Outdated offices are sabotaging 'return to office' policies / Landlord Concessions Fell In 2024, Another Sign Of Office Market Turnaround / Legal Leasing Volume Drops in Manhattan Despite Strong Demand / The State of the Office Market  / Hotels Rode A Business Travel Wave — Now Comes The Undertow / Trump’s Tariffs Roller Coaster Causing 'Major Whiplash' For CRE / Manhattan Office Sees February Dip, But Long-Term Trends Remain Positive / Five Years Later: How the Pandemic Reshaped Work Forever / Is Belonging the New Currency for Workplace Design? / The Consultants Are Coming — Are Coworking Spaces Equipped To Handle The Federal Layoff Fallout? / Expert Reveals Why Hybrid Work Backlash Is Exploding And How To Fix It / 2025 Office Design Trends For A More Engaging Workplace / How Branded Healthcare Environments Can Build Trust and Community / and much more…


The Working Space

Monday, March 10, 2025

Industry News

The ever-changing saga of Trump’s tariff policies continues to give commercial real estate professionals—and pretty much anyone involved in construction—a serious case of whiplash. In the span of just a few days, the administration went from announcing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico to hinting at a compromise, then granting a one-month exemption for automakers, only to end the week by suspending some tariffs entirely until April. If you’re trying to forecast costs for a development project, good luck. What’s true in the morning might be reversed by dinnertime.

For developers, contractors, and investors, this level of unpredictability is wreaking havoc on decision-making. Some are hitting pause on deals, waiting to see where the chips land, while others are rushing to get projects moving before the next policy shift. The uncertainty is already driving up prices—lumber futures are at their highest since 2022, and a survey from Origin Investments predicts potential cost spikes of up to 7.5% on construction materials if these tariffs actually stick. But that’s a big if, given the administration’s track record of imposing and rescinding tariffs at whiplash-inducing speeds.

Attorneys and real estate pros agree: the only certainty here is uncertainty. Some are implementing escalation clauses in contracts to protect against sudden cost hikes, while others are holding biweekly check-ins just to keep up with the madness. Contractors don’t want to get burned if material costs spike, and owners don’t want to be on the hook for unexpected price jumps. Meanwhile, some materials—like steel and softwood lumber—were already in limited supply before all of this tariff turbulence, making an already expensive industry even more volatile.

While many in real estate are at least trying to work through the chaos, contract furniture manufacturers are also feeling the effects. With fluctuating materials costs and an inability to plan ahead, they are struggling to forecast production and pricing. The constant tariff reversals are making it nearly impossible to set reliable budgets, leading to even more unpredictability in an industry that thrives on long-term planning.

And then there’s the international response. Canada wasted no time slapping its own 25% counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports, with the possibility of escalating that to $155 billion. China, never one to back down from a trade fight, fired off a not-so-subtle threat, declaring it was ready for “war” if necessary.

So, where does this leave CRE, construction, and furniture manufacturers? No one really knows. The best strategy at this point seems to be: expect nothing, plan for everything, and keep your head on a swivel. Because with the way things are going, the only thing you can count on is that tomorrow’s policies might completely contradict today’s.

The debate surrounding the return to office (RTO) policies has intensified, with many companies struggling to encourage employees to return to outdated workspaces. Despite the assumption that the COVID-19 pandemic initiated hybrid work models, many organizations had already begun adopting flexible arrangements prior to the pandemic. Current office environments often fail to meet the needs of employees accustomed to remote work, leading to frustration and resistance against RTO mandates.
 
Research indicates that a significant number of workers are not returning to offices as expected, highlighting a disconnect between employer expectations and employee behavior. The lack of modern office design and inadequate facilities are major factors contributing to this resistance. Many companies are doubling down on mandates without addressing the shortcomings of their office spaces, which may push talent towards organizations offering greater flexibility. To improve RTO policies, organizations should focus on transforming workplace environments to support hybrid work. This includes creating adaptable spaces for both in-person and virtual collaboration, investing in technology for seamless integration, and prioritizing employee well-being through ergonomic workstations and smart systems. Ultimately, the goal should be to design offices that enhance collaboration and productivity, making in-office attendance a valuable choice rather than an obligation.
In 2024, concessions given to office renters decreased for the first time since tracking began in 2019, signaling a potential turnaround in the office market. Concession packages peaked in 2023, featuring an average tenant improvement allowance of $97.55 per square foot and nearly 10 months of free rent. However, in 2024, the average tenant improvement allowance dropped to $87.51, and free rent averaged 8.9 months, still significantly higher than 2019 levels.
 
The market showed a divergence between top-tier and lower-tier buildings; effective rents for top-tier buildings increased by 5.2% due to reduced concessions and rising demand, while lower-tier buildings saw a 1.2% decline in effective rents. The average tenant improvement allowance for top-tier assets decreased by 10%, contrasting with a 16% drop for lower-tier assets. This decline in lower-tier concessions is attributed to the challenges faced by owners amid high-interest rates and depressed building values.
The commercial real estate market is showing signs of recovery, particularly in the office sector, as indicated by positive net absorption and increasing demand for office spaces since 2019. While companies are pushing for a return to the office, remote and hybrid work structures remain prevalent. The strongest office market growth is concentrated in the South and West, with cities like Tampa-St. Petersburg and Raleigh leading the way. Despite challenges, investor interest is growing, especially in prime Manhattan properties, with significant investments in office-backed securities. There is a noted alignment between buyer and seller expectations, which is expected to stimulate further investment activity.
Manhattan's office market experienced a decline in leasing volume in February, with a 12.5% drop to approximately 3.18 million square feet compared to the previous month. The Midtown South submarket was particularly affected, showing a significant 60% decrease in leasing activity. Despite this downturn, overall leasing remains strong in Manhattan, with an 18.6% increase from the 10-year monthly average and a 38.3% year-over-year rise across the city. Notable deals included large leases by Jane Street Group and iCapital. Positive trends are also seen in net absorption and a decrease in the overall availability rate, alongside a slight increase in rents from January. However, year-over-year rents are still down.
Hospitality leaders initially expressed optimism about the rebound in business travel during the fourth quarter, driven by an increase in corporate travel. However, concerns about rising costs, inflation, and potential tariffs have dampened this outlook for 2025. While hotel REITs reported strong performance in Q4, caution emerged in investor calls as economic signals suggested a turbulent year ahead.
 
Despite a 2.2% demand growth in Q4, challenges such as the Los Angeles wildfires could impact future performance. Major hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott reported positive revenue growth attributed to business travel, though demand has not yet returned to prepandemic levels. Executives noted that small and medium-sized businesses are recovering faster than large corporations.
 
Overall, while there are signs of recovery in business travel, the hospitality industry faces significant challenges, including rising expenses and a high-rate environment that may hinder new developments. The outlook for the coming year remains cautious, with potential decreases in occupancy and profitability.
The office market has undergone significant changes since the pandemic, with some cities like New York and Dallas seeing a recovery in office occupancy, while many other markets continue to struggle. The future of the office market remains uncertain as companies reassess their need for office space. Michael Mandel, CEO of CompStak, believes that the market will eventually recover, citing historical cycles in real estate. However, rising vacancies indicate ongoing challenges, as many companies opt for smaller leases in more desirable buildings.
 
Class A office buildings are currently performing better, with an increased demand for quality spaces that attract employees back to the office. Meanwhile, office values have decreased due to divestment from major ownership groups, which are increasingly diversifying their portfolios. This trend has led to the sale of office properties at losses, particularly for larger funds seeking to reduce their exposure to the office sector. Various economic factors, including potential recessions and inflation, could further impact the demand for office space, but the pandemic has had the most profound effect on the market.
Leasing volume in Manhattan's legal sector dropped 22.1% to 3.17 million square feet, with fewer large transactions. Despite this, demand rose by 22.4%, primarily in Midtown, and rents increased to $95.68 per square foot, with landlords offering significant concessions. Legal employment reached a post-recession high of 85,100 workers.
The Trump administration is actively seeking to sell a significant portion of its owned properties, including several agency headquarters, as part of its strategy to terminate office leases. The General Services Administration (GSA) has identified 443 properties across the U.S. for potential disposal, primarily consisting of office buildings. This initiative aims to save the federal government over $430 million annually in operating costs, as many of these buildings have become obsolete due to funding deficiencies.
 
The GSA plans to retain essential assets like courthouses and national defense facilities while exploring options for disposing of the identified properties, which range from small offices to buildings over 2 million square feet. The government is also reducing leased spaces, with a focus on moving agencies to vacant office spaces that offer better lease terms. A comprehensive assessment of agencies' space needs is underway amid challenges in aligning office space usage with reduction goals.
A congressional subcommittee held a hearing to question officials about the federal government's real estate portfolio, particularly regarding the General Services Administration's (GSA) plans for property disposition. The GSA's newly appointed Public Buildings Service commissioner was absent, leading to frustration among lawmakers who felt oversight was lacking. They expressed confusion over the GSA's actions, especially concerning properties deemed essential that were on a disposition list. Lawmakers highlighted the chaotic communication and decision-making processes within the GSA and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which have resulted in significant confusion in the real estate market. The hearing revealed gaps in communication and raised concerns about the lack of analyses guiding the GSA's decisions. Lawmakers emphasized the need for a more transparent and orderly approach to managing federal properties.

Feature

The pandemic has permanently altered the landscape of work, leading to significant changes in the workplace environment and employee expectations. Companies have transitioned from traditional office spaces to more flexible, adaptive environments that prioritize collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being. Hybrid work models have emerged, proving effective for various industries, while technology has become essential for supporting remote and in-office teams. The workforce is now multigenerational and diverse, with employees demanding purpose, flexibility, and growth opportunities. Organizations must prioritize mental, physical, and emotional well-being to retain talent. Leadership has evolved to emphasize empathy and responsiveness, moving away from authoritarian styles toward trust-based approaches that foster engagement and support. As companies navigate ongoing disruptions, agility and ecosystem thinking are critical for success. Future workplaces will integrate physical and virtual elements, responding to employee needs and expectations. Leaders must balance empathy with accountability to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Prioritizing belonging in workplace design can combat loneliness and enhance connection, leading to improved employee satisfaction and retention. Key strategies include diverse team inclusion, uncovering true user needs, creating personalized spaces, and meaningful activations to foster community.
Alyssa Coletti is a unique independent furniture designer known for her focus on materiality and sustainability. With experience at notable companies, she emphasizes collaboration, attention to detail, and overcoming challenges in design, while advocating for more women in the field. Currently, she is working on new projects with Teknion and Martin Brattrud.

Workplace News

With the Trump administration slashing hundreds of thousands of federal jobs, coworking spaces may soon experience a surge in demand. Many laid-off federal employees are expected to pivot into consulting roles, driving a need for flexible, scalable workplaces. To accommodate these new consultants, coworking spaces will have to provide private offices, soundproof meeting areas, and flexible memberships.

Beyond physical space, consultants will seek coworking communities that offer business support, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Spaces that proactively cater to this influx—by blending flexibility, privacy, and community—could reap significant benefits as the workforce landscape rapidly changes.

The increasing backlash against hybrid work policies is largely driven by employees' adaptation to remote work, which has become the new norm for many. Abruptly mandating a return to the office can lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement, emphasizing the need for flexibility. Successful hybrid models require a careful analysis of tasks to determine which benefit from in-person collaboration and which can be accomplished remotely. Businesses must focus on results rather than mere attendance, fostering a culture of trust and support. Common mistakes in hybrid policy design include rigid mandates without flexibility and insufficient investment in technology for effective remote communication and collaboration. To address differing opinions among leadership, organizations should utilize data-driven approaches and pilot programs to test various hybrid strategies, gathering feedback to achieve a balanced solution. Ultimately, thriving hybrid models prioritize measurable outcomes, employee needs, and the cultivation of trust, allowing companies to navigate the complexities of modern work environments.
A survey reveals that 34% of U.K. families are considering the digital nomad lifestyle, motivated by improved quality of life, financial flexibility, and stronger family bonds, though challenges like education, childcare, and healthcare access must be addressed.
The return to office (RTO) conversation has evolved, focusing on employee trust, data-driven decisions, air quality, technology integration, and flexible workplace design, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive work environment over rigid policies.
Nearly five years after the onset of the pandemic, the London office market remains in a state of flux. While new developments are underway to meet the demand for modern and sustainable office spaces, many employees have not returned to pre-pandemic office attendance levels. Concerns have been raised about increasing vacancy rates for older office buildings, with predictions that they could reach up to 14.5% by 2030 unless significant stock removals occur.
 
Opinions are divided on the future of Grade B office spaces, with some experts arguing that the oversupply narrative is overstated and that many older buildings can be refurbished. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift in tenant preferences, with some seeking larger, more flexible spaces while others downsize. The demand for collaborative and wellness-oriented office layouts has increased, accompanied by rising rental prices in prime locations. Despite this complexity, there is optimism that office occupancy will gradually rise, although a full return to pre-pandemic patterns is unlikely in the near future. The evolution of the office market is expected to continue as companies adapt to new working norms.

Trends

As companies transition back to full-time office work in 2025, workplace design is becoming increasingly important. To create an engaging environment, offices need to be inviting and functional, reflecting the comforts employees enjoyed while working from home. Key trends include the use of vibrant colors, flexible layouts with multi-use spaces, and smaller informal meeting areas to foster collaboration.
 
Updates to office design can be achieved through simple and budget-friendly changes, such as adding accent walls and improving lighting. The hybrid work model has also influenced office layouts, necessitating a variety of seating options and hot-desking arrangements to accommodate different work styles. 

Design

Branded healthcare environments enhance patient trust and comfort by aligning design with organizational values, improving experiences through thoughtful layouts, technology, and personalization, ultimately fostering community and loyalty.
The design of senior community amenities is evolving to accommodate the changing preferences of residents. Traditional activities are declining in popularity, while niche activities such as axe throwing, cardio drumming, and pet therapy are gaining traction. This shift emphasizes the need for flexible, reconfigurable spaces that can adapt to diverse interests and foster engagement. Designers are encouraged to create environments that promote meaningful connections, spontaneity, and a sense of belonging, moving away from fixed, single-use spaces. As the demographic of seniors changes, the focus should be on enhancing the experience and allowing residents to express their unique identities through various activities.

Green / Sustainability

Humanscale Leads Industry with Recent Elimination of Added Antimicrobial Chemicals
In 2025, Humanscale became the first commercial furniture manufacturer to eliminate added antimicrobial chemicals from its products, responding to studies suggesting that these substances could be unnecessary and potentially harmful. The company removed all antimicrobial substances, including zinc pyrithione, from its polyurethane upholstery, emphasizing a design philosophy that prioritizes safety and health for users and the environment. Humanscale's approach advocates for a "less is more" principle regarding chemicals in furniture, focusing on inherent textile properties to inhibit microbial growth rather than relying on chemical treatments. The company highlights the lack of proven health benefits of antimicrobials outside clinical settings and notes their negative environmental impact, as many persist in ecosystems and are linked to various health risks. By eliminating these chemicals, Humanscale aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its products.

The World Around Summit Comes to New York’s MoMA featuring Young Climate Prize Winners sponsored by MillerKnoll
The World Around Summit 2025 at MoMA will feature talks from leading architects and Young Climate Prize winners, showcasing innovative solutions to climate challenges. The event emphasizes accessibility with free tickets and a live stream, aiming to foster connections between diverse sectors to address pressing global issues.
The environmental advocacy group, Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), faced significant challenges when the Trump administration removed numerous federal environmental web pages and resources, including the EJScreen tool used for tracking air quality. To combat this loss, geospatial analyst Libbie Weimer and her team developed a guide to preserve archived environmental sites, which features data archives, web clones, and instructions for using the Wayback Machine to access lost pages. This initiative aims to ensure that communities have access to essential environmental information and data for their advocacy efforts.

Latest Product News

AIS has introduced the Itzee family of seating, which includes side chairs and stools featuring a sleek design with organic curves. Available in three heights and multiple finishes, the Itzee seating aims to enhance workspace aesthetics and comfort. The collection is versatile, allowing designers to create cohesive environments. Additionally, the Itzee stools can be paired with AIS's new counter-height Day-to-Tables and Calibrate Conferencing tables, offering stylish options for collaborative spaces. AIS, based in Leominster, Massachusetts, is recognized as a leader in commercial office furniture, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. The company prides itself on its diverse workforce and commitment to inclusivity through initiatives like the Radiance program, which supports neuro-diverse individuals in the workplace.
Teknion introduces Casework+, a cabinetry line that combines the elegance of custom millwork with the efficiency of contract solutions, ideal for modern office spaces, healthcare, and residential units. It offers versatile modular components, a range of finishes, and ADA-compliant features, providing both style and practicality while ensuring long-term value.
Orangebox has launched Be My Guest, a flexible phone booth designed for quiet contemplation and chats in busy workplaces. It features easy assembly, smart ventilation, and is acoustically tested, supporting neuro-inclusive design and contributing to sustainable development goals.
Erwan Bouroullec has introduced a new multi-use collection for Ligne Roset, featuring the modular sofa Kobold. This innovative design resembles a small room where every element is functional and can be easily reconfigured. The Kobold sofa offers versatility with various configurations for seating, sleeping, and storage. Its design includes horizontal surfaces that serve as tables and wooden sides that function as partitions, enhancing the spatial arrangement. Available in two versions—Kobold Soft, which features removable cushions, and Kobold Classic, which offers a firmer seating option—the collection is adaptable for both small and large spaces.
Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering introduces Bio Silica Hybrid, a sustainable PVC-free coated textile made from 76% bio-sourced polyurethane and 24% silica, featuring antimicrobial and stain-resistant properties. The collection includes three patterns designed for various applications, emphasizing the company's commitment to eco-friendly innovations and high performance in commercial interiors..

Luum Textiles introduces two new textiles, Simplicity and Unbounded, from the Evolutionary Forces Collection, inspired by natural evolution. Unbounded utilizes recycled marine plastic for a versatile, tactile surface, while Simplicity features a tonal effect with a soft touch, both promoting wellness and sustainability.

India Mahdavi, an Iranian-French architect, has designed a unique armchair featuring 10 yellow plug sockets, showcased at the Matter and Shape design fair in Paris. The chair, named Smiley, is adorned with round yellow sockets, inspired by the smiley face symbol created by artist Harvey Ball in 1963. Collaborating with designer Omer Arbel, Mahdavi aims to blend functionality with playfulness by transforming the plug socket into a decorative element. The project celebrates joy in everyday details, with a custom yellow color for the sockets enhancing its cheerful design. Smiley is part of a larger trend of reimagining functional items as aesthetic features.

The Good Plastic Company unveils Growth, a fully circular nature-inspired panel collection, in collaboration with Gensler
The Good Plastic Company launches Growth, a new collection of sustainable Polygood® patterns designed with Gensler, transforming recycled materials into beautiful surfaces while promoting a circular economy and reducing carbon footprint. The collection features eight nature-inspired designs suitable for various commercial applications.
LightArt introduces the Acoustic Dial, a new acoustical lighting fixture in its Acoustic Collection, featuring customizable sizes and colors to enhance speech clarity and reduce noise. The collection includes sustainable materials and expanded color options, catering to diverse interior spaces while meeting sustainability certifications.

Industrial Design

The article spotlights cloakroom furniture—yes, the stuff that holds your coat and shoes—which, oddly enough, is almost completely ignored by U.S. contract furniture manufacturers. Instead, a company from Sweden, Dalform, dominates the sector, producing robust, powder-coated storage cabinets designed for schools, hospitals, gyms, and other institutions. With Swedish-quality steel construction, long warranties, and a rainbow of available colors, Dalform practically owns this niche.

But here’s the question: Why exactly is Sweden hogging all the cloakroom business? Surely, American manufacturers could figure out how to craft some metal cabinets, slap on a durable finish, and provide the same low life-cycle costs. After all, cloakrooms aren’t rocket science—though Dalform makes it seem close.

bFRIENDS Power Modules by Pearson Lloyd redefine power strips with 3D-printed designs made from recycled bioplastic, offering innovative functionality and aesthetic variety while simplifying production through on-demand manufacturing.
Joe Colombo, the legendary Italian industrial designer famous for his unapologetic fondness for smoking, drinking, and apparently gambling, created a Poker Table in 1968 that’s exactly what today’s gaming enthusiasts never knew they needed—but would certainly welcome.

Long before modern gaming tables became trendy, Colombo’s table was already a sleek, functional marvel. Featuring four ingenious flip-out wings to conveniently hold your drinks, chips, or whatever vices accompany your game night, this table practically begs you to settle in for a long evening. Crafted with stainless steel legs, laminated surfaces, and even built-in, easy-to-clean ashtrays (remember those?), it’s both stylish and practical. Originally it came with a removable baize playing surface, though many vintage versions have since misplaced theirs—probably sacrificed in a particularly intense poker showdown.

Manufactured by Italy’s Zanotta and still available to order, Colombo’s Poker Table isn’t just retro furniture; it’s proof that good design endures. Frankly, this clever, sociable table would be as welcome today—perhaps even more so—as it was in the swinging ‘60s.

Fritz Hansen celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Series 7 chair, a Danish design icon created by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Known for its timeless aesthetic and innovative structure, the Series 7 chair highlights both strength and comfort. To commemorate this milestone, the company introduces the 7:14 AM palette, featuring five colors inspired by Danish light, which will be available as a limited-edition series. The celebration emphasizes the chair's adaptability and diversity, showcasing various designs, including leather options and refurbished originals. Fritz Hansen aims to highlight the chair's historical significance while exploring its future potential in design and sustainability.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Collective Architecture designed a whimsical 4,434 sq ft amenity space at Willow Oaks Corporate Center, featuring flexible seating, a pantry, and an operable glass wall that connects indoor and outdoor areas, promoting relaxation and collaboration for professionals. The space emphasizes biophilic design and mental well-being.
The new headquarters for TomTom in Madrid, designed by Woodalls, emphasizes a human-centric approach and agile working environments. The office features responsive light installations that resemble tunnels, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The design incorporates locally sourced materials and promotes movement and connectivity among staff. Key elements include a colorful tunnel with LED lighting, a curved kitchen area, and a social hub that doubles as an event space. The design aims to enhance creativity and collaboration while minimizing waste by reusing original fixtures.
Perkins&Will designed a 32,000 sq ft office for Stonebriar Commercial Finance in Plano, TX, inspired by transportation themes, featuring flexible spaces, wellness amenities, and a speakeasy, aiming for LEED Silver certification and enhancing employee collaboration and energy.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Sam Hox is a multidisciplinary designer from Europe, known for his work in branding, 3D design, graphics, film, and animation. He collaborates with deep science companies, healthcare organizations, and startups, partnering with renowned brands like Microsoft and BMW to convey their vision through strategic design. Hox aims to create meaningful brands that resonate with audiences. 

Upcoming Industry Events

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.

Clerkenwell Design Week
May 20-22, 2025 | London, UK

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) returns to London’s EC1 from 20–22 May 2025 for its 14th edition, marking its largest event yet with the addition of three new exhibition venues. These include the historic Charterhouse and Charterhouse Square featuring a new public artwork by Alex Chinneck, St Bartholomew the Great (London’s oldest parish church), and Studio Smithfield, a Grade II* listed building above Smithfield Market. Together, these new locations will create a vibrant southern district within the festival.

The Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025, themed "Thought for Humans," will take place from April 8 to 13, 2025, in Milan. This year's campaign by Dentsu Creative Italy and photographer Bill Durgin aims to highlight the relationship between humans and materials. The event anticipates over 2,000 exhibitors and will feature a dynamic layout with thematic routes, including sections dedicated to luxury design. Mayor Giuseppe Sala emphasizes the significance of the Salone in Milan's cultural landscape, viewing it as a platform for creative stimulation and reflection on current events. Highlights include an installation by Robert Wilson and various exhibitions focusing on light's role in design. Additionally, the SaloneSatellite will showcase young designers' perspectives on craftsmanship and its future. The event will also host the Euroluce International Lighting Forum, featuring masterclasses and discussions on sustainable design. It promises to be a key event for design enthusiasts, professionals, and tourists alike, fostering intergenerational dialogue and innovation in the industry.

Industry Briefing

Ware Malcomb Announces Promotion of Ana Cervantes to Director, Resource Services in Irvine Office
Ana Cervantes has been promoted to Director, Resource Services at Ware Malcomb's Irvine, CA office. In her new role, she will oversee operations for the firm's U.S. production studios and work to improve architecture project delivery practices. With a decade of experience at Ware Malcomb and a background as a licensed California Architect, Cervantes has managed various project types, including corporate office and healthcare. She has previously contributed to quality assurance and compliance within the firm's production operations. Cervantes holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.

Fritz Hansen Appoints Els Van Hoorebeeck as New Creative Director
Fritz Hansen appoints Els Van Hoorebeeck as Creative Director to enhance the brand's creative vision while honoring its legacy. She aims to balance innovation with heritage, focusing on new collections and sustainability initiatives like the ReNEW program. Her previous experience includes roles at &Tradition and The Office Group.

Senior Director Giselle Newman Receives FSU Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Giselle Newman, Senior Director at Hendrick Inc. and a graduate of Florida State University (FSU), received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the FSU Department of Interior Architecture & Design. The award recognizes outstanding alumni for their significant contributions to the field of design. Newman, who has a strong background in healthcare design and previously directed interiors for UNC Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of education, research, and practice in her career. She credits FSU for igniting her passion for interior design and aims to expand her firm’s expertise in the healthcare and medical office markets.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
A hiring manager reflects on a poor interview experience caused by personal distractions, realizing the importance of maintaining a positive demeanor during interviews to avoid negatively impacting candidates and the company's reputation. Stephen advises that it's better to postpone interviews than to conduct them in a bad mood and emphasizes the value of apologizing for any missteps.
The Proposal Manager provides leadership, direction, and subject matter expertise in the management of the Flatwater Group proposal process. This includes proposal scheduling, technical writing, review processes, pricing functions, and on-time delivery of completed proposals. Works closely with business development lead to qualify opportunities, develop solutions, and craft compelling proposals to win new business with federal, tribal, and non-federal customers.
The Pricing Analyst will work with the Business Development team, Proposal manager, along with Contracts and Operations departments in developing a price and cost analysis in support of our bid response.
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