Humanscale featured their new sustainable and inclusive task chair, Path, at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. The chair is composed of recycled materials, and Humanscale also showcased their collaboration with Kvadrat and the Gravity Mechanism™, designed to provide a personalized fit for 95% of the population.

Arper Presented The Project of Living at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Arper presented The Project of Living at Stockholm Furniture Fair, showcasing their new collections that aim to reduce the environmental impact of their products. With harmonious forms, dynamic color, and versatile systems, Arper's Project of Living creates products that respond to the changing ways in which we live, and CEO Roberto Monti says it is a strategic approach that embraces change and helps us live better with our planet.

Tangram Announces Alyssa Armesto Has Been Promoted To Vice President, Central Valley
Tangram, a commercial interior design company, has announced Alyssa Armesto has been promoted to Vice President for Tangram Interiors, Central Valley. Armesto, a Fresno native and Azusa Pacific University graduate, has been described as a skilled practitioner, a tactful communicator and a key relationship builder. In her new role, she will be in charge of sales and operations, managing the entire division and pushing to gain more market share through strengthened relationships with clients.

Mammoth Office Furniture Helps Refurnish Local Chamber of Commerce Offices in Historic Town Hall Building
Mammoth Office Furniture has partnered with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide new furniture for their offices in the Old Town Hall building. The updates include new office furniture for the lobby, executive offices, conference room, and breakroom, helping the Chamber more efficiently host its members and support planning for Downtown Herndon’s events. Mammoth Office Furniture's President & CEO Kim Krukowski is happy to contribute to the success of the Chamber.

Nassimi Announces PFAS-Free Production of All Fabrics
Nassimi, a leading textile manufacturer, has announced the removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from all of their new production, staying true to their ethos of self-motivated product improvements. This move puts them ahead of the curve in terms of current legislation in some states, as well as offering high stain and liquid resistance without the use of any harmful chemicals.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
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CWC is based out of Atlanta, GA and we are celebrating our 94 th year as a premier office furniture dealership! We offer either a local in-office workspace or 100% remote work for non-Georgia residents. CWC Provides: Competitive Pay Excellent Health Benefits We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan...
Indoff is expanding and in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area. Indoff Offers: 50% commission on the gross profit - This is a straight commission position, and right now Indoff offers 70% commission for your first year with us.
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