Francis “Mike” Joseph Tuohy, a visionary entrepreneur and a major figure in the world of contract furniture manufacturing, passed away on January 12, 2025, at the age of 88. His life and work epitomized the spirit of mid-century American ingenuity through his leadership at the Tuohy Furniture Corporation.

Born on March 27, 1936, in Rochester, MN, Mike was the third of 15 children in a bustling and industrious family. In 1955, he was called home from his studies at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, to join the family business, Tuohy Church Furniture. Taking over ownership in 1972, Mike boldly transformed the company’s focus, expanding from crafting furniture for religious spaces to producing high-end office furniture showcased in showrooms across the country. His entrepreneurial drive and commitment to excellence propelled Tuohy Furniture to national prominence.

His leadership extended beyond his company as he served as President of the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer Association (BIFMA) and contributed to numerous economic and development boards, including the Minnesota Sustainable Development Initiative and the Federal Reserve Small Business Advisory Council.

A celebration of Mike’s life will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield, MN.

There is a growing demand for premium office spaces that provide both effective workplaces and exceptional experiences for employees. Companies are increasingly looking to upgrade to higher quality office environments, particularly Class A buildings with desirable amenities, as they return to in-person work. This trend, known as the "flight to quality," reflects a shift in tenant preferences, where businesses are willing to pay more for spaces that enhance employee satisfaction and performance.

 

Research indicates that the quality of office buildings directly correlates with workplace performance, as employees in higher quality environments report increased pride and commitment to their companies. Today's workforce seeks not only functional spaces but also engaging experiences that foster emotional connections and motivation.

The eerie office design in Severance is a result of careful planning by production designer Jeremy Hindle and set decorator Andrew Baseman. The design reflects a mid-century aesthetic, creating a hauntingly generic work environment that evokes a sense of nostalgia and confusion about the concept of "work." Key elements include furniture that aligns with this retro theme, a unique computer that blurs the lines between reality and play, and incentives that resemble carnival prizes. The offices are filled with paintings celebrating the company's founder, Kier Eagan, capturing a sense of worship and irony. The show’s settings, from the Wellness Room to Mark's suburban home, are intentionally designed to convey themes of isolation and corporate control, all while incorporating surreal elements that contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the workplace.

Lisl du Toit from Universal Design Studio emphasizes the need for sustainable and adaptable architecture that responds to socio-economic changes. The studio's project, M127 in Antwerp, exemplifies this approach by transforming a 1960s building into a versatile space that accommodates various functions and fosters community engagement. The design prioritizes transparency and reuse, showcasing the building's evolution while resisting temporary trends. Du Toit argues that sustainable design should be creative and forward-thinking, ensuring spaces remain valuable and relevant for future users.

Neri Oxman leads an innovative laboratory that has received significant funding to explore the intersection of design, biology, and technology. This facility emphasizes radical experimentation and collaboration, fostering a unique environment where creative ideas can flourish. Oxman's approach merges scientific inquiry with artistic expression, aiming to push the boundaries of traditional disciplines and inspire new ways of thinking about design and sustainability.

Humanscale is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Freedom Chair, which was designed by Niels Diffrient to improve ergonomics and comfort in the workplace. The chair, launched in 1999, was conceptualized as an ergonomic tool rather than just furniture, aiming to solve health issues associated with traditional office chairs. To commemorate this milestone, Humanscale is releasing a special collection called Freedom 25, featuring 250 models with updated design elements. The chair is recognized for its innovative self-adjusting mechanism that responds to the user's weight, promoting natural movement and better posture. Notable figures, including former US President Barack Obama, have used the chair, which has become synonymous with comfort and functionality.

Starbucks is shifting its image from a community space to a luxury brand by implementing a new code of conduct that requires customers to make a purchase to use its spaces, reversing its previous open-door policy. This change aims to enhance the in-store experience and address disruptive behavior, reflecting a focus on premium service and exclusivity.

Ryan Anderson, VP of Global Research at MillerKnoll, emphasizes the necessity of designing office spaces that prioritize belonging and community over mere productivity. He advocates for repurposing office buildings into mixed-use developments that foster social connections and combat loneliness. Anderson highlights the importance of coordinated hybrid work models that allow for both productivity and social interaction, stressing that successful design should cater to the emotional and cognitive comfort of employees.

 

He points out that many current workplace tools promote isolation rather than connection, and he urges organizations to create environments that facilitate face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, Anderson discusses the significance of leadership in managing distributed teams and the growing employee desire for purpose and belonging in their workplaces. The focus should be on understanding employee needs and creating supportive environments to enhance well-being and drive organizational success.

The Vignelli Center for Design Studies presents Antenna Design founders Masamichi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger for its Design Conversations lecture series. Antenna Design was founded in 1997 by Masamichi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger. Antenna’s people-centered design work spans physical and digital spaces, considering object, interface and environment together. When addressing complex problems, such as technological change and the transformation of culture, public and private organizations value Antenna’s vision and approach, which is rooted in the belief that design is about shaping people’s behavior.

Alberto Meda discusses the evolution of design today, highlighting the balance between historical inspiration and market demands. He emphasizes the significance of re-editions, using the example of the Frame chair, which reflects a tension between innovation and tradition. Meda notes the growing trend of design companies revisiting their archives, driven by the need for mass appeal, which can lead to a loss of uniqueness and experimentation in design. He expresses concern that this focus on quantity can overshadow the true value of design, which should aim to enhance existing knowledge. Additionally, he acknowledges the role of technology and sustainability in modern design while cautioning against the risk of redundancy in new creations. Meda concludes by advocating for the importance of functionality in design and the need for collaboration between engineering and aesthetics.

Fermilab's new Integrated Engineering Research Center is designed for flexibility to support current and future research on neutrinos, featuring modular spaces and collaborative environments while maintaining a connection to the historic Wilson Hall. The design prioritizes adaptability and visual transparency to foster innovation and scientific exploration.

Materiality is essential in design, influencing sensory experiences and sustainability. Designers must prioritize material properties to create meaningful spaces, balancing aesthetics with functionality and innovation to address current challenges in the industry. Collaboration and education on sustainable practices are crucial for progress.

Gensler is committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030 through low-carbon design, driving impact across all scales, and sharing successful case studies to inspire sustainable development in the built environment. Their strategies focus on operational efficiency, material sustainability, and enhancing ecological health.

Scandinavian Spaces has introduced a new seating collection called Still Life, designed by Marcel Sigel in collaboration with Blå Station. This collection emphasizes a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, featuring a refined solid wood chair with an iconic curled backrest. The versatile collection includes dining, counter, and bar height options, available in various wood finishes and with or without upholstery. The design is stackable and combines comfort with elegance, making it suitable for diverse environments like cafes, bars, and offices. Sigel aims to highlight the simplicity and comfort of the chair while pushing the boundaries of material usage.

Arcadia introduces two innovative planter collections, Cross Contour and Hexadecimal, designed to enhance indoor spaces with nature. The Cross Contour features interlocking aluminum panels for a striking visual effect, while Hexadecimal's hexagonal shape allows for creative arrangements. Both collections promote biophilia, improving well-being and creativity in commercial environments. Available in various finishes, they offer functional and aesthetic benefits for diverse settings.

Muuto and Anderssen & Voll introduce the Settle Outdoor Series, featuring soft upholstered lounge seating that merges indoor comfort with outdoor functionality, inspired by Scandinavian design traditions. The collection emphasizes a light, contemporary aesthetic with innovative details like wooden armrests and a transparent metal structure.

Kimball International introduces new products and enhancements, including WaveWorks with added storage solutions, Fringe 2.0 for high-use spaces, Connolly 2.0 focusing on comfort and cleanability, and Perks for workspace organization, aimed at improving productivity and comfort in workplace, education, and healthcare environments.

Keilhauer introduces the Hout lounge chair, designed by Afteroom, featuring a modern silhouette with a wooden A-frame base, soft curves, and sustainable materials. It balances comfort and visual appeal, certified for high environmental standards.

Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis launches her first chair, the Stedelijk Chair, at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, featuring a timeless, sculptural design made of 100% aluminum, complementing the museum's new entrance and versatile spaces.

Altispace Acoustic Grids enhance interiors by improving sound quality and aesthetics, using eco-friendly materials and customizable designs. Ideal for offices and hospitality, they ensure effective noise control and seamless installation, all while supporting sustainability and local craftsmanship.

The Mitchell Group introduces two new Sta-Kleen Silicone patterns, Spark and Sparky, featuring advanced durability and modern designs for commercial use. Spark offers a solid pattern in thirteen colors, while Sparky presents a metallic design in seven colors, both emphasizing sustainability in their manufacturing process.

In 1930s Czechoslovakia, the Central Social Institution developed a motorized filing system to manage a vast archive of social welfare data, allowing clerks to access high drawers with minimal effort, significantly reducing the workforce needed for the task.

Office chairs with brakes enhance safety and accessibility for disabled users by providing stability, ergonomic support, and adjustable features, promoting independence and compliance with accessibility standards.

Valley Bank's new headquarters, designed by Gensler, in Morristown emphasizes community connection and collaboration, featuring spaces for local nonprofits and amenities that support inclusivity and employee engagement, enhancing the workplace culture significantly.

Holloway Li transforms Club Quarters St Paul’s into a versatile co-working and lounge space, blending comfort with functionality through thoughtful design elements like a cherry-wood wall, a striking blue lava-stone table, and various seating options, catering to the evolving needs of modern business travelers.

Tripadvisor's redesigned Oxford office embraces activity-based working principles, featuring flexible spaces that enhance collaboration and creativity while reflecting local architectural heritage and biophilic design elements for employee wellbeing.

Zack Bowen, inspired by the challenges of remote work during the pandemic, created Clubhouse Edina in Minnesota—a community-driven workspace that combines a member-only social club with professional amenities. The space offers various workstations, private offices, and conference rooms, all designed for focus and relaxation, alongside luxurious lounges and golf facilities. Bowen's vision was to blend work and leisure seamlessly, enhancing productivity and collaboration. The workspace features ergonomic furniture and is suitable for events and gatherings, all styled to evoke a warm, country club atmosphere. Haworth's dealer partner, Fluid Interiors, led the project, embodying the belief that great spaces empower people to thrive.

The Ajman Ruler's Court features a design by Roar that blends modern aesthetics with traditional Emirati elements, showcasing local art and sustainable materials, while promoting a welcoming and culturally significant workplace environment. Key features include a striking front desk, brass and wood elevator framing, and a central staircase inspired by desert dunes.

Shpetim Ujkani, a Senior Designer at Google, focuses on making cybersecurity accessible through user-friendly tools. He emphasizes streamlining his workspace and nurturing creativity through diverse interests outside of work, while showcasing his updated workspace for 2025.

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.

HOK celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on its growth from a St. Louis-based firm to a global leader in architecture and design with 26 offices worldwide. The firm emphasizes its founding vision of diverse talents enriching lives through design and plans to engage in community service as part of its anniversary celebrations.

Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.

District Manager has responsibility for sales, promotional, support, trainingand educational activities targeted to designated OFS/ Carolina dealerships, The Architect/ Design community, Commercial Real Estate community and the End User community.

Logiflex a well-established office furniture manufacturer is looking for a Corporate Sales Representative for the  North Texas and Oklahoma USA market to expand our clientele and create strong relationships with our clients.

Logiflex, a well-established office furniture manufacturer is looking for a Regional Sales Director responsible for increasing sales in the South East USA Market. Identifying new business opportunities, developing business relations and increasing Logiflex’s visibility.