Chicago's most expensive street is in Fulton Market / Architecture Billings Continue to Soften / Chinese Manufacturer of Ergonomic Office Furniture Sets Up Sales Office in Pasadena / Room & Board Celebrates Transition to 100% Employee Ownership / CoStar Acquiring Virtual Tour Leader Matterport for $1.6B / Teknion Corporation Achieves Milestone Approval for "Near-Term Science Based Targets" by Science Based Targets Initiative / Gen Z and Millennials Most Likely to Demand a Raise for a 5-Day Office Commute / 'I Thought It Was A Mistake': Office Lease Expirations Are Lining Up, With Tenants In Driver's Seat / Survey: Back in the office, feds feel mixed on office space functionality / Americans in Milan: Why Salone is drawing so many stateside visitors / The rise of the remote husband / Anxiety, Technology and Change Unite the Global Workforce / Millennials Are the Driving Force Behind Four-Day Work Weeks in America, Survey Finds / How coworking spaces are getting people out of home offices / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, April 29, 2024

Industry News

The architecture industry continues to face challenges as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reveals a 14-month low in billings. Factors such as high construction costs and interest rates contribute to the decline, with regional firms being most affected. However, there is hope as institutional design work shows signs of stabilization. The downturn is widespread across all American regions, with commercial/industrial specialization experiencing a faster decline. The ABI serves as an economic indicator of construction activity, and key findings for March include regional averages, sector breakdowns, and indices for project inquiries and design contracts.
CoStar Group is acquiring Matterport, a leader in virtual property tours, for $1.6 billion, well north of the entire marketcap of Steelcase ($1.38). The transaction will be split evenly between cash and stock. Matterport produces photorealistic 3D virtual tours (including past NeoCon showrooms) and has a spatial property data library with 12 million spaces in 177 countries. CoStar currently uses nearly 300,000 Matterport digital twins on its platforms. The acquisition aligns with CoStar's mission of digitizing real estate and will involve investing in research and development for next-generation proptech.

Room & Board Celebrates Transition to 100% Employee Ownership
Room & Board, the American furniture retailer, has transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving their 1,100 employees a financial stake in the company. This move reflects the company's commitment to profitability, organic growth, and the well-being of its staff members. Room & Board has a history of championing employee well-being and recently obtained B-Corp certification, further emphasizing its investment in employees and environmental stewardship.
Chinese manufacturer V-Mounts Ergonomics has opened a sales and support office in Pasadena, aiming to provide shorter development and production lead times for partners. The company, known for its ergonomic office furniture, plans to showcase its products at industry events and trade shows to strengthen its presence in the North American market.
A survey of federal employees reveals mixed feelings about the functionality of office spaces as they return to work. Many employees find limited or insufficient physical spaces for team meetings and events, and some struggle to find suitable workspaces. Concerns include distractions in cubicle-style arrangements and the lack of collaborative spaces. Employees also express a desire for office setups that align with the goals of in-person work. The survey highlights the need for agencies to balance space with design and create modern amenities to improve staff morale. Additionally, employees note limited resources and food options in and around the office. While the availability of office equipment is generally sufficient, concerns remain about shared spaces and desk-sharing. Despite the return to the office, many employees report higher productivity while teleworking.
DIRTT Environmental Solutions, a global leader in industrialized construction, provided an update on its journey to excellence with its new executive leadership team and board of directors. Highlights include improved gross profit margin, positive net cash flows, accelerated pipeline growth, and enhanced inventory management. DIRTT also announced the release date of its Q1 2024 financial results on May 8, 2024, with a conference call and webcast scheduled for May 9, 2024.
A survey conducted in Canada found that Gen Z and millennials are more likely to demand a raise if required to commute to the office five days a week. The preference for hybrid work among younger generations is driven by factors such as personal career growth and mental health benefits. The survey also revealed that flexible work locations are associated with improved well-being. Employers need to balance the demands of younger employees with the concerns of older generations to ensure employee satisfaction and retention.
A wave of lease expirations is giving office tenants unprecedented leverage in negotiations, leading to lower rents and more favorable lease terms. With a significant amount of office leases set to expire in the coming years, tenants are taking advantage of the imbalance between supply and demand. Landlords who are not willing to negotiate may struggle to retain tenants, and lenders are also getting involved in negotiations. However, the availability and quality of the building can impact the outcome of the negotiations.
Software giant Oracle Corp. plans to move its headquarters from Austin to Nashville to be closer to the healthcare industry. The move comes just four years after Oracle relocated from Silicon Valley to Austin. The company had already committed to creating 8,500 jobs in Nashville by 2031 and will establish a 70-acre campus on the East Bank of the Cumberland River. Nashville offered $175M in incentives for the development. The move is driven by Oracle's focus on the healthcare industry, as evidenced by its acquisition of electronic health records company Cerner for $28B in late 2021.

Features

The rise of remote work has led to a new trend among well-educated couples: the rise of the remote husband. With more men having the option to work remotely, it allows their partners to pursue career opportunities in different locations. This flexibility can benefit both partners in terms of career advancement and work-life balance.

@Salone del Mobile

An American walks into Bar Basso-and a thousand other Americans sit down next to him. It's not a joke (not a funny one, anyhow): It's just business as us...
The Salone del Mobile.Milano and Milan Design Week 2024 showcased a range of innovative designs and collaborations. Highlights included the environmentally-friendly "Catifa Carta" chair made from PaperShell, the "Cadenza" furniture collection by Expormim, and the "Prism" stools by Tecta. In the bathroom area, Roca's "Nu" collection and Decor Walther's "Of.Line" collection were notable. The event also featured adjustable dining tables like the "Nastro Collection" by Alias and the "Decumano" tables by Fantoni. The SaloneSatellite celebrated its 25th anniversary, awarding Studio Ololoo from China first place for their "Deformation Under Pressure" luminaire. The event saw a 17.1% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with a total of 361,417 attendees.
The author reflects on their experience visiting the Salone del Mobile on a Saturday and interacting with the non-expert public. They observe different types of visitors, including those who appreciate beauty, average enthusiasts looking for refined pieces, and enthusiast/pro-level individuals who have a deep interest in design. The author also mentions their encounters with various exhibitors and their impressions of the fair.

Workspace News

As office attendance remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, many employees are working from coffee shops instead. Coffee shops have become central hubs for remote work, but managing the influx of customers using their tables as offices has posed challenges. Some coffee shops have implemented minimum order requirements, seating time limits, and restrictions on laptop use. Innovations like integrating with Point of Sale systems and selling internet access by the hour are transforming coffee shops into new offices. Co-working spaces could benefit from this shift, capturing a significant portion of the growing demographic. However, not all coffee shops welcome this transformation, reflecting a divide in how these community spaces view their role in the new work-from-anywhere culture.
The future of workplace fashion is being revolutionized by six key trends: tech-integrated apparel, sustainable fashion, gender-neutral workwear, the influence of remote work, individualism, and virtual fashion. These trends are influenced by factors such as technological advances, evolving workplace norms, and societal shifts towards sustainability and individual expression. As technology advances and societal norms evolve, our perception of suitable work attire will continue to change.
The global workforce is united by anxiety, technology, and unease, facing common challenges and blurring job roles. The increasing presence of technology, such as chatbots and robots, requires humans to stick together and focus on their unique human qualities. While there are risks and disruptions, there is greater optimism than pessimism, and the balance for optimism is greater. Learning from past case studies and global data, embracing change, and creating supportive work environments are key. The American work ethic is evolving, and workers have more power and influence through social media. America's survival as a great nation of work is important to everyone, and the current dramas around working patterns and time will eventually settle. The blending of work and home lives is becoming the new norm, and the alignment of humans and machines is inevitable. As we enter a new era, we can find comfort in the timeless truth explored by 20th-century icons like Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson in their movies and music.
A survey of eligible U.S. voters found that 63% support transitioning to a four-day work week, with millennials showing the strongest support at 74%. Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation to establish a 32-hour workweek in the U.S. without any reduction in pay. The shift towards a four-day work week is driven by the changing priorities of younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen-Z, who prioritize lifestyle alongside their careers.
Hybrid work arrangements have become more common in Japan's post-pandemic workforce, with a recent survey revealing a decline in fully remote work but a solidification of hybrid work models. While the percentage of employees working remotely dropped slightly, the number of hybrid workers has been on the rise. This suggests that a significant portion of Japan's workforce has embraced flexible work arrangements and continues to maintain them even as businesses push for stricter return-to-office mandates.
Coworking spaces are incorporating gyms to provide an additional incentive for people to leave their home offices. This trend aligns with the growing importance of health and wellness in the workplace. By offering exercise facilities, coworking operators not only cater to the desire for work-life balance but also attract healthier and more energized employees. The flexibility of coworking spaces, coupled with onsite fitness options, allows for better time management and improved work performance.
A new report by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. reveals that overall wellbeing is at an all-time low, with sleep and physical activity being major challenges. The report, based on data gathered in Canada, indicates similar trends globally. Sleep issues and lack of physical activity are linked to work stress, family obligations, financial stress, and reduced energy and productivity. The report also highlights the negative impact of the pandemic on wellbeing scores, particularly among younger age groups. However, the report suggests that small, measurable changes to daily habits can improve wellbeing.
In the era of remote work, taking care of your eyes is crucial. Prolonged screen time can lead to ocular issues such as digital eye strain and dry eyes. To maintain optimal eye health, invest in prescription glasses, consider blue light lenses, optimize your workspace, use prescription sunglasses when outdoors, and practice self-care techniques like the 20-20-20 rule and prioritizing sleep.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all work locations, including home offices, traditional offices, and public spaces, have become less conducive to focused work. Home offices are now shared spaces with family or roommates, traditional offices emphasize collaboration over concentration, and public spaces are crowded and filled with distractions. Despite these challenges, the flexibility of hybrid work allows individuals to choose the most suitable locations for specific tasks, even if these locations are noisier and more distracting than before.

Trends

Emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and AR are revolutionizing workplaces by enhancing collaboration, streamlining processes, and reshaping business models. These technologies offer opportunities for increased productivity and innovation, but also require stronger cybersecurity measures. AR blurs the lines between physical and virtual workspaces, making location less relevant. Companies that strategically adopt these technologies will gain a competitive edge in the evolving work landscape.

Design

Using a poorly designed office chair can have short-term effects like "shrimp neck" and tight hamstrings, as well as long-term issues like impingement and sciatica. These issues can affect mobility and hinder progress in the gym. It is important to have a proper work setup to prevent these problems.

Green / Sustainability

Teknion Corporation Achieves Milestone Approval for "Near-Term Science Based Targets" by Science Based Targets Initiative
Teknion Corporation has achieved a significant milestone by receiving approval for its "Near-Term Science Based Targets" from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This marks a pivotal moment in Teknion's commitment to environmental stewardship and demonstrates their dedication to sustainability. The Science Based Targets Initiative provides companies with a pathway to align their emissions reduction targets with the latest climate science, driving sustainable business practices. Teknion aims to inspire others to join in the collective effort toward a more sustainable future.
Upcycling discarded office furniture can reduce waste, carbon emissions, and transform workplace culture. By reusing and refurbishing furniture, companies can decrease the demand for raw materials, save money, and reduce carbon emissions. Upcycling also addresses the issue of "fast furniture" and promotes sustainable consumption. Manufacturers are recognizing the value of sustainability and developing products with reconfigurability and refinishing capabilities. Challenges in upcycling include navigating surplus furniture and aligning with client visions, but education and advocacy can help overcome these hurdles. Incorporating upcycled furniture into office design can create aesthetically pleasing and functional workspaces while minimizing environmental impact. It also cultivates a culture of sustainability and appeals to eco-conscious consumers and top talent.

Keilhauer's 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report Inspires and Informs
Keilhauer's 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report highlights their commitment to sustainability, responsible manufacturing practices, and community engagement. The report discusses their investment in carbon neutral products, President Meghan Sherwin's participation in the United Nations Partnership Council on Circularity and Sustainability, and the company's sustainable facilities and waste reduction efforts. For more details, visit keilhauer.com/planet-keilhauer.

RIVA Spain and AIA Miami Announce the RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design, First Prize is a Trip for Two to Spain
RIVA Spain and AIA Miami have partnered to announce the inaugural RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design. The prize celebrates outstanding architectural achievements in Florida and aims to promote sustainability within the industry. The winner will be announced at the AIA Miami Design Awards and will receive a trip for two to Spain. Submissions open on May 10, 2024, and are open to all AIA members in Florida.

Fellowes Earns WELL Certification for Design & Experience Center
Fellowes has achieved WELL Certification at the Silver level from the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) for its Design & Experience Center. The 12,000-square-foot space embodies the seven core concepts of the WELL Building Standard and showcases Fellowes' own products that contribute to occupant well-being. The center serves as a collaborative hub and features innovative tools and showrooms, connecting the indoors with the outdoors.

Coworking

WeWork plans to assume its first Chicago lease and four other leases in different cities as part of its efforts to restructure its real estate portfolio during bankruptcy proceedings. The company has reached an agreement to reduce the term, rent, and square footage of its Chicago lease, and will also assume leases in New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, and Oakland. WeWork still needs to make decisions on approximately 150 locations. The company has already reduced its rent commitments by over $8B and has made decisions on over 90% of its global locations.

Latest Product News

Herman Miller and Studio 7.5 have introduced the Zeph Side Chair, a colorful and ergonomic addition to their seating collection. The chair offers a natural recline and supports various applications in shared workspaces. It features a one-piece seat, flexible back, and configuration options to meet different needs. The Zeph line-up promotes sustainability with its simple design, optional 3D Knit seat covering made from recycled content, and a wide range of color choices. 
Arper and PaperShell have collaborated to introduce the Catifa Carta, a sustainable chair made from PaperShell's innovative material. The chair is crafted from discarded tree offcuts, transformed into durable craft paper using a carbon dioxide retention process. The Catifa Carta is not only eco-friendly in its production but also offers end-of-life sustainability by being turned into biochar, making it carbon-negative. Arper's partnership with PaperShell sets a new standard for sustainable design and embraces groundbreaking materials and technologies.
Fräsch has launched FAZR, a new acoustic ceiling solution inspired by the linear appearance of phasers from science fiction. FAZR consists of PET dovetail channels that clip onto the Rockfon Symmetrical carrier system, providing an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional tile-like T-grid ceilings. The patent-pending design offers secure and impact-proof ceiling coverage, and the removable individual slats allow for easy field cuts around obstacles. FAZR is suitable for large-scale applications and is available in different channel widths and reveals.
3form introduces their Etched Glass Collection, featuring six new patterns that add dimension to architectural glass. The collection showcases the versatility of the company's high-performance glass and cutting-edge etching technology. The patterns range from delicate florals to bold curves, with three biophilia-inspired options available in Varia resin. The collection expands on 3form's existing glass etch patterns and is available in various sizes and gauges. Designers can expect a lead time of five weeks.
Clear Design has launched its new line of contemporary café and break room furniture called KIVA. The KIVA line features minimalist bentwood design, various seat styles and heights, and multiple finish options. The furniture is part of Clear Design's extensive 5-day FAST Program and aims to create modern spaces for people to gather. The KIVA café chairs are BIFMA certified, sourced from FSC compliant materials, and available in chair and barstool heights with low- or high-back seats. They are stackable and come in different finishes.
Korean artist/designer Oneseo Choi creates furniture using castoff aluminum extrusions in his "Pattern of Industry" series. The work blurs the line between art and design, and has gained popularity with commissions for coffee shops, department stores, offices, and even Adidas' flagship store in Seoul.
Muddycap is an anonymous artist/designer who creates a deep portfolio of insane chair designs. The portfolio showcases a variety of unique and creative chair renderings, with new designs being posted regularly on Instagram. From Postmodern rockers to chairs inspired by Spongebob's cousin, there is a wide range of imaginative designs to explore.
Brooklyn-based company Invi Air has introduced the 1 Slot Diffuser With Light, a sleek and innovative air diffuser that combines air distribution with LED lighting. Made from a proprietary composite material, Invi Air's products improve HVAC system performance by reducing noise levels and condensation. The diffusers are aesthetically pleasing and perfect for small areas or those seeking a minimal look.
Nemo Tile + Stone introduces the Park Avenue Collection, a versatile range of porcelain tiles inspired by the elegance of New York City. The collection offers a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns for both residential and commercial spaces, combining traditional beauty with a contemporary twist. The tiles mimic the beauty of natural stone with unique textures, providing a durable and timeless aesthetic.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Huge, a digital agency, collaborated with Gensler to design their new headquarters in Brooklyn's Navy Yard. The office space is designed to be flexible, adaptable, and future-focused, encouraging inclusivity and collaboration. The project earned Fitwel 2 Stars and LEED Silver certifications, showcasing a commitment to health, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
The Zoom HQ in Santa Barbara was transformed from a 1970s-era building into a vibrant and creative office. The renovation involved opening up the space, creating a new ground-level entry, preserving a central glass-topped atrium, and adding a stadium stair seating. The building also includes a communal kitchen, open-plan office space, various 'Zoom' rooms, and a show kitchen in the basement. Exterior updates included a new elevator tower, a vertical green wall, and bike storage. The project was completed in multiple phases and required extensive coordination.
Graphite Design Group has developed an urban treehouse design for Amazon's Seattle Office. The building features a unique blend of nature and technology, with a central open stair guiding occupants through the façade. The structure serves as the armature through which the office program is woven, creating distinctive interior experiences. The project also incorporates sustainable elements such as green roofs and operable windows. Overall, the design aims to create a distinct character while maintaining familiarity for Amazon employees.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Neville Medhora, a skilled copywriter with over a decade of experience, has taught over 60,000 members through his Copywriting Course. He has also significantly contributed to the growth of companies like AppSumo, helping them scale their email marketing to over 750,000 customers in less than 18 months.

Upcoming Industry Events

HD Expo in Las Vegas for 2024
April 30 - May 2, 2024, | Las Vegas
 
HD Expo + Conference returns to Las Vegas from April 30th - May 2nd, 2024, offering over 30 sessions covering the latest in hospitality design. The event includes the Women in Design Awards Breakfast, the HD Awards ceremony, and a range of conference sessions on topics such as hotel brand leadership, sustainability in design, and the evolving restaurant and nightlife landscape. The conference aims to inspire and educate attendees with insights from industry experts and leaders. For more information and registration details, visit www.hdexpo.com. Registration is now open.

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.

Industry Briefing

Humanscale’s Active Pony Achieves A Red Dot Award
Humanscale's Active Pony, an optimized version of the Freedom Pony Saddle stool, has received recognition from the Red Dot Awards for its versatile design that promotes movement, supports a healthy lumbar spine, and enhances concentration. This win adds to Humanscale's over ten Red Dot Award wins, solidifying their position as a leader in workspace product manufacturing.

Configura to Unveil Integration of CET CI and Spec at NeoCon 2024
Configura will unveil the integration of CET CI and Spec at NeoCon 2024. The seamless collaboration between these platforms enhances designers' workflows, allowing for easy transition of files and access to a wide range of manufacturers' products. Configura will showcase live demonstrations at booth 7-5102 and offer early bird pricing for their annual event, CET Experience.

Avanto Welcomes Mark Goldman as Director of Business Strategy and Customer Experience
Avanto announces the appointment of Mark Goldman as Director of Business Strategy and Customer Experience. With over 30 years of industry experience, Mark will connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide software and services to streamline processes and elevate their business. Avanto aims to advance the commercial interiors industry through process and technology.

9to5 Seating Refreshes Brand on 20th Anniversary
9to5 Seating celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a brand refresh, including an updated logo, new tagline, and revamped website. The company remains committed to operational excellence, anticipating customer needs, and innovation in manufacturing and product design. The brand update reflects the dynamism of its product selection and supports the evolving workplace. President and CEO Frederik Fogstad expresses excitement for the future of the brand.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I recently lost my job at #MillerKnoll, like many others, in Q1 this year. I worked in sales in the Midwest. For some reason, it seems to hurt even more now that MillerKnoll's fiscal year is about to end-and I'm not there.
We are in pursuit of an Architectural Products Account Manager (AM) that is not only competent, ambitious, andmeticulous but also authentic, creative, and resilient.

Vice President of Sales for a rapidly growing full service Steelcase dealership. Position will be responsible for leading sales teams in multiple markets in AL.

The Healthcare Account Manager will be responsible for representing Wieland products to the healthcare market in Iowa and Nebraska. 
Works in team environment consisting of a Salesperson, Project Coordinator, Designer and Project Manager.
Maverick Desk is a leading manufacturer in modern office furniture solutions. We are expanding our sales team and are seeking independent sales representation to develop new business opportunities in select U.S. territories.
We’re seeking a knowledgeable in-house Project Coordinator, experienced in systems office furniture. In this role, you will handle full coordination of our in-house office furniture projects from the point of sale until each project is completed and beyond.
Indoff is expanding and is in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area. If you’re tired of missing out on money due to low commission rates or you’re sick of quotas, then Indoff is the perfect solution for you.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced commercial furniture and interiors Sales Manager to lead our sales team and drive business growth.
A Project Designer's role includes, but is not limited to, design programming, concept development, space planning, furniture and material selections, creating supporting documents, pricing, and drawings via commercial furniture software, such as AutoCAD, Project Matrix and CET Designer.
Dynamic and fun Arlington, VA-based office furniture dealership, Washington Workplace, seeks a qualified sales superstar to add to its growing staff. Make some money!!!!
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