Herman Miller's new logo looks a lot like its old, and that's by design / Dan Chong named New President of Boss Design North America / Ultrafabrics and Allgood partner to bring the world’s best performance fabric to luxury hardware / Yulio Technologies Inc. unveils groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) integration for CET Designer / Kravet acquires Caroline Cecil Textiles / Review: imm cologne 2024 / 'Hard To Fathom': NYC Says Office Values, Even At Class-B Buildings, Rose Last Year / Office Tenants Search For Value While Shrinking Footprints / Trophy Office Space Is Hot. What Will It Take To Build More? / Thinking Outside the (Big) Box / Why It’s Important To Get Metrics Right For Hybrid and Remote Work / Remote Work Doesn’t Seem to Affect Productivity, San Francisco Fed Study Finds / Why it’s time to leave the home office behind / Design for Human Aspirations / The Impact of Office Design on Employee Wellbeing and Productivity / Room & Board is B Corporation Certified / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, January 22, 2024

The Latest Buzz in Contract Furniture and the Workspace

It's Monday (again) so welcome to your one-stop-shop for all the latest and greatest in the world of contract furnishings and all things related. We've got a bunch of interesting stories, from rebrands to new appointments and some pretty cool collaborations. Meanwhile, today marks the start of the BIFMA 360 conference in warm, balmy, Sarasota (Florida). We're not expecting any particular announcements during the conference other than perhaps some low golf scores.

First up today, Herman Miller has given itself a bit of a facelift. They're keeping it classic yet fresh with a logo tweak, a new color palette, and a typeface change. The folks at Order have done a stellar job of preserving the iconic "M" logo we've all come to know, originally designed way back in 1946. And let's talk about the new typeface, Söhne - it's like Helvetica but with a practical twist. It's all about staying true to their roots while evolving, especially under their MillerKnoll identity.

Boss Design North America got a new President - Dan Chong. This guy's got an impressive track record with big names like MillerKnoll and Steelcase. He's all set to fuse European design flair with American manufacturing prowess, and he's doing it all from North Carolina. Sounds like Boss Design is ready to make some serious moves in the North American market.

In the world of luxury hardware, there's a new duo turning heads - Ultrafabrics and Allgood. They're teaming up to bring Ultrafabrics' high-tech performance fabrics to the world of door and cabinet hardware. Imagine sleek handles with tailored grips that offer softness, longevity, and easy cleaning. This collab is all about innovation and sustainability, and it's giving us some serious design goals.

Yulio Technologies is making a splash in the virtual reality scene by adding augmented reality (AR) to the mix. Their "Yulio Jump" extension for CET Designer is now AR-enabled, letting designers tag furniture for AR viewing. It's a game-changer for presentations, making decision-making a breeze for clients.

Kravet's latest move is pretty exciting – they've acquired Caroline Cecil Textiles. Caroline Cecil herself is joining as the creative director, bringing a fresh indie vibe to Kravet's portfolio. This is a first for Kravet, and we're eager to see what comes out of this blend of experience and fresh talent.

Office spaces are seeing some interesting trends. Moody's Analytics reports a spike in office vacancies, hinting at more downsizing in 2024. Yet, in a surprising twist, NYC's office values are climbing, even for Class-B buildings. Over in Miami, the market's leaning towards smaller leases and looking beyond traditional business hubs. Meanwhile, trophy office spaces are hot property, but there's a lag in new construction. And let's not forget the rising office loan delinquencies – a sign of the times, perhaps?

Rethinking big box stores is becoming a thing. Converting them into workspaces is not just practical but also a nod towards sustainability. These transformations are all about creating spaces that are both human-scaled and conducive to well-being and company culture.

In office design, ancillary spaces are the new stars. These areas, decked out with residential-style furniture, are redefining collaboration and employee comfort. It's a shift towards making offices more adaptable and inviting.

Metrics in hybrid and remote work setups are getting a revamp. As remote work becomes the norm, developing precise productivity metrics that also respect employee well-being is becoming essential. The integration of AI and expert consulting is proving crucial in this evolving work landscape.

Here's something interesting – a recent study suggests that volunteering is the only workplace wellness program that genuinely boosts employee mental health. This finding is prompting organizations to rethink their approach to employee well-being, focusing more on purpose and community engagement and perhaps less on the physical workspace.

A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco reveals that remote work hasn't really dented productivity across various industries. It seems that the ability to adapt to remote work varies, with no clear productivity edge either way.

Read on for more…

Industry News

Herman Miller has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a slightly different logo, color palette, and typeface. The new look aims to reflect the evolution of the company while maintaining its legacy. The previous brand identity no longer aligned with the company's current business and marketing strategies. The rebrand also emphasizes Herman Miller's separate identity under MillerKnoll. The new identity, developed by Order, preserves the iconic "M" logo designed by Irving Harper in 1946. The typeface and color palette draw inspiration from the company's history. The typeface, called Söhne, is a practical iteration of Helvetica. Overall, the rebranding effort seeks to strike a balance between updating the brand and preserving its heritage.

Dan Chong named New President of Boss Design North America
Dan Chong has been named the new President of Boss Design North America. With extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience, Dan will promote Boss Design's vision and mission to create high-quality products that transform spaces.
 
Dan brings considerable industry knowledge and senior leadership credentials in the commercial sector. Having worked with companies including MillerKnoll, Knoll, HBF and Steelcase, Dan has a proven track record of developing brand and commercial strategies that drive organizations forward.
 
Operating from North Carolina, Dan will oversee the localization of product lines, combining European design with American manufacturing. Boss Design aims to tap into the vast potential in the North American market.

Ultrafabrics and Allgood partner to bring the world’s best performance fabric to luxury hardware
Ultrafabrics and Allgood have partnered to bring Ultrafabrics' high-tech performance fabrics to customizable door and cabinet hardware in the Sembla collection. The partnership allows Ultrafabrics textiles to be used as tailored grips on sleek handles, offering softness, longevity, and cleanability. The Sembla collection, made by Allgood, offers a wide selection of colors, materials, textures, and finishes, including Ultrafabrics' leather-like Brisa distressed finish and pearlized metallic finish. The collaboration showcases the innovative use of Ultrafabrics in unexpected places and contributes to a sustainable approach to business. The Sembla collection is configurable and complements any interior design with its unique pieces of hardware tailored to a designer's vision.

Yulio Technologies Inc., a Virtual Reality (VR) tool provider, announces an upgrade to its "Yulio Jump for CET Designer" extension. The new version integrates Augmented Reality (AR) into Yulio presentations, letting users tag objects in CET projects for immediate AR viewing.

The "Jump" extension, widely used for creating VR experiences from CET, now includes AR functionality. This allows designers and marketers to enhance presentations with interactive AR elements, facilitating better presentations and quicker client decisions.

"Designers can now easily incorporate AR elements into their CET projects," says Rob Kendal, Managing Director at Yulio Technologies.

The process is simple: Users tag any furniture object as an ‘AR’ component in their CET project and create the 360 presentation using the Yulio Jump extension. These items are integrated into the final Yulio project for AR presentation on any device or VR/AR headset.

Ian Hall, Chief Product Officer at Yulio, says, "By adding AR to Yulio Jump for CET, we're enhancing the ‘try before you buy’ options already available through VR."

The upgraded Yulio Jump extension for CET Designer is now available for download from the Configura Marketplace at no extra cost for existing Yulio subscribers.

The imm cologne 2024 exhibition (home furniture) took place in Cologne, showcasing a reduced number of exhibitors compared to previous years. The focus was on connecting communities and promoting sustainability. Highlights included innovative furniture designs, modular sofa landscapes, and a variety of lighting fixtures. The exhibition also featured new ideas in storage furniture and home office solutions. Overall, the event created a positive atmosphere and provided opportunities for high-quality discussions and collaborations among established brands and emerging talents.
Kravet has acquired Caroline Cecil Textiles, with Caroline Cecil herself joining Kravet as the creative director of her brand. The deal allows Cecil to have access to more resources and industry icons, while Kravet plans to distribute Cecil's line and group it with other boutique brands. This acquisition marks the first time Kravet has acquired a relatively young indie fabric company.
According to a report from Moody's Analytics, office vacancy rates reached an all-time high last year and are expected to continue through 2024. The trend of downsizing office spaces has been accelerated by the pandemic, with many businesses planning to move out as their leases expire. However, reducing office space can also isolate employees and hinder collaboration. It is important to create a workplace that offers something unique and valuable that employees can't get at home.
Despite economic headwinds, the New York City Department of Finance has determined that the average office building in the city is more valuable today than before the pandemic. The tentative property tax assessment roll shows that property values have increased, with trophy office buildings seeing the biggest increase at 5.6%. Class-B office values also increased by 3.17%. However, some experts disagree with the assessments, citing high office vacancies and continued market weakness. Construction and renovation spending has seen a resurgence, but concerns remain about record levels of debt and the future of the office market.
Miami's office market in the fourth quarter of 2023 experienced a shift towards smaller leases by established tenants and recent arrivals, with deals below 20K SF accounting for 81% of activity. Tenants are expanding their search beyond traditional business hubs like Brickell, where rents are higher, to neighborhoods like Downtown Miami and Doral. While Brickell saw negative absorption, Downtown Miami saw positive absorption and lower rents. Suburban office parks captured the largest new leases, and smaller footprints dominate the pipeline of tenants. Rent growth is expected to hold steady in most markets, and the region is expected to see similar levels of activity in 2024.
The demand for top-tier office space in U.S. downtowns is increasing, but the supply of new buildings is not keeping up. Lenders are hesitant to finance new projects, requiring higher pre-leasing commitments. The subleasing market for trophy space is also growing. The lack of new construction is causing availability rates to drop in cities like New York, Chicago, and D.C. Developers are still planning new trophy projects, but the market for new office construction is expected to remain restricted.
Office-backed commercial loans ended 2023 with a delinquency rate of 6.5%, up from 5.1% in the previous quarter. Delinquency rates for other commercial property types also increased, with hospitality at 6.1% and multifamily at 1.2%. Retail delinquencies remained flat at 5%. The Mortgage Bankers Association expects some improvement in 2024 due to a decrease in long-term interest rates, but challenges remain with high office vacancies and lease expirations leading to downsizing.
A review of CMBS loans reveals that there is a sizeable rollover risk in the office sector in the next two years, with approximately 217 million square feet of office leases expiring. The top five metros with the most square footage expiring are New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria. There is a concentration of potential risk throughout the country, with examples such as the Worldwide Plaza Tower in New York facing a significant vacancy as a major tenant's lease expires. The pressure of hybrid work and reconsideration of space needs may lead to downsizing or non-renewal of leases, resulting in high vacancies and downward pressures on rents. Landlords are advised to focus on risk management and contingency plans.

Features

Converting big box stores into vibrant workplaces offers numerous advantages, including endless possibilities, reasonable cost, and existing assets like parking lots. These conversions also support sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions. Considerations for successful conversions include evaluating existing infrastructure, transforming vast spaces into human-scaled offices, bringing in natural light, and adding elements that promote well-being and company culture. Examples of successful conversions include Discover Chatham and Loffler Companies.
Ancillary spaces and products play a crucial role in office design, shaping organizational culture and supporting collaboration. These versatile spaces, furnished with residential-style furniture, enhance the office experience and improve employee well-being. Ancillary spaces foster collaboration and productivity, and their flexibility is essential as work environments evolve. Haworth offers a range of ancillary products to create adaptable and inspiring spaces that support different workstyles.

Workspace News

In hybrid and remote work, it is crucial to develop metrics that track productivity while supporting employee well-being and autonomy. Balancing the needs of the organization and its employees, providing deep insights and data, and considering a multifaceted approach to measurement are key. The integration of AI in metric measurement and the importance of expert consulting in defining metrics are also highlighted.
A recent study suggests that workplace wellness programs, except for volunteering, do not significantly improve employee mental health. The study found that participation in mindfulness classes, stress management programs, and well-being apps did not show significant improvement. However, volunteering promotes a sense of belonging, cultivates a collaborative workplace culture, and fulfills the need for meaningful work experiences. The data suggests that organizations should reexamine their approach to promoting employee well-being by focusing on initiatives that foster purpose and community engagement, such as partnerships with charities and volunteer days.
JM Smucker Co. has implemented an unconventional return-to-office policy, encouraging employees to come in during "core weeks" (Tuesday through Thursday every other week) to balance in-person work and quality of life. The policy has been successful, with increased flexibility, lower attrition, improved productivity, and outstanding recruitment. Adjustments have been made to remind employees of the importance of being present during core weeks. Challenges include managing empty office space and considering alternative uses such as converting it into condos. Smucker acknowledges that each company must do what is right for its employees, but their approach has proven effective.
According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, there is little evidence that the shift to remote and hybrid work has significantly impacted productivity growth in US industries. The study found that industries adaptable to remote work have not seen a larger boost or decline in productivity compared to industries with more in-person work. The researchers examined productivity trends in 43 industries and found little statistical relationship between productivity and the prevalence of remote work since the pandemic.
The rise of video calls has led to a shift in workplace communication, but phone calls still have their place. Video calls are suitable for bringing unfamiliar people closer together and for longer meetings, while phone calls work well for quick conversations and when there are logistical challenges. Factors such as accessibility needs and biases in video calls should also be considered. Managers should communicate their preferred methods of communication and be mindful of when to use video calls versus phone calls to create a better work environment.
This series discusses the silent crisis of workplace loneliness and its impact on work culture. It highlights the pre-pandemic rise of workplace loneliness, the effects on Gen-Z workers, and the importance of identifying signs of loneliness in colleagues. The series emphasizes the need to address workplace loneliness and its detrimental effects on individuals and organizations.
Mentoring is on the rise as companies recognize its benefits in skill transfer, practical support, and career development. Younger generations seek connections and diverse career paths, while mentors gain leadership skills and a better understanding of challenges. Mentoring also improves productivity, engagement, and staff retention, leading to higher profits and cost savings for companies. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a mentoring culture, and user-friendly digital platforms facilitate mentor-mentee pairings.

Trends

The workplace trends for 2024 focus on people performance over real estate metrics, curated destinations instead of universal planning, abundance rather than scarcity, in-person relationships rather than virtual connections, multi-use neighborhoods instead of monotonous office buildings, biophilia and natural elements, privacy for focused work, holistic well-being, workplace ecosystems beyond the office, joy of work, adaptable design, and putting people first. These trends reflect the changing needs and expectations of employees in the evolving workplace landscape.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, a significant percentage of industries and businesses have returned to working from designated workplaces, signaling the end of working from home for many. The article discusses the future of home office spaces and provides links to articles on boosting mood with lighting and creating a home office space.

Design

Designing workplaces for multigenerational talent should consider universal human aspirations, including a sense of purpose, mentoring and collaboration, autonomy through choice, collegiality and networking, and unique experiences. With the rise of hybrid work, it's essential to create spaces that promote connection, learning, and flexibility. Workplaces should offer a range of options for employees to choose from, depending on their tasks. Additionally, fostering an environment for mentorship and networking can enhance learning and creativity. Lastly, workplaces should provide experiences and tools not available at home, making them attractive destinations for employees.
Office design plays a crucial role in employee wellbeing and productivity. The shift from traditional, rigid offices to dynamic and humane designs reflects the recognition of the impact of the environment on mental health, creativity, and efficiency. Well-designed offices can nurture mental health, reduce interruptions, and enhance focus. Furniture choices, such as ergonomic designs, are essential for a healthy and efficient workplace. Innovations like biophilic design, incorporating elements of nature, have positive effects on wellbeing and productivity. The convergence of office design with employee wellbeing and productivity is a calculated move towards more humane and effective workspaces, recognizing that when employees thrive, so does the business.
This article explores the need to rethink architecture and design models in response to climate change and social issues. It highlights initiatives such as Multicontextual Design and Alternative Practice that prioritize values like community, equity, and sustainability. The article features discussions with designers and architects who challenge the status quo and seek to create alternative realities and liberatory futures through their work.
This article highlights twelve modernist furniture designs by 20th-century architects, including pieces by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Charles and Ray Eames, and more. These designs have had a significant impact on 20th-century design, with some still in production today and others influencing contemporary designers.

Green / Stainability

This article discusses the concept of circularity in furniture manufacturing and its importance in achieving a closed-loop economy. It features insights from three experts who highlight the need for bio-based materials, streamlining the second-life market, and designing for reuse and longevity. The article emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collective action in achieving true circularity.

Room & Board is B Corporation Certified
Room & Board, a Minneapolis-based furniture retailer, has announced its certification as a B Corporation™. This certification reflects the company's commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Room & Board has a long-standing dedication to sustainability and has made significant progress in areas such as sustainable sourcing, renewable energy usage, and supporting nonprofits. The certification reaffirms the company's commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society.
The Lucerne office project in Switzerland showcases an innovative indoor garden that seamlessly integrates nature and functionality. The project features a vertical garden with low maintenance requirements and smart design elements, including the use of Jakob Rope Systems' Webnet. This project serves as an inspiration for US office design, highlighting the importance of incorporating nature into workspaces for employee well-being and environmental sustainability.

Technology

Perkins&Will has launched PRECEDE, an open-source tool that provides architects and designers with access to public health data to create healthier environments. PRECEDE integrates demographic, environmental, and health data, offering designers insights into factors like income, traffic proximity, and cancer prevalence. It not only provides educational resources but also recommends actionable solutions. The tool aims to address health disparities and empower designers to take informed design decisions. PRECEDE has been funded by the ASID Foundation and underwent two years of testing and development. Perkins&Will has already used the tool for various projects, identifying vulnerabilities and tailoring design strategies. The firm is seeking partnerships to expand the tool's accessibility and incorporate more design strategies.
Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing the architecture and design industry by enhancing the design review process and improving communication among stakeholders. VR allows designers, engineers, and contractors to experience 3D digital models in an immersive way, identifying potential issues and making necessary adjustments before construction begins. This technology not only improves efficiency and reduces costs but also enables clients to provide real-time feedback and make informed decisions. VR is also being used in urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental planning, offering new perspectives and promoting sustainable decision-making.

Coworking

According to a report from Coworking Café, the U.S. coworking industry is benefiting from the rise of remote work. In Q4 2023, Los Angeles surpassed Manhattan as the city with the most coworking spaces, albeit by a narrow margin. New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Austin also experienced significant increases in coworking spaces. Dallas-Fort Worth overtook Washington, D.C. for the third spot, while Seattle and Minneapolis-St. Paul saw slight decreases. Overall, 20 of the top 25 U.S. markets witnessed growth in coworking spaces.

Other News

The Heimtextil 2024 trade fair showcased key trends in the textile industry, including a focus on sustainability and alternative materials. Eco certifications are becoming a baseline for attracting business, and companies are using innovative materials like pineapple leaves and corn byproducts. Efforts to make polyester more sustainable are underway, and innovations in dyeing processes aim to reduce water consumption and environmental impact. AI technology is also being integrated into the industry.
After Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, ex-employees purchased office memorabilia, including hashtag signs and company art, that were auctioned off. One employee bought a six-foot-tall hashtag statue for $500, while others acquired artwork depicting viral tweets. Musk has made significant changes to the company, including layoffs and a rebranding to "X." The value of X has decreased by 71% since Musk took over.

Where are they Now?

Steelcase's last jet has a new owner and new livery (i.e. paint job)
Spotted. Steelcase, renowned for its flights to HQ for customers (and potential customers), streamlined its operations in 2019 by divesting its private jet fleet. This strategic move was driven by the desire to minimize deadhead flights and lessen environmental impact, as well as affordability issues and profit margin pressures. Among the jets sold was their prized Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000EX, notably bearing the tail number N377SC. This particular aircraft is now under the ownership of SAM & SAM 3 Consultants LLC, based in Scottsdale, AZ, and, looking at the photo, seems to be under repair. [photo January 19, 2024, Scottsdale, AZ]. 

Latest Product News

AIS Introduces Thoughtfully Curated Lounge Collection, Further Expanding its Product Portfolio
In a notable announcement, AIS unveiled its latest addition to their product line - the innovative Lounge Collection™. This collection is a testament to AIS's commitment to cater to a wide array of user needs, ranging from providing a tranquil space for relaxation to fostering collaborative environments.

What sets the Lounge Collection apart is its construction process, where each piece is the result of skilled craftsmanship. The artisans involved in the production meticulously oversee every stage, ensuring quality and durability. The collection's design philosophy blends organic and geometric shapes, offering a mix of both slender and robust profiles. It seamlessly integrates transitional and contemporary styles, making a statement with its attention to detail. This is evident in the double-stitching, tufted lines, and the unique puzzle joinery that not only enhances the aesthetics but also guarantees longevity.

Designed for versatility and timelessness, the Lounge Collection is a perfect fit for various spaces, including reception areas, executive offices, and collaborative or respite lounges. With its broad range and distinctive aesthetic options, the collection boasts eight unique lounge lines (Chic, Hakr, NV, Soft, Juggle, Chatham Cove, LB Lounge, and Volker) and three occasional table lines (Chic, Hakr, and Prisma).

Designers and users alike will find value in the collection's quality and sustainability. The materials used include responsibly sourced hardwood and high-density foam, ensuring enduring comfort. Remarkably, 90% of the manufacturing process is powered hydraulically. Efforts to minimize waste are evident in the on-demand boxing and the use of fabric-cutting machines that drastically reduce waste.

The Lounge Collection offers a palette of soothing neutrals, vibrant colors, and versatile textures, with over 40 upholstery options, diverse paint choices, and a range of base finishes. For detailed specifications, one can refer to the pricelist.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Brianne Devine, the Vice President of Product Management, Design, and Strategic Partnerships at AIS, commented on the launch. She highlighted the company's eagerness to expand their portfolio with the Lounge Collection, in response to dealer and customer demand. Devine emphasized the collection's role in enhancing office environments with its organic shapes, exquisite tactile materials, and a diverse range of seating and table options, all crafted with exceptional skill and an array of integrated finishes. 
Teknion has launched the Kupp Flip-Top Tables, designed to complement the Kupp horizontal nesting chair. These tables offer a space-saving design with versatile linking capabilities, making them ideal for dynamic workspaces. The tables feature an intuitive flip-top surface, two-sided work surface finish, and customization options. They can be tailored to fit any workspace perfectly, accommodating individual needs.
Hightower has added two new seating solutions, FourAll® Lounge and FourUs® Solo, to its portfolio. FourAll® Lounge, designed by Roger Webb Associates, offers an elegant seating option with highback for added privacy. FourUs® Solo, designed by Nørgaard Design, is a larger seat for individual work or relaxation, with options for integrated power and accessories. Hightower aims to provide comfortable and stylish furniture for productive working environments.

Watson Furniture Unveils the Mastermind Collection
Watson Furniture introduces the Mastermind Collection, a versatile and aesthetically pleasing range of meeting and conference table solutions. The collection offers a variety of table configurations, materials, finishes, and power options, with a universal leg bracket system for easy installation and assembly. The four unique products in the collection, Mastermind Tables, Mastermind Conference, Mastermind System, and Mastermind Flow, cater to different interaction styles and space requirements. The collection can be viewed in Watson's showrooms and is designed to inspire and support users in the workplace.

Dealer Showrooms

The Modern Workplace Reimagined: Tangram Interiors Launches Hybrid Office & Showroom in Dallas
Tangram Interiors launched a new office space and showroom in Dallas, Texas, last year, paying homage to the city's history and culture. The design features a blend of industrial materials, local landmarks, and a 1920s theme. The showroom offers various workspaces, cutting-edge technology, and flexible seating options. Tangram's expansion has led to a significant business growth of 400% in its first year. Tangram's Dallas showroom was officially opened on September 7th, marked by a grand opening event that welcomed a range of clients, partners, and community members. 

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Designed by SJK Architects, Penguin Random House India's new office headquarters in Gurugram creates a post-pandemic workspace that encourages collaboration and meaningful exchange. The office features common clusters, meeting rooms, and workstations strategically arranged to foster a welcoming and personalized work environment. The design incorporates the brand's identity through a restrained color palette, thematic artwork, and a handcrafted cement screen resembling books. The office layout offers multiple workspace options within the same space, promoting collaboration and creativity.
New York-based Architecture Plus Information (A+I) has designed a utopian office for Publicis Groupe in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. The office, called "Le Truc," breaks down conventional advertising norms and offers diverse environments to support creativity. The space features non-linear designs, vibrant colors, and flexible areas for collaboration. A+I has successfully created a contemporary and creative workplace for Publicis Groupe.
eBay entrusted M Moser Associates to build a new workplace in Sydney that incorporates updated brand direction and creates a human-centric and agile environment. The project focuses on flexibility, choice, and collaboration, with key features including branding integration, an elevated experience with diverse workspaces, and a culture of connectivity. The space aims to empower eBay's people to perform at their best.
STUDIO K's design for BIÂN, Chicago's health and social club, reflects their empathetic design ethos with a holistic approach and collaborative workflow. The 25,000-square-feet space features natural materials, minimalist interventions, and maximalist textures to create an "industrial zen" atmosphere. The club includes fitness, recovery, nutrition, medicine, socialization, and spa spaces, providing a biosphere for living rather than a typical luxury facility. The design allows for appropriate space while maintaining a welcoming and luxurious feel.

Upcoming Industry Events

Clerkenwell Design Week 2024
May 21-23, 2024 | London

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a showcase of leading UK and international brands and companies presented in a series of showroom events, exhibitions and special installations that take place across the area.

NeoCon 2024
June 10-12, 2024 | 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.  

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

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.

Upcoming:
Workspace Design Show reveals all-encompassing speaker programme
The Workspace Design Show, taking place on February 27-28, 2024, in London, will feature over 120 speakers across various discourse elements, including the Workspace Design Talks programme, Sustainability Works, the Occupiers Forum, and the FIS Conference. The event aims to bring together industry professionals to exchange insights on workplace design and showcase innovative ideas.

Industry Briefing

Dauphin Welcomes Toby Tobin as National Sales Director
Dauphin welcomes Toby Tobin as their National Sales Director. Toby brings extensive sales management experience and strategic leadership to his new role. Dauphin aims to empower people through quality furniture and looks forward to achieving success with Toby's contribution.

Versteel Welcomes Phil Englert as National Sales Manager
Versteel announced the appointment of Phil Englert as National Sales Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the furniture industry, Phil will lead Versteel's sales strategies and cultivate relationships within the contract furniture market. His commitment to excellence and customer-focused leadership style align with Versteel's goal of exceeding expectations.

Hardened wood named Best Product by Design Journal
Bjelin's hardened wood 3.0 series has been awarded Design Journal's Best Product 2023 for remarkable home and interior design. The wood floors are exceptionally durable, sustainable, and made with patented Woodura® technology. They are three times stronger than traditional wood floors while using a tenth of the raw material. The leakproof 5G Dry® floor locking system ensures easy installation and watertight joints. The range offers various plank sizes and is suitable for residential and heavy-traffic areas.

Versteel Unveils New Website Experience with Captivating Tagline: “Our Niche is You”
Versteel has launched a revamped website with a fresh design and an engaging tagline, "Our Niche is You." The new design emphasizes user experience, individuality, and accessibility. Visitors can easily explore Versteel's product offerings, company ethos, and resources. The website reflects Versteel's commitment to a people-centric approach and its dedication to providing high-quality furniture solutions. versteel.com

Bjelin Sells Rigid Core Products in the US via Revolution Mills
Bjelin has partnered with Revolution Mills to sell its rigid core range in the US. The range offers waterproof flooring that is more sustainable than traditional options. The collaboration with Revolution Mills signifies Bjelin's growth in the US market. The rigid core collection features luxurious wood looks and incorporates innovative technologies such as Liteback™ and 5G Dry™ for lighter, more sound-absorbent flooring. The product is also empowered by leakproof floor locking technology. Bjelin is part of the Pervanovo company group and is known for its laminate and click flooring products.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I am an A&D rep for one of the major manufacturers. We are only into January of 2024, and my A&D and dealer clients are already talking about attending #Salone2024, which is from April 16th until the 24th of this spring in Milan.
Territory – Covering Ohio (Davis Group), Michigan (DII), KY (TMG-KY), IN (TMG-IN), Central/ Southern IL (Direct rep), Chicago and Northern IL (Direct Sales team), WI (Direct rep), MN, ND and SD (True North), IA, NE, KS and MO (M2 Inc and M2 Inc - MO), 
Successful, fast growing Canadian lock manufacturer is looking for a We are looking for an experienced Sales Executive to develop new long-term customer relationships.
Spacefile USA is looking for a Strategic Account Manager that will be responsible for calling on commercial furniture dealers in the Northeast.
MOD, a leader in power and lighting components for furniture in the workplace, hospitality, education furniture industry is seeking an energetic and motivated individual to join our team as a Territory Sales Representative.
BRC Group, consisting of Tayco, Woodlore and BRC, is a leading provider of office furniture and workspace solutions. We are currently looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Director of Marketing & Communications to join our team.
BRC is looking for an enthusiastic Regional Sales Director to join our dynamic team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities: · Serve as main liaison and support person to our lab reseller...
MODSILVER, a premier provider of cutting-edge commercial table bases, table legs, and accessories that manufactures its products in the USA, is expanding its sales team and seeking independent sales representatives to cover select US territories.
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