Is Google about to enter the office seating market? / An American-Japanese Success Story: Ultrafabrics at 25, Celebrating a quarter century of textile innovation / BOS Holdings Announces Acquisition of Leading Corporate Signage Firm / Office vacancy has hit yet another high / Silicon Valley Office Vacancy Stabilizes, Leasing Stalls / Google Renews A San Francisco Office Lease For 54% Less Space / Net Effective Rents Drop To Single Digits For Some Chicago Buildings Thanks To Record Concessions / Occupancy in Older Office Buildings Drops as Tenants Flock to New Builds / Layoffs, Remote Work Push San Francisco Class-A Office Vacancy To New Record / White-Collar Work Is Just Meetings Now / Millennial and Gen Zers would take pay cuts for time with pets / Office life has changed. How are firms responding? / New Metrics Define Office Success in Hybrid Work World / Showing up to work late is more accepted in new hybrid arrangements / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, July 15, 2024

Industry News

Will Googling soon mean sitting in a privacy desk chair - one sold by Google? Maybe. An international patent filed by Google LLC last week describes an office chair with acoustic and visual features designed to reduce noise in shared workspaces and provide a quieter environment for video conferencing. The patent features an acoustic chair cove that can be mounted on a chair, including movable upper and lower coves to create a more private and conducive working environment. Interestingly, the inventors listed on the patent, Harc Lee and Jack Wood, are also co-founders of a company called Heirloom, with no official link to Google. This raises questions about whether Google has acquired the patent rights or is considering an acquisition of Heirloom.

The background of Google's patent highlights the challenges of modern open floorplans, where limited privacy and high noise levels can reduce productivity. The invention aims to address these issues by offering a chair that reduces ambient noise and the demand for meeting spaces. The patent details a U-shaped lower cove and an upper cove that can be adjusted to different configurations, enhancing privacy and noise reduction in shared workspaces.

For full details, review Google's international patent application WO2024145578. It should be noted that the International patent filing reveals Google as the owner of the patent whereas the U.S. patent equivalent (20240215730) lists the inventors but not the company behind it.

BOS Holdings Announces Acquisition of Leading Corporate Signage Firm
BOS Holdings, an ESOP consortium of American businesses focusing on commercial office interiors, has acquired Corporate Sign Systems, a prominent provider of corporate signage solutions. This strategic acquisition allows BOS Holdings to expand its offerings and provide comprehensive workspace solutions nationwide. The acquisition represents a milestone in BOS Holdings' growth strategy and will enhance their ability to meet the evolving needs of their customers. Corporate Sign Systems will continue to be led by its founder, Erik Olsen, and together with BOS Holdings, they aim to set new standards in the corporate signage industry.

An American-Japanese Success Story: Ultrafabrics at 25, Celebrating a quarter century of textile innovation

Ultrafabrics celebrates 25 years of innovation in the high-performing, leather-alternative fabric industry. Founded in 1999, the company has grown from a small team of seven to a global brand, selling over 40.6 million yards of fabric and expecting to reach 45.2 million yards by the end of the year. With headquarters in Tarrytown, New York, and a mill in Japan, Ultrafabrics has seen its annual revenues soar from $9.3 million in its first year to $150 million in 2024. The founders attribute this success to their strategic vision, commitment to quality, and long-term relationships with clients. Notable partnerships include brands like Steelcase, Jaguar Land Rover, and NASA.

Ultrafabrics has consistently invested in sustainability and innovation, developing products such as Volar Bio, which now boasts 66% recycled, rapidly renewable, and bio-based content. The company aims to have all its products include at least 50% rapidly renewable and/or recycled resources by 2025, a goal it has already achieved. The brand is also exploring new bio-based inputs like fabric dyes from food waste and crushed scallop shells. As Ultrafabrics prepares to unveil a state-of-the-art new mill in Japan in 2025, it remains focused on delivering sustainability without sacrificing quality, ensuring it stays ahead of competitors in the coated fabric market. (photo: Clay Rosenberg & Danielle Boecker-Primack - founders of Ultrafabrics)

 

Office vacancy has hit yet another high
Office vacancy rates have reached a record high of 20.1% nationwide in Q2, the highest since the 1970s. San Francisco and Washington, D.C. are experiencing particularly high vacancy rates. However, there are some positive signs with office leasing picking up in Atlanta and Manhattan. Managed space is also growing in popularity. The rising vacancy rates pose challenges for the contract furniture industry, with reduced demand for office furniture and a shift towards flexible solutions. However, opportunities may arise in renovations and upgrades of existing office spaces.
Leasing activity in Silicon Valley's office market has declined in the second quarter, reaching the lowest level since H1 2021. However, there is some stability in vacancy and availability rates. Right-sizing and renewals were notable trends, while new leasing activity was muted. Landlords are easing on rents, and a significant portion of office space under construction is preleased. Return-to-office rates are improving, with major tech companies seeing a high percentage of employees returning compared to 2019 levels.
Chicago's Class-A office buildings are experiencing a growing divide in terms of asking rent and availability compared to the rest of the market. While overall asking rents have increased, landlords are offering record-level concession packages, leading to a decrease in net effective rents. Some buildings are even seeing single-digit or negative net effective rents. The office availability rate has also reached a record high, with Class-A buildings having a lower availability rate compared to Class-B and C properties. Despite some positive return-to-work trends, tenants still hold the power in the market.
Google is downsizing its office space in downtown San Francisco by 54% as it renews its lease at 215 Fremont St. This downsizing trend reflects the shift in space needs due to the remote/hybrid work environment. Despite the reductions, Google still maintains a significant presence in San Francisco.
New office buildings constructed in the past decade are maintaining higher occupancy rates compared to older buildings, as tenants prefer the newest construction in the new hybrid work environment. Analysis from CoStar Group shows that buildings 10 years old and older have experienced severe losses in occupancy, equivalent to losing the entire office inventory of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Buildings in the 3 to 10 year old range are maintaining most tenants and occupancy, but even they are seeing increased subletting availability.
San Francisco's Class-A office vacancy rate has reached a record-high of 34.5% in the second quarter, with layoffs and remote work being the main factors. The vacancies are expected to remain elevated until at least 2025. Average asking rents have declined, except in the top tier of the market, and landlords are offering incentives to attract tenants. While leasing activity has increased among AI and professional services firms, other types of companies will need to start taking space to bring down vacancies. Downtown San Francisco has rebounded more quickly than other markets, and high volumes of venture capital funding in the Bay Area are expected to benefit the office leasing market.
Managed office space, a lesser-known segment within the flexible office sector, is expected to grow from 10% to 30% of all flex space by 2030. Instant, a major player in managed space, manages 5M SF globally, including 3M SF in the UK alone. This type of space appeals to corporate occupiers looking for flexibility, cost savings, and customized office environments. Instant leases space from office owners and subleases it to clients, providing fit-out services and monthly payment options. The demand for managed space is growing, particularly in suburban markets with limited existing supply. However, operators face cost pressures and challenges in raising finance for expansion.
The U.S. office sector faces a bleak outlook with a projected nationwide vacancy rate of 20% or worse. However, in Miami, the office market is thriving with decreasing vacancy rates, high demand, and limited availability of prime assets. Leasing activity has picked up, and new office projects are being preleased. Class A direct asking rent has also increased by 12.7% year-over-year.
Billionaire investor Howard Marks warns that a 70% discount on office spaces may not be enough, emphasizing that the price must be lower than it should be based on fundamentals. While Oaktree Capital Management, specializing in distressed lending, has taken losses on office properties, Marks sees opportunities in commercial real estate and private equity due to higher costs and difficulties in renewing leverage. The office sector has reached a record-high vacancy rate of 20.1%, and properties financed by bonds have seen significant drops in appraisals.

Feature Read

The meeting-industrial complex has grown to the point where communication has become more important than creativity in modern white-collar work. The share of time spent in meetings has steadily increased, with workers spending so much time in meetings, calls, and email that their critical work often has to wait until after hours. The surge in meeting times may be driven by cultural changes focused on inclusion and letting more voices be heard, but it can also hinder efficient decision-making. Meetings are often criticized for being theatrical presentations of information that could be conveyed in an email. The meeting-industrial complex has led to communication eclipsing creativity as the central skill of modern work, with workers spending more time communicating than creating. Efforts to use artificial intelligence tools to eliminate unnecessary meetings and allow for more focused work are met with skepticism, as office technology has made workplace communication more inescapable rather than more efficient.

Workplace News

A survey by financial services firm Empower reveals that nearly all Americans consider their pets as part of the family and are willing to spend money on them accordingly. The survey also found that some younger Americans, including 31% of Gen Z pet owners and 34% of millennials, would be willing to take a pay cut for a job that allows them to spend more time with their pets. Additionally, 41% of Americans of all ages would return to the office if they could bring their pets, and 26% would prefer a job that offers pawternity leave.
In new hybrid work arrangements, showing up to work late is becoming more accepted as workers tailor their schedules and avoid commutes. This shift reflects the demand for flexibility and adaptation to hybrid working environments. While flexible scheduling can improve focus and productivity, it may also pose challenges in team coordination and communication. Some companies still maintain core hours to ensure alignment and availability. Overall, the shift to hybrid work has reshaped the perception of timeliness and requires finding a balance between flexibility and team cohesion.
The shift to hybrid work is changing the metrics used by companies to predict space needs and improve the workplace experience. Organizations are now focusing on metrics like sharing ratios, employee sentiment, and attendance. Utilization data remains important, but occupancy metrics based on square footage per person and seat are no longer at the top of the list. Occupancy sensors, surveys, and AI tools are being used to monitor space effectiveness and predict future space needs.
As marketers prepare to adapt their strategies for Gen Alpha, studies suggest that investing in YouTube, influencers, and gaming is key. Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024, is expected to become the largest and most diverse generation, with significant spending power. They prefer interactive and gamified experiences, rely on YouTube and gaming platforms, and show interest in financial literacy. Brands should strike a balance between analog and digital experiences and focus on creative and inspirational content to appeal to Gen Alpha.
Companies are using advanced sensor technologies and AI platforms to understand how office spaces are being used and create models predicting what's needed. Combining live and passive occupancy data provides more sophisticated "occupancy intelligence." Incorporating flexibility into office designs and integrating workplace sensors with booking software can help optimize meeting room availability. By leveraging technology and data, firms can plan and prioritize workplace improvements based on insights rather than instinct.
Workers feeling stuck in their roles and facing declining turnover rates have prompted employers to implement new tactics to spur movement and growth opportunities. Companies like McKinsey, Synchrony Financial, and Exact Sciences are offering job swaps, temporary positions, and expanded roles to provide fresh challenges. With lower turnover rates, companies are focusing on training, coaching, and creating better pathways for employee development. The emphasis is on creating growth opportunities even without substantial pay raises or title changes. Allstate is prioritizing internal recruiting and filling 60% of its roles internally, while also encouraging employees to explore open projects on other teams.
Corporate bookings at pickleball clubs are on the rise as companies find it to be a cheaper, less time-consuming, and more inclusive alternative to golf. Pickleball is gaining popularity among lawyers, bankers, and realtors, and corporate bookings have tripled in some clubs since 2021. The appeal of pickleball lies in its accessibility for newcomers and its efficiency, allowing for shorter game times and lower costs compared to golf. While golf remains popular, some businesses are turning to pickleball to engage employees and reach a more diverse pool of clients.

Trends

Flexible hybrid work models are proven to enhance employee satisfaction and recruitment. Three case studies highlight the importance of customized solutions for employee well-being and productivity. Thermo Fisher Scientific emphasizes trust and collaboration while maintaining flexibility. Genesee Health System offers work environment flexibility tailored to individual needs. Brondell focuses on personalized work setups and authentic emotional expression. These models demonstrate the future of work.
In Boston, there is a trend of tenants seeking more affordable rents in older buildings instead of high-quality office space. Several major office leases in the city last quarter involved manufacturing or pharmaceutical tenants moving to Class-B space. Older buildings have been sold at discounted prices, allowing new owners to offer attractive deals. This trend is also seen in the suburbs. The overall office leasing activity in Boston slightly decreased in the second quarter, but Class-A offices experienced rent growth. Class-B rents have already come down 15% and are expected to drop further, providing more affordable leasing opportunities.

Design

In a discussion with Bob King, CEO of Humanscale, the conversation focused on the significant shift towards hybrid work models and its impact on workplace design. King emphasized Humanscale's dedication to creating ergonomic products that enhance health and comfort in both office and home settings. The rise of hybrid work has led to the reimagining of office spaces to prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and ergonomic support. King highlighted the need for high-quality home office setups and the challenges associated with hoteling, where shared workspaces require furniture that adapts easily to different users.

King envisions a future where workplace furniture intuitively adjusts to individual needs, promoting employee well-being and productivity. Humanscale's innovations, such as chairs that automatically adjust to the user's weight, address the ergonomic challenges of flexible work environments. This user-centric approach is seen as essential for the future of workplace design, ensuring that both office and remote workspaces support health, comfort, and efficiency.

The redesign of a speculative office project by a Texas-based developer focuses on converting a concrete structure to mass timber to improve sustainability and market appeal. The design emphasizes health and wellness through biophilic elements, creating outdoor rooms and integrating nature-based amenities. The project also aims to foster community with shared spaces and wellness facilities, transforming the office into a destination that connects with its natural surroundings. This case study highlights the potential for existing commercial buildings to adapt to future workplace demands, emphasizing sustainability, wellness, and community.
New research suggests that color affects our psyche, emotions, and bodies. This article explores four color trends that can shape moods and memories: turmeric and gold for uplifting mood, terra-cotta and burnt orange for calming effects, lavenders and lilacs for increased creativity, and sage and forest greens for emotional calmness. The intersection of neuroscience and interior design reminds us that the colors we choose can have a significant impact on our well-being.
The tech office model is evolving in Asia, with a shift towards more serious and humane workspaces. Architect Ole Scheeren highlights large-scale projects in Asia that prioritize functionality and balance the social and physical needs of employees. These projects integrate exterior spaces, promote collaboration, and incorporate elements of nature. The new breed of tech headquarters in Asia could set a new standard for commercial real estate globally.
Colour has the power to transform spaces and shape our everyday experiences. Designing with colour requires a balance between bold and subtle choices, and understanding the psychological and physiological responses to different hues. Incorporating colours like blue can promote calmness and focus, while vibrant shades like yellow and orange can stimulate creativity and motivation. It's important to consider the function and purpose of each space when choosing colours, and to create inclusive designs that accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of individuals. By embracing the full spectrum of colour, we can create spaces that are visually appealing and enhance the well-being of those who inhabit them.
Fran Board from Moodsonic emphasizes the importance of multisensory design in workplaces to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Visual aesthetics alone are insufficient; integrating sound, smell, and other senses can create richer, more restorative environments. Examples include using natural sounds to reduce stress and designing spaces that evoke local natural environments. Silence, often perceived as peaceful, can actually induce stress, highlighting the need for thoughtful sensory integration in biophilic design.

Green / Sustainability

Reform Design Lab, a furniture design studio in Sweden, has expanded its sustainable product mission to the office space. Their latest creation is an eco-friendly divider screen called the Coulisse screen, made from recycled paper and covered with recycled denim and polyester. The studio aims to reduce the carbon footprint of office furniture and disrupt the status quo by using cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials. Their products, including lounge chairs and coffee tables, are made using large-scale 3D printers and carefully selected bio-based materials, lowering the carbon footprint by up to 80%.
Sustainable landscape design for office spaces enhances both environmental stewardship and business benefits. Strategic landscaping reduces embodied and operational carbon, supports sustainability certifications, and improves aesthetics and employee well-being. Avoiding common mistakes like excessive hardscaping and underutilizing trees can prevent costly errors and enhance energy efficiency. Integrating outdoor spaces with indoor areas and focusing on employee engagement can amplify a company's sustainability profile and attract top talent. Thoughtful, adaptable designs that manage extreme weather and incorporate nature subtly affirm a company's commitment to sustainability.
Andreu World, led by CEO Jesús Llinares, is the first furniture company to have its entire collection Cradle to Cradle Certified, ensuring that all 6,830 products are recyclable and made from non-harmful materials. Llinares emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to the circular economy and shares the company's efforts to eliminate PVC from their products and collaborate with other manufacturers to develop sustainable materials. By sharing knowledge and practices, Andreu World aims to be a reference for the industry and drive real change.
Global furniture brand Haworth debuted furniture designs influenced by circular design principles at their Chicago showroom during NeoCon 2024. The prototypes showcased included a bench made from moulded pigmented sawdust, biodegradable stools and space dividers made from local wool waste and salvaged wood, and a communal seating structure made from salvaged Douglas Fir and dead stock fabrics. Haworth also showcased 14 new products, including a modular lighting system and an ergonomic chair made from recycled materials.

Technology

Configura Expands Its Commercial Interiors Product Line in Q2 2024
Configura has expanded its product line in Q2 2024 by integrating five new Extensions into CET Commercial Interiors and adding eight new manufacturers to its CI Library. This expansion provides users with a diverse range of high-quality products and reinforces Configura's position as a leader in the space design industry. The CI Library equips designers and sales professionals with a competitive edge by granting access to a repository of supplementary data, enabling users to generate top-notch drawings and comprehensive product listings. Access to the complete CI Library and Extensions requires a CET Commercial Interiors license. Configura is also preparing for its annual event, CET Experience, which will take place in October.

ai

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the workplace is transforming how we work and manage professional environments. AI is reshaping office spaces with adaptive layouts, optimizing resource management, and automating routine tasks. It is also impacting workplace management through algorithmic scheduling and performance evaluations. AI enhances employee experiences by personalizing workspaces, providing virtual AI colleagues, and offering personalized training platforms. However, challenges include designing effective human-AI collaboration, upskilling the workforce, addressing biases, and ensuring transparency in AI decision-making. The future of work lies in striking a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving human elements, creating environments where people and machines thrive together.

Latest Product News

HBF Textiles Celebrates Mary Jo Miller’s Unforgettable Tenure with ‘Memorable’
Mary Jo Miller, VP of Design and Creative Direction for HBF Textiles, is retiring after 30+ years. Her latest collection, "Memorable," features sustainable designs and serves as a tribute to her career and the artistic integrity she valued. The collection includes three designs and showcases Miller's diverse inspirations and design eye.
The Agility Company introduces Dynamis, a fixed-height table base available in standing, desk, and coffee heights. Its versatile design fits well in various office and corporate environments. The table legs are made of steel and come in different depths and widths. Customization options include a range of colors. 
Swedish design studio Form Us With Love has launched a new modular storage system called Center Center in collaboration with String Furniture. The system, showcased at 3DaysofDesign, features perforated sheet metal boxes that can be configured in multiple ways, offering a versatile storage option for workplaces and home offices. The system is available in a range of vibrant colors and reflects a future-focused mentality and a modularity that fits seamlessly into String's design sensibility. Center Center aims to provide customizability and adaptability to meet the needs of modern spaces.
Dieffebi has developed innovative and flexible work systems through collaboration with designers, resulting in Franny, a desk designed by Elisa Ossino. Franny features a light structure, customizable colors, and an upholstered, sound-absorbing fabric panel. The desk embodies Dieffebi's vision of creating dynamic and efficient furnishings that integrate technology and prioritize comfort and well-being.
Aceray's Tango line of seating, designed by Studio Carlesi/Tonelli, offers a range of beautiful and functional options for hospitality spaces. The collection includes side chairs, armchairs, barstools, counter stools, a love seat, and a lounge chair, all featuring a solid beech wood frame and the choice of an upholstered or finished wood seat. With its modern and warm visuals, Tango is a versatile seating solution. 
The Som chair, designed by Eva Dugintseva, is a 3D printed chair made from recycled polystyrene. It can be easily assembled without any fasteners and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The chair is durable, easy to clean, and can hold up to 150 kg. Although there is no confirmation of production, the design has won a Best Industrial Design of Russia award.
Danish design company Karakter has reissued the iconic pieces by mid-century designer Bodil Kjær, including a versatile desk that can transform into a dining table. The reissued pieces, showcased in various materials and colors, stay true to Kjær's original vision and bring her overlooked oeuvre to new audiences. Karakter will also bring Kjær's drawing for a cantilevered chair to life this year.
Paul Smith and Artek have collaborated on a furniture collection called "Artek Reimagined by Paul Smith." The collection features three iconic Artek pieces, including Stool 60, Screen 100, and Coat Rack 109, with Sir Paul Smith's playful color palette and stripes. The collection is set to launch on September 12, with pricing yet to be announced.
Carnegie has launched Xorel Cruise, a collection of sustainable and stylish wallcoverings designed specifically for cruise ship interiors. The collection meets rigorous fire safety and performance standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is Cradle to Cradle Silver certified. With five distinct patterns and 24 colorways, Xorel Cruise offers designers a wide range of options to enhance the aesthetic appeal of cruise ship interiors. Carnegie will be showcasing the collection at the Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas.
Next Generation is EF Contract's latest modular carpet tile designed to expand options for budget-friendly soft flooring in commercial interiors. The collection includes two coordinating styles, Trustworthy and Interchangeable, with beautiful fabricated stone visuals. The carpets are available in 10 colorways and are resistant to fading, staining, and bleach. They can be specified individually or together as a cohesive flooring system.
Altispace Ceiling Products have transformed Dardano's shoe store in Broomfield, Colorado, by mitigating sound reverberation issues and revolutionizing the shopping experience. The integration of Altispace Laminate Beams, Illuminated Beams, and Wooden Ceiling Clouds has created a tropical ambiance and added visual allure to the store. These eco-friendly products offer flexibility in design, ease of installation, and meet safety standards. The Suspended Ceiling Shapes and Wooden Ceiling Clouds enhance acoustics and create focal points of architectural beauty. Altispace Laminate Beams, Illuminated Beams, and Ceiling Shapes have redefined the retail experience, combining style, sophistication, and acoustic excellence.

Revolutionize HVAC Performance with Invi Air's 1-Slot Round Diffuser
Invi Air has introduced the 1-Slot Round Diffuser, revolutionizing HVAC performance. This diffuser offers frameless, flush mount installation, functions as both a supply and return diffuser, and allows for unlimited customization. Made from a proprietary composite material, it minimizes condensation, static, and dust, while reducing ambient noise levels. It is also ASTM E 84 Class A Rated and CARB Phase II Compliant.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

The Eames Institute has opened its offices and archives in a nondescript building in Richmond, California, which was previously a medical device factory. The building now houses tens of thousands of pieces of design work and ephemera from Ray and Charles Eames, as well as offices where their design legacy is being preserved and expanded. The Eames Archives, previously scattered in storage facilities, are now concentrated on the first floor and accessible for guided tours. The office space on the second floor incorporates Eames furniture and complementary furnishings, creating a unified location to explore and expand the Eames legacy.
Artist and designer Miminat Shodeinde was engaged by Giant Ventures to create a soulful and upbeat working environment for their London offices. Using richly grained woods and natural textures, Shodeinde achieved a design that is homely with a boutique-hotel edge. The space, located in a former pottery studio, features warm tones, various woods, soft textures, and a moody palette. Shodeinde also incorporated her own furniture designs, including a rounded mahogany table and imposing low Rina cabinets. The office is adorned with artworks, including a back wall covered with 3,000 vintage issues of National Geographic. Overall, the design reflects Giant Ventures' progressive values and commitment to sustainability.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre's new headquarters, designed by Roar, aims to create a workspace that emulates the human touch and goes beyond the ordinary office setting. The design incorporates comfortable and collaborative spaces, a shared visual language, and a hospitality-inspired atmosphere. The project features rich, textural materials, furniture from distinguished design brands, decorative lighting, abundant greenery, and custom artworks. The headquarters has received positive feedback and won the Commercial Project of the Year at the Commercial Interior Design Awards 2024.
The Merit Interactive Headquarters in Hangzhou, China, designed by LYCS Architecture, is a modern office space inspired by the ocean and flexibility. The 87,000 square meter facility can accommodate up to 5,000 people and includes areas for research, development, meetings, exhibitions, and leisure activities. The design incorporates elements such as whales, shades of blue, and an innovative "Sky-socket System" for maximum flexibility. Amenities like a gym, rooftop basketball court, and open-air cinema promote employee well-being. The headquarters reflects the company's ambition, creativity, and commitment to a dynamic work environment.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Arthur Kim is the co-founder of Relate, a modern sales CRM for B2B startups. He works remotely in Seoul and his workspace includes a Mac Mini, iPad Pro, Logitech Brio 4k webcam, LG 4K UHD monitor, Ikea Trotten sit/stand desk, and other tools like Relate, Rize, Akiflow, Obsidian, and Superhuman. He recently moved to a new house and finds creativity through reading and spending time outside. His typical day starts at 6 AM with breakfast and includes a daily scrum meeting with his team members in the US and Korea.

Coworking

WeWork will convert a floor at 575 Lexington Ave. into a work lounge that can be used by all tenants of the building. The lounge will offer amenities such as a barista bar, meeting rooms, and an outdoor terrace, and will be available to both WeWork members and building tenants.
Despite challenges in the traditional commercial office sector, the U.S. coworking industry expanded rapidly in Q2 2024, adding 444 new spaces and bringing the total number of locations to 7,041 nationwide. Dallas-Fort Worth surpassed Manhattan as the second largest coworking hub, while Los Angeles maintained its position as the top spot. The report also highlights the stability in pricing and the growing trend of hybrid work in the workforce.
Great coworking spaces stand out with their thoughtful design, variety of membership plans, and sense of community. They prioritize functionality, comfort, and ambiance, offer high-speed internet and tech support, provide flexible membership options, foster networking and community building, and offer amenities and perks. Convenient location, sustainability initiatives, security, and privacy are also key factors that set them apart.

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

N9NE Furniture Group Promotes Angela Girard
N9NE Furniture Group has promoted Angela Girard to the role of National Drawing Specialist. Angela's expertise in administration and customer service, along with her passion for space planning and design, will enhance the company's drawing services and product accessibility. Congratulations to Angela on her well-deserved promotion.

Gibson Interior Products Added to Hightower Rep Network
Hightower has announced that Gibson Interior Products will now represent Hightower in New York and northern New Jersey. Gibson, a family-owned business with over 75 years of experience, specializes in commercial furnishings and has a strong presence in the A&D market. This partnership aligns with Hightower's goals and will strengthen their position in the key market of contract furnishings.

Ware Malcomb Announces Promotions of Lori Ambrusch and Christopher Lazenby in Washington, D.C. Office
Ware Malcomb has announced the promotions of Lori Ambrusch to Regional Director and Christopher Lazenby to Civil Engineering Manager in their Washington, D.C. office. Ambrusch will oversee office leadership and continue to lead the Science & Technology Studio, while Lazenby will be responsible for growing the civil engineering team and developing new business. Both have extensive experience and strong leadership skills.

NELSON Worldwide Moves into New Chicago Office
NELSON Worldwide, an architecture, design, and strategy firm, has relocated to a new office space in Chicago. The downsized office fosters collaboration and offers tailored workspaces and amenities. The new space includes collaborative and client-facing areas, private wellness rooms, a lounge area, and a café. Sustainable practices and thoughtful design contribute to an ideal work environment for NELSON employees.

Landscape Forms Earns Its Sixth Straight Great Place to Work® Certification™
Landscape Forms has earned its sixth consecutive Great Place to Work® Certification™, highlighting their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit and dedication of their team, and they will continue to invest in their people to ensure a thriving environment for all.

KAI Announces Opening of New Office Near Downtown Atlanta
KAI announces the opening of its new office near downtown Atlanta, showcasing its growth and commitment to the engineering-focused practice in the city. The new location positions KAI to provide quality MEP engineering services and accommodate its expanding project portfolio. Notable projects include work at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Atlanta Housing Authority. KAI plans to increase its Atlanta team and continue fostering innovation in engineering projects.

Allseating Awarded Contract with Equalis Group
Allseating has been awarded a contract with Equalis Group, offering their extensive line of seating products to public entities in the United States. The partnership aims to provide faster lead and shipping times, competitive pricing, and eco-friendly solutions. Allseating's commitment to comfort, sustainability, and customer service makes them a valuable supplier for Equalis Group members.

Shaw Contract Sponsors Hip Hop Architecture Camp in Atlanta
Shaw Contract partners with The Hip Hop Architecture Camp in Atlanta to introduce architecture and urban planning to youth through the inspiration of Hip Hop. Esteemed architect Michael Ford founded the camp in 2016 to address the lack of diversity in the architecture and design industry. Shaw Contract's collaboration with the camp aligns with their commitment to sustainability and creating a better future through inclusive design.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I know that many of your readers who are hiring managers or HR leaders question the validity of reference checking on someone they want to hire and how to understand if they are getting a truthful reference or not. I’m a seasoned industry executive yet I keep getting fooled by references, which I check myself. I feel like I get a good reference, I make the hire, then the trouble arises.
The Groupe Lacasse Healthcare Regional Sales Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, securing, and maintaining relationships with new and existing Healthcare clients to generate business opportunities and revenue for the company.
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. 
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Sales Representatives to help us expand our presence within the architectural and design community through both aligned and non-aligned office furniture dealerships within the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Sr. Account Manager Salt Lake City, Utah Full-Time At CCG. If you're looking to join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of commercial interior design, CCG is the place for you. Come be a part of our journey as we continue to redefine what's possible in workplace design and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
At CCG, we're dedicated to transforming spaces into vibrant, inspiring environments where people can thrive and businesses can flourish. For over 35 years, we've been Utah's trusted partner in commercial interior design and furniture solutions, setting the standard for excellence in our industry.
Primary Responsibilities Design Responsibilities: Maintain skills on all software needed to assist with design and specifying.
If you're looking to join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of commercial interior design, CCG is the place for you.
2/90 Sign Systems is seeking Independent Sales Reps forUpstate New York, Pacific region (excludes California), and Mountain region (includes Idaho, Montana only).   
Logiflex, a well-established office furniture manufacturer is looking for a Regional Sales Director responsible for increasing sales in the Western USA Market.

Representatives must be highly energetic, aggressive and have past experience developing new business with office & contract dealers within their territory. Seeking experienced individuals and established groups within Upstate NY, NC & SC, MO, MN, and TX.

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