Zanotta acquired by Cassina becomes part of Haworth Lifestyle Design Group / AIS’ New Casegoods Lines Position the Company for Even Greater Industry Leadership / Haworth Invests in Showrooms to Demonstrate Hybrid Workspaces / Creative Office Resources Acquires De Clercq Office Group / Bisley founder passes away / Law Firms Pull Back on Office Leasing / U.S. Offices With Biggest Vacancy Jumps All Have A Lot In Common / JLL CEO Sees a Recent 'Uptick' in Office Use / Flexible working is the new "work-life currency", claims new report / How companies are using behavioral data to inform office design / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, April 10, 2023

Industry News

Zanotta acquired by Cassina, becomes part of Haworth Lifestyle Design Group

Zanotta SpA, an Italian company famous for its high-end furniture, was acquired by Cassina SpA, a leading voice for design. Zanotta now joins other prestigious brands under the Haworth Lifestyle Design group, including Cappellini, Ceccotti, Karakter, Poltrona Frau, Luxury Living, JANUS Et Cie, Luminaire and Interni.*

Founded in 1954 in Nova Milanese, Zanotta is recognized as one of the major players in Italian design. The company's iconic products are defined by innovation and technological research, as well as the continuous evolution in the quality of materials and production processes. Zanotta operates in both the Residential and Contract markets and is available in over 700 specialized stores in 50 countries around the world.

Zanotta has collaborated with some of the most important Italian architects and designers, including, Gae Aulenti, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Alessandro Mendini, Carlo Mollino, Bruno Munari and Ettore Sottsass. The collection includes products such as the Maggiolina chaise-longue, the Sciangai coat stand, the Sacco armchair, the Tonietta chair, the Mezzadro stool, the Leonardo table, the Allunaggio outdoor seat and the Quaderna table, in production for decades and still today a point of reference for passionate customers and design connoisseurs.

Creative Office Resources Acquires De Clercq Office Group
Creative Office Resources (COR) has acquired De Clercq Office Group, further strengthening COR's position in the Connecticut marketplace. De Clercq Office Group will be rebranded as Creative Office Resources throughout 2023. The combined entity is changing the entire dealer landscape and will be a tremendous force for design, innovation and distribution services. The acquisition will further COR's initiatives in Connecticut as they continue to provide customers with exceptional products and service.

Haworth and Environments at Work Open Boston Showroom
Haworth and Environments at Work have opened a new showroom in Boston, located at 101 Arch Street, which showcases the intersection of physical and digital work. The space provides a living lab for new ways of working and the latest innovative solutions, with products including freestanding workspaces, ergonomic chairs, modular workplace systems, moveable wall solutions, and accessories. The showroom also brings together two complementary businesses, Haworth and Environments at Work, to provide clients with the best of both worlds.
Anthony "Tony" Brown, the founder and chairman of Bisley, a UK-based office furniture manufacturer, has passed away at the age of 86. Brown acquired the company from his father in 1970 and oversaw its growth into a business with annual revenue of around £70m and exports to over 75 countries. He was awarded an OBE in 1993 and a lifetime achievement award from the Furniture Makers' Company in 2016 for his contribution to the British manufacturing industry. Brown was also a major shareholder in his local rugby team, the Dragons, and established an Employee Ownership Trust last year to ensure Bisley's long-term future.

Scandinavian Spaces suite 366 set to debut at NeoCon 2023
Scandinavian Spaces is opening a new showroom on the third floor of THE MART in Chicago. The showroom will debut at NeoCon 2023, the world's largest stage for the commercial design industry. The brand has stayed true to its core values of COLOR, DESIGN, and LIFE by collaborating with interior design firm Kuchar to create an exquisite showroom that emphasizes Scandinavian design and culture. The showroom will also feature a fully functioning café where attendees can enjoy a traditional Swedish 'fika' while interacting with the furniture. New product introductions including the Nomad, RUT, and Lola will also be showcased. 
 

Haworth Invests in Showrooms to Demonstrate Hybrid Workspaces
Haworth has invested in new and renovated showrooms globally to experiment with new workspaces. These spaces are located in Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Paris, Hamburg, and Shanghai. The showrooms have been designed with Patricia Urquiola and her studio. Haworth teams all over the world have experimented with these changes and the showrooms are a living lab for these changes. The new showrooms include Pergola, ergonomic chairs, and moveable wall solutions tailored to building conditions. Globally, Haworth spaces feature patterned rugs, modern lighting, and power solutions.

NeoCon Announces Powerful and Timely Educational Programming
NeoCon has announced its educational programming for this year's edition, featuring virtual and on-site CEU programs, workshops, and tours. The programming covers a wide range of topics, including workplace, sustainability, healthcare, technology, wellness, hospitality, DEI, public space, and facilities management. Led by industry thought-leaders, the sessions offer attendees insightful perspectives and strategies for professional advancement. The full programming listing is available on NeoCon's website.
This article discusses a new report by CBRE that identifies the "hardest-hit buildings" (HHBs) in the office market during the pandemic. These buildings share several common characteristics, including age, location (downtown vs. suburban), building size, region, crime risks, and nearby amenities. The report suggests that owners and property managers should focus on these HHBs to add tenants and reverse the trend of high vacancy rates.
This article from The Washington Post discusses the current state of the US office market, which is facing challenges from remote work, higher interest rates, and looming debt maturities. While physical office property values have not yet been significantly affected, real estate investment trusts (REITs) that trade on stock exchanges have seen significant declines. The article suggests that the performance gap between REITs and physical real estate cannot endure forever and that there is likely long-term value in REIT shares at current levels. However, the commercial real estate market could still experience significant downturns if the US enters a recession or if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates beyond expectations.
According to a report by Savills, the pace of office space leasing by law firms slowed in Q4 2022, falling by 31% compared to the same period in 2021. However, some new leasing occurred as law firms expanded into new markets such as Miami, Salt Lake City, and cities in Texas. For 2022 as a whole, US law firms leased 5.3 million square feet of office space, with two-thirds of that representing relocations or new leases. The report also highlighted the expansion of major law firms to dynamic new markets, such as Miami, Austin, and Houston.
Dallas-Fort Worth has experienced negative office absorption for the third consecutive quarter, with more office space being vacated than occupied. Economic uncertainty is causing larger tenants to hold off on space commitments, while the new hybrid work model has caused most companies to require less office space than they did pre-pandemic. Rental rates have plateaued as companies compete for the best space, and declining valuations, increased vacancies, and higher financing costs may force some building owners to surrender their properties once loans come due this year.
According to a report by CBRE, U.S. office buildings that suffered the sharpest increases in vacancy during the pandemic tend to be downtown, located on the West Coast and in the Northeast, and have higher crime rates and fewer amenities outside the properties. Smaller buildings between 100K SF and 300K SF made up the largest share of those in the hard-hit category. If these hard-hit buildings aren't revived or repurposed, they will push the long-term U.S. office vacancy from its pre-pandemic level of 12% to 14.5%, creating an additional 103M SF of vacant space. The trend toward higher office vacancies looks to continue into 2023.
Real estate brokers are increasingly opting for virtual brokerages, which operate primarily online, to reduce overhead costs and offer a more flexible approach to real estate. Digital brokerages can eliminate many of the costs brokers pass on to their agents, which can translate to lower administrative fees that get passed onto the agent. Furthermore, digital brokerages can invest in other areas of the business, such as marketing and technology, which can attract more clients and provide a better overall experience. However, digital brokerages often rely on virtual rather than in-person communication, which can be a detriment when it comes to dealmaking.
This article challenges the idea that remote work spells doom for cities, arguing that the pandemic has created an opportunity for city leaders to reimagine the purpose of downtowns. The article also critiques the "urban doom loop" narrative, which suggests that declining property-tax revenues will lead to a decline in the quality of life, causing more people to leave and worsening the cycle of disinvestment. The author argues that this narrative ignores the fact that urban life was not great for working-class and poor city dwellers before the pandemic, and that this could be an interesting moment to renegotiate the very purpose of downtowns. 
According to a new report from CBRE, nearly 30% of office space in San Francisco is vacant, with over 27 million square feet of empty offices, eight times the amount in 2019. The amount of office space on the market for sublease is approaching 10 million square feet, with more than 900,000 square feet listed in Q1 2023. The ongoing wave of expiring leases involving anchor tenants who are looking to downsize, especially tech players who have embraced remote work, is compounding the situation, leading to negative absorption totaling 1.8 million square feet in the first quarter.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2022 estimates, many residents are returning to some of the country's key metropolitan counties, including New York County and San Francisco County. The Census Bureau attributed the overall increase to students returning to large universities and colleges after they had headed home for health safety reasons and schools shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the report highlighted the reversal of change between small and large counties, with many small counties witnessing higher levels of outflow migration while their large counterparts saw lower levels during the pandemic's peak, but this reversed between 2021 and 2022.
JLL CEO Christian Ulbrich sees a recent uptick in office use, with occupancy growing across the world and the US. He expects workers to be in the office three to four days per week, and companies to change how office space is used rather than necessarily shrinking it. Private equity is expected to move into the office sector on the debt side first, and then on the equity side.
This article discusses the repricing of office buildings in New York City as landlords begin to lower asking prices and accept lower prices than they paid due to high vacancy rates and loan maturities. The repricing is overdue, and experts predict that it will continue as employers adopt hybrid work patterns. Lenders are allowing for "short sales" to expedite the process, and office valuation drops have been gathering momentum for years. Older buildings are struggling to find tenants due to competition from newer, well-amenitized office spaces. Asking rents have remained stubbornly high, but are starting to drop. For office owners struggling with leasing, building upgrades and renovations are expensive, and the high cost of debt will likely force some landlords to arrange sales at a discount.

Features

JPMorgan Chase is building a new global headquarters in Manhattan and experimenting with futuristic office technology and concepts in their Workplace Lab. David Arena, the company's head of global real estate, discusses the purpose of the new tower and how JPMC is synthesizing technology, workplace design, and employee experience to foster belonging, connectivity, creativity, and wellness for their employees. Arena also talks about the importance of physical proximity for learning and collaboration and how JPMC is addressing the needs of remote workers. The company is also committed to creating buildings that are healthier for both residents and the planet.
This feature article discusses the potential danger to office property owners posed by the federal government's use of leased office space. With remote and hybrid work becoming more common, occupancy rates have dropped in the D.C. area and many agencies are planning significant cutbacks in the amount of space they use. The article warns that if the federal government continues to enhance hybrid or remote work, occupancy rates could continue to decline, posing a challenge for properties with government tenants.
This article discusses the trend of using eclectic style, maximalist sensibilities, and cinematic dimensions in new hospitality projects around the world. Designers are creating romantic interiors that blend fact and fiction, taking on novelistic and cinematic dimensions while paying close attention to local context and history. Examples include the Ulysses Hotel in Baltimore, the Dorchester Hotel in London, and Bad Roman restaurant in Manhattan.

Workspace News

According to a report by Coworking Café, in 10 US cities, coworking spaces cost less than a basic monthly coffee budget of $100. The report found that the lowest price gap between coworking and working from home is in Roseville, Calif., where workers can upgrade to a coworking space for the equivalent cost of seven coffees a month ($37). While working from home saves companies significant amounts of money, it can foster feelings of isolation among workers. However, co-working spaces can also have drawbacks, such as distracting environments and concerns around privacy and confidentiality.
This article discusses the importance of human connection in the hybrid work experience. As remote work continues to dominate the workplace, employers must acknowledge the reduced human interaction and seek out solutions to give new meaning to the office's in-person aspect. The article suggests including employees in the design process, introducing wellness amenities, encouraging storytelling, and creating spaces for learning to foster human interaction and build a strong company culture.
n his book "On Work: Money, Meaning, Identity," journalist Derek Thompson explores the concept of "workism," which he defines as the belief that work is not only necessary to economic production but also the centerpiece of one’s identity and life’s purpose. Thompson argues that work has replaced religion as the primary source of meaning and purpose for many Americans, and this shift may be causing burnout. He also discusses the negative side effects of workism, including academic anxiety, economic anxiety, and loneliness, and warns that it negatively impacts public policy. Thompson's critique of workism acknowledges that religions also have the power to hurt individuals, but he argues that people loving their jobs too much is not a huge problem compared to other issues in the world.
A new report from Ericsson Consumer & IndustryLab explores the ways in which employees and employers navigate the current work environment and their views on the future of work shaped by the pandemic, digitalization and the fluctuating labour market. The report finds that flexibility is the new work-life currency, with 52% of employees considering flexible work hours or locations as key requirements and 25% saying that flexibility is the top priority if they would start to look for a new job. The report recommends that employers embrace digitalization and flexible workforce management to create a workplace of the future that supports human collaboration, simplifies work, and values employee input in decision making.
A discussion of the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the workplace. Designers can help organizations fully embrace ESG by integrating environmental responsibility design elements, real-time metric markers, internal and iterative benchmarking, and the "living" values within the workplace while evaluating the real estate strategy. By doing so, companies can align their ESG-focused design with their brand's corporate social responsibility goals and reinforce their values in all decisions.

Featured Manufacturers - AIS

Click above to get up-to-date on the latest happenings at AIS in this video.
 

AIS’ New Casegoods Lines Position the Company for Even Greater Industry Leadership

Today AIS announces the completion of the installation of two new laminate casegoods manufacturing lines at its Leominster factory and headquarters. The new lines join the four existing production lines installed six years ago. This addition is the third phase of the planned ramp up of laminate casegoods production and is another step in the company’s commitment to implement actions that support its valued dealers and position it for success in casegoods leadership. A fourth phase is slated for 2024 that will more than double the company’s casegoods manufacturing capacity.

“Casegoods is a large part of our existing business and we’re committed to support the growing demand from our dealers” stated Nick Haritos, the company’s president and CEO. “We’re good at it. Designing and manufacturing products with laminates is our sweet spot and our expanding product portfolio reflects a continuous evolution with new designs and lines to meet customer needs.”

The significant capital investment is a strategic move that will benefit AIS dealers, their customers, and ultimately, the entire company. The installation and implementation of the new lines involve many company resources, multiple partners, and a well-thought-out timeline. The expansion effort is being led by Haritos who understands what the market is looking for and how AIS can effectively meet and exceed those needs.

In addition to increased capacity, there are multiple benefits to the addition of AIS’ new multimillion dollar investment. They include reduced lead times, more sophisticated software, increased career growth opportunities for current workers along with the creation of additional jobs in Central Massachusetts, and most importantly, even more satisfied dealers and customers.

In line with AIS’ lean, agile culture, the production team designed the new lines for optimum performance and agility. The automation enables the teams to process and build custom specials with relative ease. Complex products can often be produced more quickly than other manufacturers, providing AIS dealers with a competitive edge.

AIS’ growth is a clear indication that the products and services offered by the company are in demand. While the industry is relatively flat, AIS had record casegoods and overall sales in 2022 despite the many challenges the entire industry faced on key fronts.

The first phase of laminate casegoods manufacturing was installed in 2016 and in the intervening years, quickly hit capacity. With the addition of the new lines, the company’s chief operating officer, Steve Savage says, “the entire team – from production to sales to shipping – is looking forward to providing our dealers with increased casegoods options, more capacity, and faster lead times.” The new lines also position AIS for exploration into new and under-tapped markets, such as healthcare and education, with new products and new uses for laminate.

Savage, a firm believer in lean manufacturing, stated, “We’re a proud Shingo Prize recipient and have consistently operated our business with those world class principles at our core. A culture of excellence is fostered at all levels of the organization by focusing on developing systems that create value for our customers, ensuring quality and process refinement through continuous improvement, respect for workers, and value for individual contributions.”

As laminate casegoods become more and more popular with dealers and end users alike, AIS’ engineering team, led by Bill Stewich, executive vice president of design and innovation, is excited about the possibilities.

“Casegoods are an important segment of our business, and these new lines will help us take more products to market faster. During the years since our first lines were up and running, there has been a seismic shift in storage needs. Between so-called paperless offices and remote working, storage has become more about room for personal items and not files.”

Stewich continues, “The development and construction of casegoods from laminate is a process that allows for specialization and creative uses of the material. The requests we see from the marketplace, combined with our current product line offering, gives us ample opportunity to create and integrate new solutions for customers.” As employers continue to respond to worker desires for a warm, welcoming workplace, AIS has been eager to respond with new and relevant options.

What the New Casegoods Lines Mean to Our Dealers

AIS is known for its responsiveness to the dealer community and for providing quick turnaround times.  Solutions that meet workforce and budgetary demands are a hallmark of the brand. Another well-known advantage of working with AIS is the company’s ability to provide highly engineered specials in a timely and cost-effective manner.

“The new lines will go even further in providing dealers with more choices, a seamless business process, and shorter lead times. All these advantages result in better cash flow and greater profitability for our dealers. Facilities managers and buyers get their teams moved in and productive quickly while paying close attention to every dollar they spend. And for the end user, it means functional and beautiful furniture with the finishes and warmth that employees now expect in their workplace,” commented Haritos.

In addition to meeting the needs of end users, dealer requests often provide an early indication of where the market is headed regarding demand for new products. By listening intently and paying attention to how dealers and end users are using products, AIS can respond with new solutions. The company recently expanded its casegoods line to include Calibrate® Dry Planters and Calibrate® Wall Panels based on market demand.

Stewich concurs, “the AIS business model, along with the new lines, position the company to be even earlier to market. With our ear to the ground and inherent flexibility built into the business model, we can get new ideas to market faster than many other manufacturers making us the ‘go to’ when a short turnaround time is needed.”

When the AIS engineering department develops a new product, the team works to create convenient, streamlined casegoods that have multiple uses. One example of this is its mobile pedestals. “Not only does the piece serve as storage, but it is also seating on the fly for collaborators, and can be easily rolled in and out of place. Additionally, our dry planters serve multiple purposes including as a room divider, providing privacy, anchoring workstations, and adding a green element to the floorplate,” stated Stewich.

As the world continues to sort out whether remote work is here to stay, or if a full return to work or a hybrid model will prevail, “we will continue to position AIS as a flexible, adaptable, lean manufacturer committed to supporting our dealers’ business – and these new casegoods lines clearly reinforce that.”

“Our world-class culture, world-class machinery, and lean manufacturing expertise has positioned AIS for continued success and ensured growth for our dealers. Our commitment to adding laminate casegoods lines will continue to leverage our legacy of flexibility, technology, and responsiveness” remarked Savage.

Opportunity Abounds for the AIS Workforce

With expansion comes jobs. According to Savage, “Last year, we added more than one hundred manufacturing jobs, and we expect to do the same in 2023. With those additional jobs comes opportunity for our teams to take on new roles, learn new skills, and advance in the company.” AIS plans to employ additional engineers and technical teams along with machine operators and other factory personnel. “It’s a win for our dealers, a win for our workers, and a win for AIS.”

The company culture, based on trust and respect, encourages workers to accept challenges, push through obstacles, and work together to deliver on promises. As more machinery is added, workers in the factory are becoming increasingly excited to ramp up production. “AIS has always been about rewarding hard work with opportunity and this expansion will continue to provide career paths for our team members. We’ve already promoted hourly workers in the factory to supervisory roles,” stated Haritos. “The opportunities are across the board, from our production teams to our office staff, there are multiple career paths, training experiences, and educational benefits that allow individuals to grow.”

Design

The pandemic has forced many employees to give up their personal desks, which were once a way to create a sense of belonging and familiarity. With hot desking and flexible schedules, many workers now have to share workstations and take their personal items home at the end of the day. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, and make employees feel like they don't have a place at work. However, some employers are rethinking what a worker-friendly space means in the hybrid age. Design experts are now creating bespoke spaces for different work functions, encouraging employees to move around, and using architectural cues to create a curated, holistic employee experience. The aim is to give people a sense of belonging in a physical space without relying solely on desks. The traditional open-plan office setting is giving way to dynamic spaces that offer variety, choice, and differentiation, allowing workers to choose their own workday and feel like "this place works for me."
This article from Allwork.Space discusses the benefits of using IoT technology in office planning and employee health. By monitoring and improving air quality, detecting space usage, and using heat mapping, businesses can gain insight into how their built environment is utilized by employees and make adjustments to optimize their real estate investment. The article also includes an interview with Erin McDannald, CEO and Co-Owner of Environments, who discusses the benefits of heat mapping and other IoT tools for optimizing office spaces and promoting employee wellness.
Companies are using employee behavioral data to inform office design and space utilization, especially as occupancy rates remain low and people use workspaces differently due to the pandemic. By tracking movement with sensors, companies can analyze data to improve underused areas, consolidate office space, and make the office more functional for workers. Butlr and Framery are among the companies providing this service, and the trend is expected to become more widespread in the future.
Hotels are redesigning their rooms to cater to remote workers, with some adding gym equipment and others becoming more pet-friendly. The Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis has created decorative wall backdrops for video calls, added more power outlets, and revamped its room service menus. Other hotels are offering in-room printers and larger, multi-purpose tables. As remote and hybrid working becomes more popular, hotels are marketing to remote workers with packages that encourage extended stays and prioritize self-care and mental wellness. Hotel chains are also considering providing bookable workspaces for small, short-term business meetings.
This article features interviews with six entrepreneurs about their office spaces and how design impacts their productivity and lifestyle. The entrepreneurs come from various fields and their offices range from small and cozy to sleek and modern. The pandemic has influenced office design trends, with functionality and style being of utmost importance. The entrepreneurs also discuss the importance of work/life balance and flexibility in their hybrid work models.

Trends

The Walking Room is a new company founded by a physiotherapist and a former professional tennis player that aims to bring movement into the workplace. Their first pilot project is a "walking room," a giant treadmill the size of a room that can fit 8-10 people, located in an office building in Amsterdam. The founders hope to create many more walking rooms in offices around the world. Studies have shown that walking meetings can increase productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost creativity. The Walking Room is also a tool to foster team spirit in the workplace, which is especially important in the wake of COVID-19.
Scientific workplaces are changing to become more comfortable and amenity-rich, with a focus on employee experience and wellbeing. The life science sector is incorporating wellness facilities, gyms, and large event spaces into their designs, while also utilizing advances in technology to improve efficiency and bring together technical and support-function teams. Converting existing buildings into labs can be complex, but some asset classes, such as old retail units or shopping malls, lend themselves more readily to conversion. The increase in hybrid working has also led to a more casual, hospitality-based approach to workplace design, with clever mobile or modular furniture being key to supporting collaboration and flexibility.

Latest Products

Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering has launched the Paradiso Collection, a new range of commercial-grade textiles for Spring 2023. The collection features three patterns inspired by natural forms, including cacti and birds of paradise, and incorporates recycled polyester in each design. The collection is designed to be versatile and durable, with each pattern having its own distinct personality through texture and pattern. The collection's contrasting colors make it suitable for use in hospitality, workplace, corporate, and educational interiors.
Aceray has launched Solo-Q seating, designed by Balutto Associates and crafted in Italy. The chair features a generous body, sturdy ash wood frame, and sweeping wood arm and leg supports, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for hospitality and workspaces. Customization options include wood stains and fabric choices.
The Joyn 2 office table by Vitra is designed to promote communal creativity and support flexible office needs. The table can expand to accommodate up to ten workstations and is made from durable materials such as solid wood, cork screens, and recycled leather remnant desk pads. The table's raw aluminum base and plastic parts are fabricated from recycled materials where possible. Joyn 2 also comes in Meeting and Touchdown variations, designed for temporary use and conference tables for two to ten people, respectively.
The Study is a folding table designed by Stockholm-based design studio Karlsson & Björk. The table is made entirely of wood and incorporates thin legs and tabletop into its construction to maximize space for its user. The tables can be linked together by a system of elastic cords and knobs. The table is simple to fold and move, and comes in lengths of 900, 1200, and 1400 mm and in widths of 450 and 600 mm. The Study series is in production by Swedish manufacturer Karl Andersson & Söner.
The Mono study pod is a foldable and mobile workspace designed by Philip Bogaerts and René Vullings for office furniture brand Bogaerts. The minimal white pod is sound-dampened and available in single or double-sized options, with a fold-out table and optional wheels for easy transportation. Constructed from plywood and recycled PET felt, the pods can be linked together to create a unified workspace configuration, providing employees with their own private workspace while staying connected with the rest of the office.
The sustainable Rocking Chair design by Amsterdam design studio MVOS, is located in a relaxation room at the Rituals head office in Amsterdam. The chair is a modern version of the classic rocking chair with an original design language, and Mischa Vos collaborated with various companies that work with sustainable parts to create it. The seating area is made with recycled cork coating from old wine corks, and the base is made by Probend and coated with an environmentally friendly powder coating.

Other News

ChopValue, a Canadian company, is turning discarded chopsticks into furniture, diverting them from landfills. The company collects the chopsticks from various locations, sanitizes and sorts them, applies a water-based resin, and presses them into tiles that form the modular components of their furniture. The company operates in 12 cities around the world and has collection partners that include restaurant chains, schools, and corporate offices. The company has a decentralized microfactory model, with small factories in each location where it operates, cutting down on transport emissions. ChopValue is expanding to more states and countries, including Asia, and aims to create a truly circular model for its furniture production.

Green / Sustainability

Sustainability and flexibility are changing the future of the office. Business leaders are redefining their workplace strategies to create flexible, tech-enabled, future-proof workplaces that promote creativity and collaboration. The office is becoming more adaptive, with furniture playing a key role in delivering experience. Sustainability is also a key factor in office redesign, with companies taking a stand on sustainability and circularity. The post-pandemic world is seeing a disruption in the workplace, with the changing nature of work, adoption of technology, and desire to meet sustainability goals driving a major transformation of workspaces.

Teknion Advances Health and Well-being by Engaging with WELL at scale
Teknion has collaborated with the International WELL Building Institute for six years to deploy health strategies rooted in the WELL Building Standard. In 2022, Teknion enrolled in WELL at scale to measure and improve its organizational health performance across every location. WELL benchmarks an organization's achievements across various impact areas, and as of 2023, Teknion has applied WELL strategies to 38 locations across seven countries and impacts 3,093 occupants. Teknion's initiatives also serve as a strategic partnership-building tool for its customers, creating certifiably healthy workspaces that drive productivity while utilizing Teknion products that meet WELL standards.

Room & Board's National Urban Wood Project Expands to New York City
Room & Board and Tri-Lox are partnering to expand the Urban Wood Project, which sources wood that would otherwise be destined for landfills and reclaims it into unique furnishings. The project has rescued 180,000 board feet of lumber from landfills and diverted 200 trees annually from the waste stream. The new line of sustainable offerings will be suitable for hospitality and office spaces and will include items made from wood culled from decommissioned New York City water towers and salvaged local trees. 
A new study has found that PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals," used in furniture to repel oil and water and make textiles more stain-resistant, are not effective at their job. The study compared treated and untreated fabrics and found that treated fabrics only marginally performed better at first and had limited to no effectiveness after just a couple of years. PFAS chemicals have been known to cause adverse health effects and accumulate in water and soil, polluting the environment and increasing the risk of cancer and decreasing fertility rates. The study focused only on PFAS in furniture, but these chemicals can be found in a wide array of products.
Gen Phoenix, formerly known as ELeather, has raised $18 million in growth funding from investors including Tapestry, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dr. Martens. The UK-based upcycler intends to expand into luxury fashion and footwear categories and claims to have diverted over 8,000 tons of leather waste from landfills. While its "recycled leather" contains up to 86% recycled content, including recycled leather and plastic, it also contains virgin plastic. Gen Phoenix aims to reduce and eliminate virgin materials from its products completely and is commercializing a bio-based coating system and bio-based substitutions for any synthetic materials used in the process.

BuzziSpace Lowers Carbon Footprint With New BuzziFabric
BuzziSpace has announced that their BuzziFabrics are now made from 100% recycled raw materials, including 70% recycled wool, 25% recycled polyacrylic, and 5% recycled rags. The brand is committed to lowering their carbon footprint and producing sustainable products that are also high-quality and durable. BuzziFabrics are produced in Europe and meet certification and environmental standards worldwide.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Artystry designed a unique and vibrant office for Cybrosys in Kerala, India, with a focus on community and fostering interaction. The design features bright colors, large indoor plants, and a variety of working and communal spaces, including a café and gaming area. The design process included input from both the c-suite and department heads to ensure everyone felt included. The project was a result of a month-long team effort, with careful attention paid to balancing user needs with aesthetics.

Upcoming Industry Events

NeoCon 2023
June  12-14, 2023 | 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.  

Milan Design Week 2023
April 18-23, 2023 | Milan, Italy

Milan design week is the biggest annual design event in the world and takes place from 17 to 23 April 2023. The week includes the furniture fair Salone del Mobile, which takes place at the Fiera Milano exhibition centre and is the largest event to take place during the week. The selection of fringe events collectively named Fuorisalone also takes place across the city.

hd expo+conference
May 2-4, 2023 | Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

HD Expo + Conference is the largest hospitality event of its kind in the country, showcasing the latest products, services, and innovative developments from the industry’s leading manufacturers.  

Clerkenwell Design Week 2023
May 23-25, 2023 | 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.

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

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

Arper’s Collaboration with Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© Exhibition Opens in LA
Arper, a global design brand, has collaborated with the Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© Exhibition for a second time to outfit the exhibition space in Los Angeles. The exhibition features over 200 works by the renowned artist and Arper recreated the original feeling of the Michael Todd VIP Room at the iconic nightclub Palladium using custom finishes of their classic collections for the space.

Industry Briefing

Ware Malcomb Promotes Kirsten Lien
Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, has hired Leonard Camposano as Director, Architecture and promoted Kirsten Lien (above) to Director, Interior Architecture & Design in their Pleasanton office. Camposano brings over 25 years of experience in architecture, design, planning, construction, and management, while Lien has been with Ware Malcomb for 21 years and has experience in project management, visioning, programming, account management, and business development. In their new roles, Camposano and Lien will lead the growth and management of their respective studios in the Pleasanton office.

Landscape Forms Appoints Lisa Belter as Business Development Representative for Alberta and Saskatchewan
Landscape Forms has appointed Lisa Belter as Business Development Representative for Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. Lisa brings a diverse background in graphic design, sales, marketing, education, consulting, and Feng Shui design to the role, and is passionate about using outdoor design and creative storytelling to inspire engagement and play.

Polyvision Corporation Announces Silvie Vermoote as Sales Director APAC
Polyvision Corporation has appointed Silvie Vermoote as the new Sales Director for APAC, effective since January 23, 2023. Silvie will be working closely with Kevin Taney, the Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, to grow Polyvision's strategy and sales in the Asia market. Prior to joining Polyvision, Silvie had broad experience with KBC Bank in Hong Kong and earned a Master of Business Administration degree.

Loll Designs Announces New Representative Groups
Loll Designs has announced new partnerships with several US and Canada-based independent representative groups to support their open line offering for commercial sales division. The made in America outdoor furnishings brand is excited to now work with Concentric in the West and Northwest, Source Four in the Rockies, Nolan Brands in the DC Metro area, Repsource in New England, Modern Rep Group in Texas, and House of Digby throughout most of Canada.

Logiflex Announces Key Collective as New Rep Group for NY/North NJ
Logiflex has announced Key Collective as their new rep group for NY/North NJ. The team includes Eric Arnold, Jenina Garcia Dolce, Cindy Bitensky, and Lori Rosenbaum, who have a combined experience of over 60 years in the contract furniture industry. Logiflex is excited to work with this talented team to connect with the community and continue their vision for innovation and growth.

Contract Design Associates lands downtown Spokane
Contract Design Associates, a commercial furniture dealership based in Spokane, has moved into a new 16,000-square-foot space in the former Spokesman-Review production building downtown. The new space is more efficient and features a large showroom, employee workstations, a wellness and quiet room, and a war room. The company's new location is also more convenient for clients and near downtown amenities and attractions. CDA is the only authorized seller of MillerKnoll furniture in its market area, which includes Eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and Montana.

H Contract Expands Seating Product Line; Adds Outdoor Furniture Category for EFA Expo
H Contract, a supplier of upholstered seating and case goods for the senior living market, will showcase new products at the upcoming EFA Conference and Expo, including outdoor furniture for the first time since its parent company's acquisition of Sunset West. The addition of the outdoor product category expands the company's position as one of the largest furniture resources for senior living spaces. The company is also expanding its lounge and dining seating category with ten new made-to-order items, including benches, ottomans, settees, and chairs.

IIDA NY Hosts Celebrated Designers for Pioneering Design Series
The International Interior Design Association's New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is hosting a panel discussion titled "Makers and Creators: Pivoting in Design" on April 12th. The panel will feature renowned industry experts, including Andy Cruz, founder of House Industries, Andy Singer, CEO of Visual Comfort & Co., Lauren Rottet, Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio, and Kai Williams, Co-Founder of Chen Chen & Kai Williams. The discussion will be moderated by Karen Stone, Adjunct Professor of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.

ASU interior design student wins national contest for modern workplace
Madeline Magee, an interior design student at Arizona State University, won the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition for her colorful and flexible modern workspace design. The competition received over 1,200 submissions from 77 higher-education institutions. Magee won $2,500 for first prize, and fellow interior design senior Chloe Cobb won $1,250. Both students have decided to donate their winnings toward a scholarship for an undergraduate in the interior design program. Steelcase is matching the donation. Magee's winning design included a "mother's room," beverage bar, wellness room, a retail mockup space, and team spaces.
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Serve as main contact to all lab reseller partners for training, education, website development, regional sales visits and sales meetings and support of all client project pursuits. · Attend and facilitate all lab specific trade shows. · Target and pursue direct end-user relationships at...
NDI Office Furniture LLC, one of the nation’s largest stocking office furniture importers and distributors, is seeking an individual or group for Territory Sales Representation in the Houston, TX territory. NDI is based in Nashville TN with warehouses in Ocala, FL; Birmingham, AL; and Dallas, TX, and we utilize our own fleet of trucks and drivers to provide industry-leading service to our customers. 
Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering is seeking an Inside Sales Agent/Showroom Admin in Chicago, IL. 
ORI, Inc. is an insights led commercial furnishings dealer that provides knowledge, products, and services to help our customers achieve their desired business results. We are the exclusive Platinum Steelcase dealer. This position is an opportunity for a highly organized and driven sales professional to manage and grow a major healthcare account.
Indoff is expanding and in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area. Indoff Offers: 50% commission on the gross profit - This is a straight commission position, and right now Indoff offers *70% year one if you can substantiate sales of $500K in the year prior.
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