Luum Textiles announces the retirement of Suzanne Tick, Creative Director of Luum Textiles / COE Distributing Announces 100% Employee Ownership / Kravet sells majority stake to private investment firm / Law Firm Leasing Activity Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels / Expert Warns of Federal Meltdown Over New Administration's Return-to-Office Plan / This tech company moved its HQ out of California. Now it’s signed the biggest Bay Area lease in years / Here's how much empty office space is costing Chicago / Disney’s New Downtown Headquarters Is All New York / It Was Only “Mostly Dead” — The Office Is Making a Comeback / Search begins for Britain's best office dog / 'Peer Pressure Is Back': Office Owners Say Renewed RTO Push Is Creating Demand / The Fortune 500 companies where workers are the most bored / and much more…


The Working Space

Monday, December 9, 2024

Industry News

Luum Textiles announces the retirement of Suzanne Tick, Creative Director of Luum Textiles

After 43 years in the A&D industry, Suzanne Tick is retiring as Luum's Creative Director at the end of 2024. A visionary leader known for her dedication to sustainable design, Tick transformed Luum into an industry powerhouse with 80% of its inventory containing renewable materials. Her influence extends beyond products to the warm relationships she built with clients and colleagues, earning her numerous accolades including the prestigious Interior Design Magazine Hall of Fame award in 2023.

As she transitions to her next chapter, Tick will convert her New York City live/work space into an art and meditation studio. She plans to continue her creative pursuits by crafting bespoke woven artworks from corporate waste materials and teaching Vedic Meditation. Her legacy at Luum, built in partnership with Teknion CEO David Feldberg and President Dave White since 2012, stands as a testament to her unique combination of creative brilliance and business acumen in sustainable textile design.

COE Distributing Announces 100% Employee Ownership
COE Distributing has transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), enhancing employee engagement and profit-sharing. This move allows employees to have a direct stake in the company's success, reinforcing COE's commitment to sustainable growth. The company continues to prioritize employee satisfaction and development through various programs and maintains stable pricing for its products despite industry challenges. Chairman and CEO J. D. Ewing will lead COE into this new phase of growth.
Kravet, a fifth-generation family-owned fabric and furnishings company, has sold a majority stake to private investment firm Dunes Point Capital while retaining significant ownership and leadership. The deal aims to enhance operations through Dunes Point's expertise, particularly in technology. Despite the ownership change, Kravet emphasizes that day-to-day operations will remain largely unchanged for customers, focusing on maintaining strong relationships and adapting to change for future growth.

ASID Highlights Growth of Interior Design Practice with 2024 State of Interior Design Report
The ASID's 2024 State of Interior Design report reveals steady growth in the interior design profession, with nearly 128,800 designers projected for 2024, a 4.1% increase from the previous year. The average salary for designers rose to $69,958, an 11.3% increase. The report highlights advances in diversity within the field and notes that small firms drive the industry, despite being more vulnerable to economic shifts. The report is available for purchase, with free access for ASID members.
Law firm leasing activity has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a 29.9% increase in leasing volume from Q1 to Q3 of 2024 compared to the previous year. Year-to-date totals reached 6.4 million square feet, exceeding the 2019 figure of 5.6 million square feet, and the average quarterly leasing volume has risen to 2.3 million square feet, up from 1.5 million square feet between 2020 and 2023.
The incoming Trump administration's plan to mandate federal employees' return to the office has sparked controversy, with experts warning it could lead to significant workforce attrition and undermine government efficiency. Proponents argue it would streamline bureaucracy and reduce payroll costs, but critics highlight the potential disruption to essential services and the loss of experienced personnel. The plan overlooks the success of remote work during the pandemic and risks incurring additional costs for recruitment and infrastructure. Overall, the approach is seen as economically reckless and detrimental to public service delivery.

Here's how much empty office space is costing Chicago
Chicago faces significant challenges with empty office space, with 58.1 million square feet vacant, resulting in an estimated lost rent value of $2 billion. This trend reflects a broader national issue, as office vacancy rates reach a 45-year high, with predictions that a quarter of U.S. office space could be vacant by 2026. The report highlights a shift towards hybrid work models, impacting major cities like New York and Los Angeles, which also experience substantial rent losses. Developers are increasingly looking to convert unused office spaces into residential properties to meet demand, although this transition poses challenges.
Snowflake Inc. has signed a significant lease for a 773,000-square-foot campus in Menlo Park from Meta, marking the largest office leasing deal in the Bay Area since the pandemic. Despite previously moving its headquarters out of California, Snowflake's expansion reflects its commitment to the region, emphasizing the Bay Area's role in technology and innovation. The new campus will feature various amenities and is expected to support the company's growth, while Snowflake maintains a "headquarterless" structure. The Silicon Valley market is stabilizing, with a decrease in sublease space and an increase in leasing activity.
Amazon has signed a lease for 304,000 square feet at a WeWork site in Manhattan, one of the largest office leases of 2024, as it requires employees to return to the office full-time. The space, located in the Penn District, features modern amenities and expands on Amazon's existing relationship with WeWork. The company is also exploring additional office opportunities in New York, including a potential lease for 350,000 square feet at 452 Fifth Ave. Recent office deals in Manhattan include significant leases by Ropes & Gray and Blackstone.
The national office vacancy rate decreased slightly to 20% in Q3 2024, with expectations that it will peak late next year or early 2026. Factors influencing this trend include a potential federal return-to-office mandate and geopolitical uncertainties. The central business district (CBD) vacancy rate was slightly higher at 20.3%, with significant variations across regions, particularly in the Western Region. San Francisco saw the largest increase in vacancy rates over the past five years, while Tucson experienced a notable decline. CBDs remain crucial for regional economic activity despite the pandemic's effects.

Feature Stories

Disney's new headquarters in Hudson Square, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, showcases a sophisticated architectural style that contrasts with the company's whimsical past. The Robert A. Iger Building features a green terra-cotta façade and integrates well into the neighborhood's character, emphasizing a blend of high-quality engineering and historical references. This new space reflects Disney's evolution towards a more business-oriented identity, accommodating various media operations while maintaining a connection to the vibrant essence of New York City.
Hendy’s Director of Workplace Strategy, Anna Alm-Grayhek, predicts a resurgence of the office in 2025, with Gen Z leading the charge. After years of uncertainty following global disruptions, the office is being redefined as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and human connection. Leadership-driven return-to-office mandates are transitioning into recognition of the value of in-person interaction, especially for younger employees seeking career growth and visibility. Improved workplace technologies and hybrid work strategies are enhancing the in-office experience, fostering deeper social bonds, and combating the isolation of remote work. The physical office, as a manifestation of brand and culture, is now a strategic asset for attracting talent and showcasing organizational values. With a focus on intentional design and community, 2025 marks a turning point for embracing the workplace as essential for thriving businesses and engaged employees.

Workplace News

In Tokyo, the trend towards hybrid work is increasing, with less than 50% of employees working in the office daily. The percentage of workers commuting three to four days a week rose to 26.5%, while those coming in every day dropped to 47.4%. This shift follows the Japanese government's downgrade of Covid-19 to a class 5 infectious disease, allowing for more flexible working arrangements. A survey by Nomura Research Institute indicates that the number of fully in-office workers decreased from 82.8% before the pandemic to 38.3% in 2022.
Corporate giants are increasingly mandating a return to the office, leading to a resurgence in demand for office space in Metro Atlanta. Major companies like UPS and Amazon are requiring employees to work on-site full-time, influencing smaller firms to follow suit due to perceived peer pressure. This shift has resulted in a significant increase in leasing activity, although some companies face challenges due to reduced office space availability and halted construction of new office buildings. Panelists predict a shortage of high-quality office space in the near future as demand continues to rise.
The American Federation of Government Employees has secured an agreement allowing 42,000 Social Security Administration workers to maintain remote work policies until 2029, despite President-elect Trump's push for a full return to the office. The deal aims to prevent attrition and ensure the agency can effectively serve the public. The transition to in-office work is complicated by union disputes and varying contracts, which have hindered previous attempts to enforce stricter office attendance.
An analysis of 2.4 million Glassdoor reviews identified the Fortune 500 companies where workers report the most boredom. The study focused on keywords such as "bored," "monotonous," and "tedious," revealing that four of the top ten most boring companies are in the insurance sector, along with one from aerospace and defense.
A report from the Institute for the Future of Work discusses the rise of affective computing in workplaces, highlighting its potential risks and benefits. While technologies like emotion-tracking software aim to enhance productivity and safety, they raise concerns about privacy, stress, and bias. Surveys indicate limited perceived benefits among employees, with many feeling increased pressure and discomfort. The report calls for stronger regulations, transparency, and worker involvement in the deployment of these technologies to ensure they support rather than harm employee wellbeing.
A competition is underway to find Britain's best office dog, organized by the Bath-based design firm Interaction. Dog owners across the UK are invited to nominate their pets, highlighting the positive impact of dogs on workplace wellbeing. Monthly winners will be crowned throughout 2025, culminating in a grand finale in December 2025. The competition aims to encourage dog-friendly policies in workplaces, enhancing employee morale and productivity. A panel of experts will judge the entries, and prizes include doggy gift boxes and a luxurious hotel stay for the winning dog and owner.

Trends

2025 Commercial + Hospitality Trends: An Interior Design Forecast by Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
With the rise in return-to-office mandates and a surge in business travel, commercial spaces are evolving to serve as dynamic hubs for work and play. The interior design landscape for 2025 reflects this shift while drawing inspiration from residential elements, incorporating plush textiles and warm finishes. Key trends include monochromatic color schemes that create cohesive atmospheres, curated maximalism that thoughtfully layers colors and patterns, and artisanal elements that bring authenticity through hand-drawn designs and artistic expressions. Additionally, hospitality spaces are adapting to accommodate the growing population of digital nomads, with 18.1 million in the U.S. alone, by creating Zoom-friendly environments with carefully designed backgrounds featuring textured wall surfaces and sophisticated finishes.

Design

Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230), is a versatile brown that serves as a neutral shade, complementing both vibrant pastels and rich colors. It reflects a post-COVID mindset focused on comfort and holistic well-being, symbolizing indulgence and grounding. Mocha Mousse's adaptability makes it a significant choice for various design applications, and it is expected to remain relevant across industries as a key color trend..
In 2025, successful workplaces will focus on three key design strategies: embracing cultural integration to strengthen brand identity and employee engagement, prioritizing employee experience through personalization and flexibility, and championing inclusive design to accommodate diverse needs. These strategies aim to create dynamic, inspiring environments that foster well-being, connection, and innovation, ultimately reflecting the values of the workforce and enhancing organizational success.
Kay Sargent from HOK emphasizes the importance of sensory stimulation in workplace design, highlighting its impact on employee performance and wellbeing. The document discusses how sensory distractions can hinder focus and contribute to stress and burnout, particularly affecting neurodivergent individuals. HOK's research advocates for creating neuroinclusive environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. A forthcoming book titled "Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces" will further explore these themes, offering insights and recommendations based on extensive research.
Economic uncertainty significantly influences office design trends, particularly after elections. Companies prioritize budget-conscious, flexible solutions that promote employee well-being, incorporating biophilic elements and neutral color palettes. As the economy stabilizes, there is a shift towards investing in high-quality, sustainable materials and smart office technologies. The focus remains on creating adaptable workspaces that enhance productivity and comfort, reflecting the evolving needs of businesses and their employees.

Green / Sustainability

The partnership between RESEAT and the Cradle to Cradle Products Institute aims to revolutionize the management and lifecycle of commercial furniture, promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste. By implementing Digital Product Passports (DPPs), the collaboration enhances inventory tracking, encourages circular practices, and provides detailed product histories, ultimately supporting a circular economy. This initiative seeks to standardize sustainable practices across the industry, improve resale values, and facilitate responsible end-of-life management for office furniture.

Kimball International’s Boston Showroom Earns WELL Certified™ Platinum Distinction
Kimball International's Boston showroom has achieved WELL Certification at the Platinum level from the International WELL Building Institute, highlighting its commitment to human health and well-being. This certification reflects the company's dedication to creating safe and welcoming spaces, supported by a data-driven approach to health metrics across various operational strategies. Other WELL Platinum certified locations include their corporate headquarters and showrooms in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

New ASID Design Brief Explores the Effects of Extreme Heat
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released a design brief addressing the effects of extreme heat on the built environment and human health. This brief emphasizes the need for innovative design strategies to enhance building resilience and occupant health in response to climate change. Key findings highlight the correlation between extreme temperatures and increased levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to health issues. The report encourages interior designers to adopt an integrative design approach, prioritize health-conscious materials, and monitor outcomes to mitigate climate-related risks effectively.
A convergence of net zero standards is emerging, with five primary frameworks agreeing on key points such as achieving net zero by 2050, including Scope 3 emissions, and requiring significant emission reductions. While many companies are setting net zero goals, only a small percentage are on track to meet these targets. The standards emphasize the importance of interim targets and the retirement of carbon credits for residual emissions, but do not mandate actions for unabated emissions.

Latest Product News

JSI announces the launch of Henley, a solid wood chair designed by Joey Ruiter, blending elements of the company's 150-year history with modern aesthetics. The chair reimagines the classic steam bent Boston chair from the 1920s, featuring a mix of walnut, white oak, and maple, and is designed to enhance various environments while fostering connection and inspiration. Henley symbolizes JSI's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in furniture design.
Studio TK, in collaboration with Artifort, has expanded its Pala Lounge seating line with the introduction of the Pala Disc Base, designed by Luca Nichetto. This new pedestal base enhances the chair's comfort and versatility, making it suitable for various environments such as workplaces and hospitality. The Pala chair features a sleek design that cradles the user, offering a personal and relaxing experience, and can be customized with different powder paint finishes.
Carnegie Acoustic Solutions has launched the Xorel Artform U Baffle, part of the Tuned Collection, designed for elegance in ceiling acoustics using sustainable materials. The U Baffle combines Xorel textiles and Kirei recycled PET for superior sound absorption and aesthetic appeal. It offers customization options and support through Carnegie’s Acoustic Design Services, emphasizing sustainability and innovative design in acoustic solutions.
Herman Miller's Bay Work Pod is an ergonomic office solution designed for modern workplaces, focusing on inclusivity and comfort. It features optimized interiors for teleconferencing, adjustable lighting, and ventilation systems. The pod is available in two sizes, including an ADA-accessible version, and offers ergonomic seating options. Its design incorporates soundproof materials and customizable features, making it suitable for various corporate environments while enhancing user experience.
Altispace has introduced two new PET colors, Cream and Sand, to enhance acoustic product designs. Cream offers a serene, versatile shade, while Sand provides a warm, earthy neutral. Both colors are designed to complement existing collections and are suitable for various environments, including hospitality, transportation hubs, office spaces, and public areas. Altispace's acoustic solutions improve aesthetics and comfort with high Noise Reduction Coefficient ratings and customizable options for creative freedom. Visit their website to explore these new colors for your next project.

Industrial Design

Icelandic industrial designer Hlynur Atlason has created the Limbo Chair, a comfortable and sustainably made lounge chair suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Produced by Heller, the chair features a sculptural form and is made from a high percentage of recycled post-consumer plastic. It is available in warm, muted colors and retails for $940 for a pair.
Officetopia by Smarin offers innovative, adaptive, and modular furniture designed to enhance modern workspaces. It promotes a dynamic office environment that fosters connection, creativity, and productivity, viewing offices as ecosystems for collaboration. Key features include ergonomic chairs like the sChaise, relaxation-focused furniture like Dunes, and versatile modular collections such as The Geometric Life, all aimed at supporting diverse office needs and encouraging a healthier work culture.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

The Berlin office of Relaxound, designed by Ester Bruzkus Architects, won FRAME’s Small Office of the Year Award for its focus on creating a sensory environment that caters to various neurological needs. The design incorporates colour psychology, tactility, acoustics, and lighting to foster collaboration while providing spaces for retreat. The project emphasizes social sustainability by repurposing an old factory and limiting material use, creating inclusive spaces that reflect the brand's ethos.
Gensler designed the Adobe White Collar Factory in Shoreditch, London, aiming to integrate London coffee culture into the workspace, fostering community among employees and customers. The expansion, completed in 2023, features a flexible layout that eliminates traditional workstations in favor of collaborative hubs, meeting spaces, and a café lounge. The design incorporates biophilic elements and recycled materials, creating a vibrant, inviting atmosphere that supports creativity and employee development, while showcasing local artistry.
Rapt Studio designed Duolingo's first permanent office in New York to reflect the company's ethos and cater to diverse employee needs, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. The design features varied atmospheres, from quiet nooks to energetic spaces, promoting flexibility and collaboration. The layout includes individual offices, co-working areas, and distinct zones with unique identities, balancing diversity with coherence to enhance employee interaction and learning.
Neumann Communication has redesigned its Cologne office to embrace hybrid work, featuring versatile spaces for focused work and collaboration. The design includes a vibrant entrance, a café area, and various workstations with a homely atmosphere. The office showcases contemporary design elements and furniture from renowned designers, reflecting the agency's strong network in the design industry. The redesign aims to create an inspiring environment that fosters communication and creativity, celebrating the agency's 25-year history and future potential.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Drew Barontini, Chief Product Officer at Differential, has over 17 years of experience in software development. His workspace includes various high-tech items like the Elgato Stream Deck and a MacBook Pro. He emphasizes the importance of remote work for productivity, allowing him to align his workday with his natural rhythms, and values creativity through outdoor walks and setting constraints. His typical day includes family responsibilities, meditation, and focused work.

Project Leads

Coca-Cola is negotiating to lease over 40,000 square feet of office space at the Lake Street Lofts in Fulton Market, potentially abandoning a hotel conversion plan by Fulton Street Cos. If finalized, this deal would allow Coca-Cola to consolidate its nearby offices into a larger space. The developer is currently the only one with a new office building under construction in downtown Chicago, with an 11-story project expected to be completed early next year.
Hines has secured its first tenant for the South Station Tower in Boston, with global law firm Jones Day signing a 15-year lease for 41,000 square feet on the 23rd and 24th floors. The 51-story mixed-use project, which broke ground in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2025, will feature 680,000 square feet of office space and 166 Ritz-Carlton-branded condos. The demand for high-quality office space close to mass transit is highlighted by this lease, as other new office towers in Boston have also been quickly leased.
Snowflake has signed a significant office lease for 773,000 square feet in Menlo Park, California, marking the largest office lease in the Bay Area since before the pandemic. The company will occupy four buildings in the Menlo Gateway development, bringing its total office leasing volume for the year to over 1 million square feet. Despite the ongoing trend of tech companies reducing office space, Snowflake's move highlights the strength of Silicon Valley's office market compared to San Francisco, which has a much higher vacancy rate. The decision reflects the Bay Area's status as a technology hub, although it remains unclear if this indicates a shift towards a more traditional in-office work model.

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.

Industry Briefing

Source International Welcomes Two Industry Veterans to Its Leadership Team
Source International has announced the addition of Vanessa Englert as Vice President of Marketing and Carolina Haase as Regional Sales Director for the West Region, both bringing 25 years of industry experience. Their appointments reflect the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company also plans to recruit for two new roles: Product Engineer and Product Manager, aimed at enhancing product development and support capabilities.

Shaw Contract Hospitality Brings Powerful Presence to BDNY
Shaw Contract Hospitality showcased two new flooring collections, Midnight and Awaken, at the BDNY event in November 2024. Midnight draws inspiration from underwater realms, offering tranquil designs that promote relaxation, while Awaken celebrates the fusion of traditional and digital art forms, emphasizing the creative process. Both collections utilize Shaw Contract's ColorCraft Pro technology, allowing for customization and vibrant color blends. The Midnight collection will officially launch on January 1, 2025.

Arcadis Unites Houston Business Operations in Centralized Office
Arcadis has opened a new office in Houston's Galleria area, consolidating its business operations to enhance collaboration and accessibility for clients. The strategic location aims to broaden the company's impact and provide comprehensive solutions, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transformation and engagement across various industries.

IIDA NY Honors Rachel Robinson For Dedication to Student Mentorship
Rachel Robinson, Principal at Ted Moudis Associates, was honored by the IIDA NY as the 2024 SUP Honoree for her dedication to student mentorship through the Design Camp program, which connects K-12 students with design professionals. The program has engaged hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds since its inception in 2018, promoting interior design as a career path and educational experience. The recent event featured networking sessions and awarded sponsored IIDA memberships to future designers, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the design community.

Cassina Honors the 20th Anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection with a Special Display in Miami
Cassina celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Charlotte Perriand Collection with a special display in Miami, featuring iconic pieces like the Indochine chaise longue and Table Montparnasse. The event, hosted by CEO Luca Fuso and Pernette Perriand, showcases Perriand's innovative designs and highlights Cassina's role in promoting her legacy through various exhibitions and collaborations. The collection continues to evolve, emphasizing modern aesthetics and sustainability in design.
Thrilled to reunite with my long time friend, the legendary artist and restaurateur Michael Chow and his stunning wife, Vanessa Rano, during Art Basel Miami Beach. A memorable evening with the visionary behind MR CHOW.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.

Partner with Fluidconcepts to Inspire Workspaces Across these Regions:

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If you’re experienced in building relationships with designers and dealers and have a passion for innovative furniture, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at sales@fluidgroup.com.

This is a full-time remote role for a Sales Specialist.
Nightingale Corporation, a leading chair manufacturing company located in Mississauga, Ontario, is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our Corporate Sales Team.
Goldsit Office Furniture is a leading manufacturer based in Turkey, known for its high-quality, ergonomic, and innovative office furniture solutions. With a strong reputation across Europe, we are now expanding into the U.S. market, and we are seeking Independent Sales Rep Groups to help us build our presence and grow our customer base in this exciting new territory.
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