The shrinking footprint of offices continues. Metro Loft Management CEO Nathan Berman plans to convert Pfizer's former Midtown headquarters into approximately 1,500 rental units, making it the largest office-to-residential conversion in Manhattan. This project surpasses Berman's ongoing conversion of 25 Water St in the Financial District. The former Pfizer headquarters was purchased by real estate investor David Werner, who also plans to acquire the ground from the estate of Bernard Kayden. The market slowdown led life sciences company Alexandria Real Estate Equities to sell the neighboring building at 219 E. 42nd St to Werner. Converting office space into residential units is becoming more common in New York City due to high office availability rates and record apartment rents.

RXR Realty CEO Scott Rechler's opinion on office space may be more nuanced than previously thought, according to RXR head of leasing Bill Elder. RXR and SL Green recently took out a $1.3B loan to refinance and renovate the office tower at 5 Times Square. The newly finished full floor of tenant amenities, designed by the Rockwell Group, aims to attract workers back to the office with features like a golf simulator. Elder predicts that older properties without amenities will struggle to sign tenants, while trophy new construction will continue to be successful. The amenity space at 5 Times Square is curated based on tenant input and run by a team of resident experience officers. The golf simulator has already seen significant usage, and RXR hopes to provide spaces that promote mental and physical health. The asking rents at 5 Times Square range from the low-$80s to the high-$90s, lower than their competitors in Midtown Manhattan. The building is targeting full-floor tenants, and there is already interest from potential tenants despite the weak tenant market.

A new report suggests that a surge in demand from the GenAI boom may not be enough to offset the impact of expiring office leases in San Francisco. Nearly a third of existing leases, signed at pre-pandemic prices, are set to expire by the end of 2025. The city's office market has seen a decrease in transaction size and lease term lengths, and office availability has surged to a record high. While tech employment in San Francisco is growing faster than in other major tech hubs, the report indicates that the tech subsector alone may not be enough to revive the market.

CBRE's analysis of Fortune 500 and headquarter relocations reveals that business climate and lower taxes were the top reasons for relocations. The tech industry had the most relocations, with Texas attracting the most relocations overall. Between 2018 and 2023, 30% of Fortune 500 companies took major actions regarding their physical HQ space, including reinvestments and downsizing. Sunbelt states gained the most Fortune 500 firms, while California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois experienced the greatest net losses.

Downtown property owners and leasing experts emphasize the importance of ground-floor retail in making offices attractive to workers and enticing them to return. Retail presence contributes to the overall successful rebound of Downtown, with occupied storefronts leading to more foot traffic and a sense of vibrancy and safety. Some property owners may need to subsidize restaurants or other fun tenants to create a desirable building. Creating an inviting atmosphere and offering amenities are crucial in differentiating from competitors and giving people a reason to come to work outside of their office.

Google's self-designed office building, Bay View, has been experiencing major Wi-Fi issues, with the roof design causing poor Wi-Fi propagation. Employees are resorting to using Ethernet cables or working outside for better Wi-Fi. Despite being an internet company, Google is working on fixing the problem and has made some improvements already.

This article discusses the importance of privacy and focus in the workplace and explores strategies for managing office acoustics. It explains the impact of sound on productivity and well-being, the challenges of soundproofing offices, and the benefits of effective acoustics. The article also highlights the use of various solutions, such as freestanding walls, partitions, screens, and office pods, to control noise levels. It further explains the importance of standardized metrics like STC, NIC, and ISO ratings in quantifying the effectiveness of soundproofing solutions.

This blog discusses the trends shaping the future of wellness in the built environment. It highlights the importance of integrating wellness into physical environments and corporate cultures to remain competitive. The blog explores topics such as community-interfacing amenities, personalized wellness, the impact of wellness on real estate, and the role of wellness in workplace design. It emphasizes the need for inclusive design, wellness strategies at various scales, and the concept of psychological safety in the workplace.

The future of meeting rooms lies in the integration of technology and design to create dynamic, responsive environments that enhance productivity and well-being. This involves the use of wearable technology, AI services, and smart building controls to adapt to occupant needs in real time. The goal is to transform static meeting spaces into supportive environments that anticipate and respond to individual and collective needs, thereby reducing stressors and increasing workplace satisfaction. The key to success is respecting user privacy and ensuring accessibility for all.

In 2024, three key trends in workplace design and strategy are identified. First, building a strong company culture that aligns with values and supports hybrid work is crucial. Second, advanced data analytics and computational models help inform decision-making regarding space requirements and work patterns. Finally, experimentation and piloting solutions are essential to create an experience-driven workplace that meets employee needs. Examples from Reebok and Empire BlueCross BlueShield illustrate these trends in action.

In this article, Robin Weckesser of a3 Workplace Strategies discusses the importance of workplace design in creating a welcoming and productive environment. The article highlights the need for a strategic approach in understanding organizational requirements and offers insights on creating a workplace that serves as a destination rather than an obligation. It also emphasizes the importance of workplace tools, the need for a balance between remote and in-office work, and the role of amenities in promoting corporate culture and enhancing the employee experience.

Groupe Lacasse introduces the new Sabbia Chair, offering affordable luxury with intuitive adjustments, optimal comfort, and a sleek modern design. The chair prioritizes well-being and is available for order today, including in the QuickShip Program.

KFI Studios introduces the Alden table with a new wood top option, designed for versatile use in lounge and collaborative spaces. The table features an integrated handle for portability and a sturdy metal frame for durability. The wood top, available in three colors, adds sophistication, while the frame comes in six colors. With its minimalist design, the Alden table fits various styles and spaces.

Clear Design has introduced the Campano Collection, a line of solid wood conference and collaboration tables, accent tables, and stool tables. The collection features organic shapes and textures and is made from trees specifically designated for removal. The minimal finishing process highlights the wood's natural characteristics, creating inviting workspaces. The company offers a range of sizes and shapes for conference surfaces and provides quick lead times and exceptional customer service. 

The Mikado chair, developed by Vitra in Switzerland and designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, offers a comfortable seating experience with a simple mechanism for backrest movement. It is versatile for use in various settings and emphasizes sustainability with removable covers and replaceable components. Available as an armchair or side chair, the Mikado chair allows for different leg variations and a choice of fabric or leather covers in various colors.

Carnegie has unveiled the Go-To Collection, a sustainable offering designed to simplify material selection for architects and designers. The collection includes the refreshed Biobased Xorel Strie, a 100% Xorel wallcovering and upholstery option with 85% Biobased Xorel derived from sugarcane plants. The collection also features a curated selection of performance textiles for upholstery and panels, offering versatility, cleanability, and attractive price points. The Go-To Collection aims to provide sustainable, high-performing, and aesthetically pleasing materials for diverse design projects.

The Bud Chair, designed by Skogstad and Wærnes for Fora Form, combines minimalism with playfulness and comfort. The chair encourages creativity and social interaction, allowing users to customize it based on their needs and aesthetics. It comes in various upholstery options and colors, with a sturdy frame that can be mounted on different bases. The chair's curved backrest provides comfort and flexibility, while the detailing at the ends adds a distinct identity.

Bilboquet is a table lamp designed by Philippe Malouin for Flos. Inspired by the game of bilboquet, the lamp consists of two colored cylinders connected by a magnetic sphere that allows the upper cylinder to rotate and direct the flow of light. The lamp's design evokes a playful experience and incorporates a sustainable approach, using innovative materials and adhering to rigorous sustainability standards. Bilboquet is adaptable and features a super-compact packaging for easy assembly and recycling.

Condé Nast has opened its new workplace in Mumbai, which has won the iNFHRA Mumbai Gold Award for Best Project Architecture. The transformative workspace is designed to inspire innovation and collaboration, with features such as open workspaces, hackable walls, and tech-enhanced meeting rooms. The design blends modern aesthetics with warm tones and a black-and-white palette, creating an elegant atmosphere. The work café and fashion closet cater to the diverse needs of the creative workforce.

ACTINCOMMON collaborated with Haworth to design the Berlin showroom, creating innovative and collaborative workspaces that promote spontaneous meetings, agile collaboration, and various retreat options. The flexible space can be used for events, workshops, or conferences, reflecting their shared vision of innovative and sustainable workplace solutions.

HGA designed the headquarters for the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The 12,000 sq ft facility features a welcoming reception area, conference and collaboration rooms, and brewery aesthetics. The design reflects NBWA's commitment to collaboration and hospitality, creating a space that brings people together. 

April 30 - May 2, 2024, | Las Vegas

 

The HD Expo + Conference, the largest hospitality product discovery event in the U.S., will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from April 30th to May 2nd, 2024. The event will feature over 700 product manufacturers, 30+ conference sessions, and the HD Awards ceremony. The ceremony will honor the best designs in 40 categories and present the Designer and Hotelier of the Year Awards. 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.

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

This position identifies prospective customers, generates leads, and lands new business opportunities; oversees all aspects of an account’s business; responsible for all project and daily work order activities and full customer satisfaction for all accounts.

The Account Manager is responsible for all project and daily work order activities, much of sales and marketing, and full customer satisfaction for large and/or multiple healthcare accounts. This person oversees all aspects of an account’s business and will leverage the team (design, project management, account coordination, installation) that supports that account. 

The Account Manager is responsible for all project and daily work order activities, much of sales and marketing, and full customer satisfaction for large and/or multiple accounts. This role oversees all aspects of an account’s business and will leverage the team (design, project management, account coordination, installation) that supports that account. 

The primary responsibility of a Designer is to provide technical design support for furniture budgets, space plans, product solutions, specification, and pricing for projects generated by Sales/AS.

The Designer provides design services and workspace solutions to dealership customers, including site/inventory verifications, programming, space planning, typical development, presentation materials, working/installation drawings, specifications and site-to-plan review.

The Project Manager (PM) is the point of contact for all aspects of assigned contract furniture projects, from inception of project to final close-out and invoicing.

The Territory Sales Rep will be responsible for the specification and sales of The Senator Groups products, including both its Allermuir and Senator brands, in the New York/Northern New Jersey MSA. 

The position will streamline the sales and design process on commercial furniture projects to provide thebestresults for A&D and other new business development partners.

The Senator Group has an immediate career opportunity for a Territory Sales Rep in the Baltimore/Washington DC area.

Indoff is expanding and 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.

This Merchandise Mart based Dual Role position provides collaborative support for the Chicago market and is responsible for all showroom management duties for our brand new AIS showroom.