HNI Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results / Fellowes Contract Interiors Partners with Unika Vaev to Provide Unique Modular Wall Solutions / Google's Parent Company Shells Out $607M To Cut Office Space / U.S. Coworking Spaces Up By 7% As Flexible Work Demand Continues / Just One Office Building Is Under Construction In Downtown Chicago. It Could Be Years Until There’s Another / Amazon workers 'appalled' about Amazon boss' RTO claims / Hybrid working leads people to use their commute as exercise / The Panton chair helped "provoke people into using their imagination" / Standing desks may not be any better for you than office chairs / Redefining the Workplace for a New Era of Productivity and Engagement / Remote Work Sparks Traffic Changes Across US / BXP CEO Sees Return-To-Office Issue 'Continuing To Dissipate In Importance / Starbucks Threatens Jobs Of Employees Who Don’t Return To Office / One-Third Of Companies Now Demand Full-Time In-Office Work / and much more…


The Working Space

Monday, November 4, 2024

Industry News

HNI Reports Strong Earnings Growth Amid Challenging Market, Boosted by KII Synergies and Strategic Transformation

HNI Corporation’s latest quarterly results highlight strong earnings growth, propelled by ongoing profit transformation efforts and cost-saving synergies from the Kimball International (KII) acquisition. For the third quarter, HNI posted net sales of $672.2 million and net income of $47.5 million. Despite a 5.5% drop in year-over-year sales, the company increased non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) by 11% and achieved significant margin expansion—up 220 basis points on a GAAP basis and 150 basis points non-GAAP. These gains were driven by strategic cost efficiencies, particularly from the KII integration and the ramp-up of HNI’s Mexico facility, providing solid visibility for earnings growth through 2025 and 2026.

In the Workplace Furnishings segment, HNI’s profit transformation initiatives boosted non-GAAP operating profit margins to the highest third-quarter level in two decades. Notably, orders in this segment rose by 1% on an organic basis compared to the same period last year, with demand from contract customers outperforming that from small-to-medium-sized businesses. However, economic uncertainties and upcoming U.S. elections are causing customers to scale back short-term purchases and delay projects, which may weigh on fourth-quarter revenue. In Residential Building Products, HNI achieved an operating margin exceeding 18%, despite a volatile housing market. Looking ahead, the company expects KII synergies, now projected at $60 million, along with productivity from its Mexico facility, to contribute an additional $45 to $50 million in earnings over the next two years. These strategic initiatives reinforce HNI’s potential for long-term margin growth and resilience across its business segments.

Fellowes Contract Interiors Partners with Unika Vaev to Provide Unique Modular Wall Solutions
Fellowes Contract Interiors has partnered with Unika Vaev to create a high-design modular wall system that integrates Unika Vaev’s acoustic materials, enhancing both aesthetics and sound performance. This collaboration emphasizes sustainability, with both companies committed to eco-friendly practices. Fellowes offers a lifetime warranty on the modular wall frame, ensuring quality and durability, while the product is easily specified in industry tools for seamless project integration.
 
“We’re proud to partner with Unika Vaev, whose commitment to product design and sustainability mirrors our own,” said Todd Holderness, General Manager at Fellowes Contract Interiors. “Together, we’re providing a high-design, eco-friendly solution that’s now available to a broader market through our extensive contract dealer network.”
Office sales in Los Angeles have plummeted by over 50% in 2024 compared to the previous year, totaling $985M, while maintaining the highest average price per square foot in California at $345. Other major metros like San Francisco and San Diego also experienced significant declines in sales volume and rising vacancy rates, with San Francisco's average sale price at $268 per square foot and San Diego's at $196. Despite the downturn, some properties remain highly valued, such as the Highlands Corporate Center in Del Mar Heights, which sold for nearly $365 per square foot.
As office tenants leave Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), areas like Pasadena and Century City are experiencing growth. Companies are downsizing their DTLA spaces while expanding in these neighborhoods, driven by safety concerns and the appeal of suburban amenities. For instance, Wedbush Securities is moving to a smaller office in Pasadena, citing its recovery from the pandemic. Downtown's vacancy rate has increased significantly, highlighting its declining desirability, while firms like Sidley Austin are relocating to Century City. Despite its central location and public transit access, Downtown faces challenges in attracting tenants.
Chicago's office development is stagnant, with only one building under construction and no new projects expected for at least two years. The city has one of the lowest office construction pipelines in the country, with only 0.3% of existing stock in new projects. Key factors for future construction include the need for large tenants, lower financing costs, and a shift in work-from-home dynamics. Renovations of existing buildings may become more critical than new constructions in attracting tenants.
The rise of hybrid working has led to a significant increase in active commuting, with 62% of commutes to local workspaces being mostly or entirely active. Common forms of active commuting include walking (88%), cycling (34%), and running (28%). Older workers, particularly those aged 55-64, have seen the most substantial increases in active commuting, reporting a 109% rise. The benefits include improved physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction, with 85% of hybrid workers expressing greater job satisfaction and 75% feeling more motivated.
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman faces backlash from over 500 employees disputing his claim that most staff are excited about the return-to-office (RTO) mandate. In an open letter, workers express concern that the policy misrepresents their sentiments and overlooks the successes of remote work during the pandemic. They argue that the rigid in-office requirement could alienate talent, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities or disabilities. Employees advocate for a flexible work environment that reflects modern workplace needs and enhances innovation and inclusivity.

Feature Reads

A large-scale study from Australia indicates that standing desks may not be more beneficial than office chairs, suggesting that prolonged standing could worsen certain health risks, such as circulatory issues. The research shows that simply replacing sitting with standing does not reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke; instead, regular movement, such as walking or stretching, is more beneficial for health. The findings challenge the notion that standing desks are a solution to sedentary lifestyle risks.
The document discusses redefining the modern workplace to enhance productivity and engagement through three key concepts: Destination, Acceleration, and Habituation. It emphasizes creating inspiring spaces that foster collaboration, empowering employees with advanced technology, and building positive workplace behaviors. The goal is to craft a compelling work experience that encourages personal and professional growth, while continuously innovating through experimentation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
A discussion of the allure and disillusionment of mid-century modern design, highlighting its initial promise of simplicity and accessibility that ultimately fell short. It critiques the design industry's focus on high-end markets, neglecting affordability and inclusivity, while noting a shift in consumer preferences towards styles that offer more personal meaning. The author reflects on the aesthetic's perceived sterility and questions the sustainability of its "timelessness," suggesting a need for designs that embrace imperfection and human experience.
The Panton chair, designed by Verner Panton and first introduced in 1967, is celebrated for its innovative cantilevered design and use of a single piece of plastic. It has evolved through various materials and production methods, becoming an iconic piece of mid-century modern furniture. Panton aimed to provoke imagination through vibrant designs, and the chair is now produced in multiple colors, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It remains a staple in prestigious museum collections and continues to influence contemporary design.Next up in our series about mid-century modern design is the cantilevered plastic Panton chair by Danish designer Verner Panton, which made design history.

Workplace News

Telecommuting has significantly changed traffic patterns in the US, with nearly 14% of full-time workers now working remotely at least part-time, up from 5.7% in 2019. The impact on traffic congestion varies by region; for instance, Raleigh saw a 17% reduction in congestion between 2019 and 2023 as remote work increased from 10.5% to 23.6%, largely due to the tech sector's influence.
BXP CEO Owen Thomas indicates that the return-to-office issue is diminishing in significance as companies like Amazon and Salesforce enforce in-office mandates, which may encourage competitors to follow suit. BXP's leasing activity rose by 5% year-over-year, with a notable increase in overall leased space. Despite a slight decline in occupancy to 87%, BXP's revenues grew by 4.2%, and net income improved significantly compared to the previous year. Regional differences in return-to-office trends persist, with cities like Boston and New York showing stronger recovery compared to San Francisco.
Starbucks will implement a policy in January requiring corporate employees to work in the office at least three days a week, with potential job termination for non-compliance. This decision follows the appointment of CEO Brian Niccol, who previously allowed flexible work arrangements but is now emphasizing accountability in the return-to-office mandate. Niccol himself works remotely from California, despite the company's Seattle headquarters, and has a lucrative compensation package that includes a $10 million signing bonus.
A report reveals that 27% of remote workers feel they have missed job promotions, despite valuing flexibility in their work. The survey highlights a disconnect between employee desires for work-life balance and employer expectations for office presence. Younger workers, particularly millennials and Gen-Z, express concerns about being overlooked for advancement. Over half of employees would consider leaving if flexibility is reduced, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt to new working norms and ensure equal opportunities for all workers, regardless of their work location.
The demand for full-time in-office work is rising, with one-third of companies requiring employees to be in the office five days a week, a shift driven by low unemployment. Major firms like Amazon and Dell are leading this trend, while the office vacancy rate remains high at 13.8%. Despite challenges such as increasing defaults on office loans and a significant amount of vacated office space, there are signs of stabilization, particularly in New York, where vacancy rates are declining. Companies are enhancing office amenities to attract workers back, and investor interest in well-leased properties is growing.
Over 500 Amazon staff signed an open letter addressing CEO Matt Garman's comments on the company's return-to-office policy, which he discussed during an all-hands meeting. The letter reflects employee concerns regarding the policy's implications.
The rise of hybrid working has led to a significant increase in active commuting, with 62% of commutes to local workspaces now being mostly or entirely active, a 38% increase from city center offices. Common forms of active commuting include walking (88%), cycling (34%), and running (28%). Older workers, particularly those aged 55-64, have seen a 109% increase in active commuting. Active commuting has been linked to improved physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction, with 85% of hybrid workers reporting greater job satisfaction and 75% feeling more motivated.

Orgatec - Other Reviews

The author shares four impressions from Orgatec 2024, highlighting its significant size with over 700 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors, despite a decline in British participation. The event reflects a trend towards refinement in office design rather than innovation, with a focus on classic products. Networking and personal interactions are emphasized as vital aspects of the experience, underscoring the importance of face-to-face connections in the industry.

Orgatec 2024 showcased a mix of challenges and opportunities for the furniture industry, with a focus on modular, flexible solutions and holistic ergonomics. The fair reflected the industry’s uncertainties while highlighting innovative designs and sustainable approaches. Despite the reduced number of exhibitors and a more informal atmosphere, the desire for transformation and creativity in the workplace remains strong.

Coworking

Traditional offices can revitalize their environments by adopting strategies from coworking spaces, such as enhancing flexibility with hot desking, fostering collaboration through community-building activities, investing in state-of-the-art amenities, implementing scalable practices, prioritizing sustainability, and focusing on holistic health initiatives. These changes can improve employee satisfaction, promote networking, and create a more engaging and productive workplace.

Trends

The recent Orgatec exhibition exceeded expectations, featuring more visitors, exhibitors, and innovative initiatives. The event highlighted three major trends in contemporary office design: cultivating emotional harmony, embracing flexible workspaces, and prioritizing acoustic comfort. Designers are moving away from traditional office aesthetics, focusing on creating environments that stimulate creativity and well-being through organic forms, warm color palettes, and versatile furnishings. Notable examples include JAB Anstoetz's Shapes collection, Mara's Elle bookshelf, and Thonet's S 243 chair, all embodying the shift towards more inviting and adaptable office spaces.

The trend of "moving offices" emphasizes agile work environments with modular furniture and multifunctional designs. BuzziSpace's BuzziBrella and Sellex's Tool table exemplify this approach, offering flexible solutions for various work modes. Companies like Lapalma and Kriskadecor are introducing innovative partition systems to create dynamic, adaptable spaces.

Addressing the need for privacy in collaborative settings, manufacturers are developing products that ensure acoustic comfort and personal space. Kabin's compact workstation and SilentLab's GEN4 acoustic pod offer solutions for focused individual work within open office layouts. Wagner's Nesting Sofa further illustrates the concept of "tailor-made privacy" with its cocoon-like design, catering to the evolving needs of modern workplaces.

The office market in New York City is evolving rather than dying, with a focus on live, work, and play environments appealing to younger generations. Occupancy rates are improving, and there's a trend of converting vacant office spaces into residential units due to a housing shortage. While the office sector is recovering, the need for amenities to attract and retain workers remains crucial for future success.
The article from Gensler outlines ten emerging workplace trends for 2025, emphasizing a shift towards immersive environments, intentional choices, active participation, shared resources, flexible workpoints, team-oriented seating, co-creation, local authenticity, community engagement, and inclusivity. These trends reflect a move away from superficial experiences and traditional structures, focusing instead on creating engaging, supportive, and personalized workspaces that foster growth and collaboration.
AI and flexibility are transforming office workplaces by fostering collaboration and enhancing tenant experiences. Companies are investing in adaptable designs and technology to create engaging environments that balance individual work with teamwork. The shift towards inclusive design and the integration of AI in office layouts are emerging trends, while some firms maintain traditional in-office policies amidst rising employee demands for flexibility.

Design

CEBRA Architecture is collaborating with LEGO to develop a 50,000-square-meter Innovation Campus at LEGO's headquarters in Billund, Denmark. The design process involved input from employees using LEGO bricks to create workspace concepts, emphasizing creativity and sustainability. The campus will accommodate over 1,700 employees, feature one of the largest LEGO element libraries, and aims for LEED Platinum certification. Set to open in 2027, it reflects LEGO's commitment to innovative and eco-friendly work environments.
A human-centered approach to restroom design in workplaces can significantly enhance personal wellness and comfort. Thoughtfully designed restrooms offer moments of respite, elevate user experience, and can even encourage physical activity. Key elements to consider include adding privacy features, providing essential toiletries, and incorporating amenities like Wi-Fi access and mirrors. Strategically placing restrooms throughout the space can also promote movement and interaction among employees. Overall, restroom design should address the needs of a diverse workforce to help foster a positive workplace culture.

Green / Sustainability

The Populus hotel in Denver, designed by Studio Gang, aims to be the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., offsetting its carbon emissions by planting trees and using sustainable materials. It features a unique design inspired by the Aspen tree and incorporates various eco-friendly practices, including using recycled materials and sustainable cleaning products. However, achieving true carbon positivity is complex, and the hotel relies on carbon offsets and nature-based sequestration strategies to meet its goals, sparking debate about the effectiveness of such measures.

Herman Miller lowers carbon footprint within the brand's performance seating portfolio through updates to Mirra 2 Chair and Stool
Herman Miller has updated the Mirra 2 Chair and Stool to enhance sustainability, reducing their carbon footprint by up to 17% through increased recycled content and innovative materials. The design improvements maintain ergonomic performance while introducing new styling options and colors. The updates reflect a commitment to sustainable design, aiming to set a new standard in ergonomic furniture for shared spaces.
The Citi Tower retrofit in London is a significant £300M project aimed at transforming a 1.4M SF office into a sustainable workspace, monitored closely by global stakeholders. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, Citigroup chose to retrofit it to save 100,000 tonnes of embodied carbon. The project includes extensive upgrades to building systems, creating collaborative "villages" within the tower, and aims for net-zero operation while achieving high sustainability ratings. Challenges include adapting to hybrid work trends and ensuring transparency in environmental claims, with a focus on recycling and waste management throughout the renovation process.
The article discusses the disconnect between flexible workspace operators' perceptions of sustainability and the actual impactful measures needed. While recycling is seen as a key contribution, true sustainability requires a deeper commitment, including green lease clauses, carbon footprint evaluations, data-driven decisions, and relevant certifications. Operators face challenges such as costs and lack of expertise but can enhance their sustainability efforts by making informed decisions that benefit the environment and their business.

Dealers

COR Ranked #48 in Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in MA

The Women’s Edge together with its partner The Boston Globe, announced Creative Office Resources was named one of the 24th annual Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts. The honorees were recognized during a celebratory breakfast event. The 100 organizations honored generated over $124 billion in total revenue in 2023, demonstrating that women leaders continue to be key drivers of the state’s economy.

“This recognition as one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts for the third consecutive year is a true honor, especially as a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise,” shared Denise Horn, CEO at Creative Office Resources. “At Creative Office Resources, we strive to create inspiring spaces with solutions that redefine excellence, continuously evolving to serve our clients, employees, and community. This honor highlights the dedication and teamwork our employees bring to every project, reinforcing our commitment to trust and inclusivity in all our partnerships. Together, we’re not just growing as a business; we’re building a legacy of service, respect, and excellence.”

Podcasts

Allsteel's Tell Me More Podcast Explores New Perspectives on The Intentional Office
Allsteel's podcast, "Tell Me More," has released a new episode discussing the "Intentional Office," focusing on how adaptable spaces can enhance productivity, collaboration, and engagement in the workplace. The episode features insights from Andrea Gauss and Brian Kaule, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and social interactions for early-career professionals. Listeners are encouraged to tune in monthly for expert discussions on innovative workplace solutions, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Latest Product News

Landscape Forms has introduced the Booth line of social seating, designed to create inviting outdoor spaces that encourage interaction and conversation. Inspired by indoor booth designs, Booth features two silhouettes (tall back and low back) that can be arranged together or used individually. The design includes warm wood slats, hooks for storage, and options for sustainable materials like dassoXTR Fused Bamboo®. The Booth line aims to enhance outdoor dining and collaboration in various settings, including corporate and educational environments.
Gunlocke has expanded its Briefing table collection to enhance mixed-presence meetings with new shapes like Boomerang, Tapered, Guitar Pick, and Chevron, designed for better participant engagement and visibility. The tables integrate power and connectivity options, ensuring seamless use of technology during meetings. Gunlocke aims to provide an inclusive experience for both in-person and virtual participants, promoting equal contribution opportunities.
HON's Preside tables blend style and functionality, offering versatility with 11 tabletop shapes and over 30 laminate options. Designed for modern hybrid workspaces, they feature integrated power access and wire management, making them both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Preside enhances collaboration and comfort, ensuring that workspaces are not just functional but also inspiring.
Landscape Forms has introduced the Contour line of ADA compliant tables designed by Ignacio Ciocchini, focusing on inclusivity and aesthetic appeal. The tables are constructed from durable materials and come in various shapes and sizes, ensuring accessibility for all users. The design eliminates under-table obstructions and provides optimal knee clearance, aiming to create a universal user experience in public outdoor spaces.
Knoll has launched the Perron Pillo Sofa, designed by Willo Perron, which features a modular design that resembles oversized pillows but provides deep seating for comfort. The sofa is adaptable with various configurations and upholstery options, aiming to evoke surprise and emotion. It reflects Knoll's legacy of collaborating with innovative designers and is available for purchase online and in stores.
Designtex has introduced Pepper, a new multi-use textile designed for circularity, made from recycled fabric waste and selvedge offcuts. It features a subtle pattern and is available in various sophisticated colors, suitable for upholstery and vertical applications. Pepper is part of the Loop-to-Loop family, which includes other circular textiles, and is manufactured from 80% postconsumer and 20% preconsumer recycled polyester, ensuring it is free of harmful ingredients and certified for sustainability.
The Black Flag lamp, a collaboration between Flos and designer Konstantin Grcic, features an extendable design that can reach up to 3.5 meters from the wall, combining functionality with a striking aesthetic. It offers a minimalist look when closed, resembling a sculpture, and transforms into a powerful light source when opened. Available in standard and PRO versions, the latter includes advanced controls for dimming and color temperature adjustment, as well as eco-friendly features and recyclable materials. The lamp is designed for both advanced workplaces and domestic environments, emphasizing distinctive design and functionality.

Meet Toob, Keilhauer's Geometric Lounge Chair That Defies Gravity
Toob is a lounge chair collection by Keilhauer that combines comfort and geometric design, featuring a weightless appearance with a strong metal frame and angular elements. The collection includes matching bar and counter stools, emphasizing sustainability with carbon-neutral construction and FSC®-certified wood components. Its innovative design creates a unique silhouette that enhances any lounge space.
Wilkhahn's 'Confair Next' room modules provide a pioneering solution for hybrid workplaces, integrating analogue and digital collaboration. The system includes various mobile modules like the 'Media Wall' and 'Display Rack' to enhance teamwork and conference experiences. Customizable in design and materials, these modules cater to corporate aesthetics while promoting effective communication. Additionally, the 'Confair Buddy' hybrid avatar facilitates the inclusion of remote participants in meetings, enhancing group dynamics through advanced technology. Feedback from its presentation at Orgatec will inform future developments and business models.
Copenhagen-based non-toxic paint brand Blēo has collaborated with British design duo Barber Osgerby to launch the Still Life palette, featuring 18 meticulously crafted shades. Founded by Anne Grønskov in 2023, Blēo focuses on water-based paints, responding to a growing demand for personalized home aesthetics. The collaboration emphasizes innovation and quality, with a design philosophy that mirrors the richness of still-life paintings, aiming to enhance spaces with evocative colors.

Industrial Design

MUMA, a Colombian furniture company, collaborated with Curve ID to design the "Ingo" task chair, focusing on local South American input and efficient manufacturing techniques. The chair aims to enhance MUMA's market share in South America while appealing to international markets, featuring a stylish and ergonomic design that is already attracting significant sales interest.
Eureka is a new AI tool from Patsnap designed to streamline the early stages of product development by answering key questions and providing insights for product designers. It utilizes a specialized language learning model, PatsnapGPT, to pull from a vast database of patents and scientific literature, helping users identify materials and solutions for product innovation. The tool aims to reduce research time significantly, allowing teams to focus more on experimentation and development, with potential applications in industries like space exploration and electric vehicles.
NOS Design has created the Paper Pulp Delivery Briefcase, a thermoformed clamshell briefcase that securely carries multiple drinks, offering a more convenient alternative to traditional four-cup carriers. Made from compostable paper pulp, it can hold various-sized drinks and is designed to insulate temperature while being lightweight and easy to transport. This innovation aims to reduce single-use packaging waste in food delivery by allowing couriers to use the briefcase for multiple orders, and it can be recycled or composted once no longer usable.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

A creative studio in Stockholm, The Great Exhibition, has built a fully-functioning indoor roller coaster named The Frontal Lobe as part of its office. The coaster, which is about 200 feet long, serves multiple purposes: it provides fun, symbolizes a departure from technology-driven content, and acts as a metaphor for the creative industry's resistance to AI. The project faced significant engineering challenges, but after consulting with experts, the team successfully integrated the coaster into their workspace, enhancing the studio's culture and employee experience.
Gensler designed Celonis' Executive Briefing Center in Munich, creating a dynamic and adaptable space that reflects the company's identity and values. The design emphasizes transparency and sustainability, utilizing existing materials and structures while meeting LEED Gold standards. The project features a showcase staircase and a distinct color palette, fostering an environment for innovation and collaboration between Celonis and its clients.
Hendy designed a new 20,380 sq. ft. office for Healthpeak in Irvine, CA, focusing on employee engagement and collaboration. The space features upscale design elements like polished concrete floors and bespoke wood details, creating a boutique hotel atmosphere. Key areas include a welcoming breakroom and flexible workstations, enhancing functionality and comfort. Client feedback was highly positive, praising Hendy's execution and communication throughout the project.
Bjarke Ingels Group's new headquarters in Copenhagen exemplifies their LEAPP model, integrating landscape, engineering, architecture, planning, and product design. The seven-story building, completed in 2024, utilizes renewable energy sources and features a unique structural design with a central column made from various Scandinavian stones. The interior promotes openness with a zig-zagging staircase connecting outdoor terraces, while the surrounding area has been transformed into a public park, enhancing biodiversity and providing recreational space.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Shane Levine, a Founder and Product Designer in Brooklyn, NY, leads Turbo, a product design studio for startups, working with clients like Jeep and Ramp. His workspace features items such as an LG ultrafine display, MacBook Pro, and an Autonomous standing desk. He emphasizes creativity through inspiration and describes his typical day as involving team meetings and client interactions. The biggest challenge he faces in running his studio is managing collaboration among team members.

Project Leads

Amazon is negotiating a lease for 350,000 square feet at 452 Fifth Ave in Manhattan as part of its return-to-office strategy, which mandates all corporate employees to work in-office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. This move would bring Amazon closer to its existing headquarters and follows a trend of office recovery in New York, where Manhattan offices are currently operating at 73.4% occupancy compared to pre-pandemic levels. The shift is seen as beneficial for collaboration and company culture, according to CEO Andy Jassy.

Upcoming Industry Events

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

NeoCon 2025 / DesignDays 2025
June 9-11, 2025 | Chicago, IL
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. A launch pad for innovation—NeoCon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.  Joining at the same time, in Fulton Market is DesignDays, a compatible show that now hosts more than half of the largest office furniture manufacturers. Hint: See both.

Industry Briefing

Bryan Ashley (an OFS company) Appoints Lisa Mehringer as New President
Lisa Mehringer has been appointed as the new President of Bryan Ashley, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience within OFS. Her previous roles include Vice President of Operations, where she oversaw custom furniture projects for major hospitality clients. The company, established in 1986 and acquired by OFS in 2017, aims to enhance its position in the hospitality furniture industry under her leadership, focusing on quality and innovation.

Thinkspace Expands its Reach Adding Three New Rep Groups Covering Seven US states
Thinkspace has expanded its reach by adding three new representative groups: Luther & Associates, Contract Office Marketing, and Stella Group, covering seven US states. Luther & Associates will focus on the Carolinas, Contract Office Marketing will target Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin, while Stella Group will enhance visibility in Michigan. Thinkspace aims to lead the Office Furniture Revolution with innovative acoustic solutions and a commitment to revitalizing workspaces.

IIDA NY Presents Fourth Annual Hazel Siegel Scholarship
The IIDA NY has launched its fourth annual Hazel Siegel Student Scholarship to honor the legacy of the late textile designer Hazel Siegel. The scholarship aims to support New York State interior design students by providing financial assistance for participation in key events, including the SHIFT Conference in Dallas. Sponsored by Momentum Textiles, the scholarship covers travel and conference expenses for three winners, who will also receive a one-year IIDA student membership. Applications are due by December 6, 2024.

Superette Studio’s The Lodge at Bodega Bay Ranked No. 1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
Superette Studio's The Lodge at Bodega Bay has been named the No. 1 hotel in the world in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting its commitment to luxury hospitality. The studio, known for its boutique design, refreshed the hotel's interiors to enhance comfort and regional culture, creating a serene atmosphere. This recognition underscores Superette's design philosophy that integrates local artistry and natural elements, affirming their dedication to inspiring and delightful spaces for travelers.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
A frustrated employee, "Taken For Granted," seeks advice from Stephen about feeling undervalued at work and the potential for career advancement. Stephen encourages the employee to seek new job opportunities, emphasizing that age and past job changes should not hinder career prospects. He advises the employee to communicate accomplishments to their boss while also networking for new roles, highlighting the importance of not underestimating employees' ability to find new jobs in a competitive market.
Byrne is seeking a Business Development Executive to join our Sales Team in the West Territory. We are a fast-paced and fun environment, with a collaborative mindset.
Become part of a forward-thinking team at a company that's quickly becoming an industry game-changer. Wyatt seeks a Territory Sales Manager to promote and sell our seating products in their assigned territories.
Become part of a forward-thinking team at a company that's quickly becoming an industry game-changer. Wyatt seeks a Regional Sales Manager to promote and sell our seating products in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
BioFit Engineered Products is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to oversee and lead the activities of the sales department by performing the duties outlined below. This individual will participate in corporate planning, budget setting, and strategic direction including product & services, markets and channels.
The Regional Sales Manager will be responsible for the sales and sales growth of The Senator Groups products in the region of the country outlined.
The Product Manager will be responsible for outlining the relevant product features and developing a sales strategy for the desking product sales effort. 
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