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NeoCon to Launch Premier Lighting Exhibit in 2026 / Commercial Office Furniture Market Driven by Workplace Modernization, Ergonomic Innovations, and Sustainable Design Trends / DIRTT Reports Significant Project Wins and Increased Pipeline Growth / Mega Merger: Perkins&Will And A+I Forge A Bold New Era / KI announces 33.4k square-foot addition to manufacturing facility next to Green Bay HQ / India’s Flexible Office Boom Smashes Global Records And Leaves U.S. In The Dust / Why Flexible Workspace Is Now Central To Business Growth And Occupier Success Strategies Worldwide / AI-Driven Plug-And-Play Leads to Major Office Availability Decline in San Francisco / Office Visits Slip in August After Strong July Showing / 'The Extra Push': How Marketing Became The New Survival Tactic In U.S. Office Leasing / Designing a New Way to Think in the Age of AI / Why Flexible Workspace Is Now Central To Business Growth And Occupier Success Strategies Worldwide / The Product–Market Fit Crisis In Commercial Real Estate: Why The Cost Of Mismatched Portfolios Is Staggering For Landlords / Flexible working policies have only a limited effect on how people actually work  / and much more…
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Featuring the Monday Morning Quarterback
Monday, September 22, 2025
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🏈 Cheat Sheet 🏈
The Latest Buzz about Contract Furniture and the Workspace
from your Monday Morning Quarterback
 
AI Helping Design Facilities — It’s Great, Until It’s Hard
 
AI is barging its way into the world of facility design, armed with digital twins, real-time visualizations, occupancy simulations, and the promise that somehow, magically, it will make everything better, faster, and more “human.” Yes, human—because nothing says warmth and hospitality quite like machine-generated code analyzing foot traffic.
 
But let’s not be too cynical. This could actually be a good thing. AI, when used properly (read: not blindly), allows designers to go from being glorified draftspeople to something more akin to conductors of an architectural symphony. At least, that’s the pitch. Firms like Gensler are leading the charge (see video below), developing proprietary platforms that let design teams and clients co-create in real time. You want to simulate how guests flow through a lobby? Done. Want to see how much energy your building will guzzle before it even exists? No problem. Want to stand in the middle of a hotel ballroom before it’s even built and feel the acoustics? Almost there. Thanks to Gensler’s approach, the static sketch has given way to a dynamic, immersive, cinematic story. Designers are now storytellers, strategists, and—dare we say—visionaries. It’s no longer just about how a space looks. It’s how it breathes, moves, and reacts.
 
Even major clients like Marriott are jumping in, albeit cautiously. They’re still in the early stages, but they’ve partnered with firms like Gensler and are actively exploring how AI tools can help unlock new ideas, streamline collaboration, and make the whole process of building thousands of properties a little less like herding cats. The vision is noble: use high-tech tools to deliver high-touch experiences. They want to be faster, more creative, and more operationally efficient. All of which sounds great—on a keynote slide.
 
And now, let’s talk about the furniture. Because AI isn’t just content redesigning walls and simulating air flow. It wants to help with the chairs too. AI can analyze how people sit, where they congregate, how long they stay in a room, how many steps they take to reach the coffee machine—and then use that data to generate “optimized” furniture layouts or even design custom pieces that respond to those needs. Want a modular bench that flexes for high-traffic lobbies but still looks bespoke? AI’s on it. Want a workspace chair that balances ergonomic efficiency with local sourcing and brand color schemes? There’s a prompt for that. AI can churn through thousands of iterations faster than any intern ever could, pulling in parameters like accessibility, aesthetics, carbon footprint, and user behavior to suggest furnishings that fit the space like a glove—at least, theoretically.
 
Here’s the catch: designers may not be totally ready for this new AI-fueled world. For one, adopting these tools requires a whole new language—prompt engineering, data modeling, algorithmic iteration—none of which were covered in your average BFA program. The software is shiny, but it’s not always battle-tested. And while the tools claim to be intuitive, there’s still a gap between what designers want to do and what the AI thinks you mean. More often than not, garbage in still equals garbage out, especially when the underlying data sets are shallow, outdated, or locked inside a forgotten Excel sheet on someone’s desktop.
 
Then there’s the not-so-small matter of creative freedom. Designers worry—rightfully—that AI could lead to cookie-cutter results, optimizing for what the algorithm deems “average.” The fear is real: that design will become homogenized, sterilized, and just a little too “machine-learned.” At the same time, implementing AI is expensive. It takes time to train people, money to upgrade systems, and patience to rewire workflows. Smaller firms may look at this revolution and say, “Sounds great for Gensler. We’ll stick with our Revit hacks for now.”
 
The good news is that AI, despite all its buzz, isn’t a silver bullet (or even a magical one). It’s a tool—albeit a very powerful one. It can compress what used to take months into days, help visualize concepts that used to live only in mood boards, and provide clients with clarity before the first slab is poured. But it still needs designers—actual humans—to provide the narrative, the instinct, and the nuance that makes a space feel authentic and alive.
 
Gensler seems to understand this better than most (again, see video below). Their focus on storytelling as the new design language—using AI to bring environments to life in a cinematic, iterative way—is a compelling reminder that the best spaces are built not just with precision, but with imagination. In their world, AI doesn’t replace the designer; it elevates them. And if furniture design gets swept up in this movement too, so be it—perhaps someday we’ll thank the algorithm for inventing the next Aeron.
 
Of course, that’s the dream. The reality, at least for now, is that most firms will stumble through the adoption curve. There will be awkward meetings, tools that don’t sync, clients who ask if AI can make the ceilings two feet higher in real time, and designers who quietly wish for the good old days of vellum and graphite. But if the industry can push through the initial discomfort—and resist the temptation to let AI run the show entirely—it just might come out the other side smarter, faster, and more creatively empowered than ever.
 
Or not. Everything is subject to change, of course.
 
 
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Designing a New Way to Think
Designing a New Way to Think
How is technology-especially AI-reshaping the built environment, guest experience, and creative process itself? In this Brainstorm Design conversation, we bring together Kristen Conry, who leads global design at Marriott International, and Jordan Goldstein, co-CEO of the world's largest architecture and design firm, Gensler.

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By the Numbers
Office visits decreased in August after a strong performance in July, attributed to fewer working days and the peak vacation season. Major markets like New York and Miami, which had fully recovered in July 2025, experienced declines of over 10% in August. Nationally, office visits were down 34% compared to August 2019 levels, with July showing a decline of 21.8%. This year, August had 21 working days, one less than in August 2024 and 2019, yet visits per workday were better than in August 2023, which had two additional working days. Seasonal dynamics played a significant role, as employees tend to embrace flexible work arrangements during peak vacation times.

Read more >

Quoatable
"We’re seeing clear signals of market expansion. The Dodge Momentum Index jumped 7.5% in August, with commercial planning up nearly 9% and institutional activity, including healthcare, up more than 5%. These trends validate the scale of opportunity in our core sectors and reinforce our confidence in DIRTT’s growth trajectory."  Benjamin Urban, Chief Executive Officer of DIRTT 
 
Industry Stocks YTD at Friday's Close
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World Container Index - Sept 18, 2025
Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 6% to $1,913 per 40ft container this week. 
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EXPERIENCE™ Columns – Elevating Standards in Contract Furniture Manufacturing
Introducing the all-new EXPERIENCE™ range of lifting columns, where innovation meets sustainability. Designed to redefine performance for height-adjustable desks, these columns are engineered to exceed expectations.
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Engineered to perform
The EXPERIENCE series boasts superior lifting and holding force, achieving a remarkable speed of 80 mm/s. With a load capacity of 800 N per column and a self-lock force of 1200 N, these features have never before coexisted in a single system. The revolutionary LINAK® motor and brake technologies ensure that the EXPERIENCE columns set a new benchmark for performance, all while operating with a pleasing sound that enhances user experience.
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Designed to last
Commitment to responsible materials is at the forefront of the EXPERIENCE design. These columns consume 30% less power during operation and are both PVC- and PFAS-free, reflecting our commitment to responsible material use. Built to endure, the EXPERIENCE columns undergo extensive testing, achieving an impressive 25,000 cycles (centrally loaded) and are backed by a 10-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting durability.
 
With a complete program of eight variants in various sizes, shapes, and stages, the EXPERIENCE columns integrate effortlessly with existing control boxes, desk panels, frames, and feet. Designed with backward compatibility and supporting our Plug & Play™ approach, these columns simplify upgrades and scaling within your product portfolio without the need for excess stock.
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Built for business
EXPERIENCE columns not only enhance performance but also address the growing market demand for sustainable solutions—all at a competitive price point. This new generation of lifting columns is not just an upgrade; it’s your opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the industry.
In summary, EXPERIENCE is engineered to perform and built to last—without compromise. Elevate your office desk solutions with the EXPERIENCE™ range and set new standards in your offerings.
Learn more about the EXPERIENCE range of lifting columns at:
Kastle Back to Work Barometer
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Peak day office occupancy was 65.3% on Tuesday last week, up 5.6 points from the previous week, as workers returned to the office in record numbers in the first full week after the Labor Day holiday weekend. New York City and Washington, D.C. experienced post-pandemic record-high Tuesday occupancy, rising 10.7 points to 71.8% and 5.1 points to 64.1%, respectively. Occupancy increased every day in nearly every city, which is a similar pattern to previous years as the summer travel season ends. The average low was on Friday at 36.9%, up more than six points from last week.
 
Weekly average occupancy rose 4.4 points from the previous week to a post-pandemic record high 55.8%, according to the 10-city Back to Work Barometer, nearly a full point higher than the prior record set in July. Occupancy increased by more than a full point in every tracked city. New York City, Washington, D.C., and Dallas all experienced post-pandemic record highs, rising 10.9 points to 58.2%, 5.3 points to 55%, and 3.7 points to 63.5%, respectively.
 
Last week, Class A+ peak day occupancy rose 11.9 points to 97.9% on Tuesday, six tenths of a point above the previous post-pandemic record high set in July. Weekly average occupancy among the Barometer’s Class A+ buildings was 79.9%, up 11.4 points from the previous week and a post-pandemic record high. We will continue to provide insights from this subset of over 100 buildings within the Barometer dataset, which have been categorized as Class A+.

QB's Aeron Chair Index
The Aeron Used Chair Index
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the SF Bay Area as computed by Craigslist on September 19, 2025 - US $598 (-2%)  Last week: US $610
 
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the Chicago Area as computed by Craigslist on September 19, 2025- US $485 (+.2%)  Last week: US $484
 
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the Manhattan as computed by Craigslist on September 19, 2025- US $461 (+2.6%) Last week: US $449
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Top News
NeoCon to Launch Premier Lighting Exhibit in 2026
NeoCon is set to launch a new show called Illuminate in 2026, dedicated to architectural, technical, and decorative lighting. Taking place from June 8-10 at THE MART in Chicago, this initiative aims to connect lighting manufacturers with the design community, emphasizing the importance of lighting in good design. The exhibit will feature premier and emerging lighting brands, interactive installations, educational programming led by experts, and various networking events to foster collaboration. Exhibitors will have access to NeoCon's resources, including sponsorships and award opportunities.
DIRTT Reports Significant Project Wins and Increased Pipeline Growth
DIRTT Environmental Solutions has announced significant project wins and an increase in its forward pipeline. Recently, the company secured a $3.5 million contract with Google for its Caribbean campus, which encompasses a one-million square-foot development featuring a self-contained pod solution. DIRTT has a long-standing relationship with Google, completing over 250 projects. Additionally, DIRTT expanded its collaboration with Allina Health for a flagship project worth $16 million, which includes a new patient tower in Minneapolis. The CEO highlighted positive market signals, noting an increase in the Dodge Momentum Index and growth in commercial planning and institutional activity. DIRTT’s 12-month forward pipeline now totals $329 million, reflecting a 5.7% growth since July 2025.
KI announces 33.4k square-foot addition to manufacturing facility next to Green Bay HQ
KI announces 33.4k square-foot addition to manufacturing facility next to Green Bay HQ
KI is expanding its facility next to its Green Bay headquarters by adding a 33,400 square foot space. Construction has already commenced with Bayland Buildings handling the project. The new warehouse space is expected to be completed by January. This expansion is part of a larger Phase Two process, set to begin in October and finish by May 2026, strategically timed to enhance manufacturing capacity ahead of peak season. Following multiple expansions over the last decade, the total facility size will exceed 500,000 square feet.

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Commercial Office Furniture Market Driven by Workplace Modernization, Ergonomic Innovations, and Sustainable Design Trends
The Commercial Office Furniture Market is growing steadily, projected to reach USD 110 billion by 2033, driven by demand for ergonomic, sustainable, and smart workplace solutions. Key factors include the rise of hybrid work models, urbanization, and technological integration in furniture. Companies are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and innovative designs to enhance employee well-being and productivity, while co-working spaces and start-ups are boosting demand for flexible furniture solutions. North America leads the market, but Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region.
Mega Merger: Perkins&Will And A+I Forge A Bold New Era
Mega Merger: Perkins&Will And A+I Forge A Bold New Era
Perkins&Will, the second-largest design firm in the U.S., has merged with Architecture Plus Information (A+I), a New York studio known for its strategic and experience-driven approach to workplace design. This merger allows Perkins&Will to enhance its presence in New York and capitalize on the city's commercial real estate boom, expanding its team to nearly 180 members. A+I gains access to a broader network and resources, enabling it to tackle larger projects in sectors like higher education and healthcare. Both firms aim to leverage their combined expertise to innovate workplace designs and improve employee experiences, especially as clients seek new office models post-pandemic. The collaboration reflects a commitment to creativity, research, and a data-driven approach to design challenges.

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India's Flexible Office Boom Smashes Global Records And Leaves U.S. In The Dust
India's flexible office market is rapidly advancing, projected to reach 100 million square feet by 2026, surpassing traditional leaders like the U.S., U.K., and France. Scoring a perfect 100 on Cushman & Wakefield’s maturity index, India offers a unique combination of extensive flexible inventory, diverse operators, and innovative leasing agreements. Currently, the market has nearly 80 million square feet across major cities, with significant growth expected. Demand for flexible offices has surged, with international enterprises driving most of the absorption. The managed office model is increasingly dominating the market, and Tier II cities are also attracting interest. Institutional confidence is rising, with several operators going public, indicating a trend towards greater transparency and investor interest.

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AI-Driven Plug-And-Play Leads to Major Office Availability Decline in San Francisco
In San Francisco, the Waterfront/North Beach and Financial District submarkets have experienced a notable drop in office availability, with decreases of -6.5% and -5.7% over the past year, largely driven by the expansion of AI-based firms. Landlords are increasingly implementing plug-and-play solutions designed for AI companies, allowing for immediate occupancy with all necessary amenities like internet and furniture. This approach facilitates quick relocation for tenants, which is crucial for AI firms that prioritize in-office collaboration and innovation. However, these plug-and-play setups can incur higher costs for landlords without guaranteed tenant occupancy.

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'The Extra Push': How Marketing Became The New Survival Tactic In U.S. Office Leasing
In 2025, landlords are increasingly investing in marketing and property enhancements to attract tenants in a competitive office leasing market. Traditional marketing methods are being replaced by strategies that include staging, professional photography, and social media engagement. As demand for office space begins to rise post-pandemic, effective marketing is crucial for securing leases, with many firms doubling their marketing budgets. Innovative approaches and a focus on tenant amenities are key to standing out in a market where vacancy rates remain high.

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Life Sciences Real Estate Players Warn Digging Out From Slump Could Take Years
Lab leasing activity in major markets remains stagnant due to high vacancy rates and a surplus of supply, with only 62 deals signed in Q1 2025. The market may not recover until 2028, as most leases are short-term renewals. Big Pharma's investments are insufficient to address the excess space, and landlords are exploring alternative tenants and creative solutions. Challenges include potential refinancing difficulties and the impact of NIH funding cuts, while some hope exists in biomanufacturing growth driven by onshoring efforts.

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Features
Why Flexible Workspace Is Now Central To Business Growth And Occupier Success Strategies Worldwide
Why Flexible Workspace Is Now Central To Business Growth And Occupier Success Strategies Worldwide
The rise of hybrid work has made flexible office spaces essential for business growth, allowing occupiers to adapt to changing workforce needs. Global usage of flexible office space is increasing, with the Americas leading in adoption. In the U.S., demand for high-quality flexible spaces is growing, while India experiences explosive growth driven by global labor sourcing. The U.K. sees larger enterprises utilizing flexible offices for various purposes, prompting providers to expand their offerings. Future growth will depend on providers' ability to innovate and respond to occupier demands.

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The Product-Market Fit Crisis In Commercial Real Estate: Why The Cost Of Mismatched Portfolios Is Staggering For Landlords-And Tenants
The commercial real estate market is facing a product-market fit crisis, leading to significant financial strain for landlords due to high loan delinquencies, declining valuations, and increased vacancy rates. Occupiers are wasting money on underutilized office spaces, with average attendance at only 40%. This misalignment between real estate offerings and actual usage results in both parties suffering, as landlords face defaults and occupiers deal with ineffective workplace strategies. Addressing this disconnect is crucial for protecting asset values and aligning portfolios with modern occupier behavior.

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Workplace News
Flexible Work Strategies That Actually Drive Performance with Cali Williams Yost
Flexible Work Strategies That Actually Drive Performance with Cali Williams Yost
Cali Williams Yost discusses the importance of effective flexible work strategies that enhance performance and innovation. She emphasizes the need for clear hybrid work models, proper training for managers, and alignment across generations in the workplace. Yost highlights the role of shared leadership and ergonomic design in remote work, while warning against siloed AI investments. She advocates for a holistic approach to integrating AI with human workflows and stresses the necessity of adapting to changing labor demographics to attract and retain talent.

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AI, automation anxiety and the future of work: lessons from Daniel Susskind
Daniel Susskind argues that the impact of AI on jobs is less about job loss and more about the transformation of work itself. Historical patterns show that while productivity may increase, wages can stagnate, leading to exploitation and insecurity in new job roles. Effective leadership in this changing landscape involves transparent communication, prioritizing employee engagement, and designing roles that emphasize quality and human expertise. Organizations must focus on upskilling and creating fair, purposeful work environments to navigate the challenges posed by automation.

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Employees on a four-day week use their extra day off for housework, hobbies, 'me-time' and moonlighting - Workplace Insight
New research claims to shed light on how employees who switch to a four-day week spend their additional day off - and some are using it to take on extra jobs.

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Science Confirms That Remote Work Makes You Happier, Healthier, And More Rested
Research shows that employees on a four-day work week use their extra day off for housework, hobbies, education, and side jobs, sometimes leading to tensions with their main employment. While some face challenges balancing multiple responsibilities, many report improved wellbeing and job satisfaction, especially younger workers. The four-day week model can provide benefits for both employees and employers, promoting a better work-life balance and mutual gains.

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Is Embracing Impermanence the Key to a Longer Life? If You're an Office Building, It Just Might Be.
Embracing the impermanence of office buildings can enhance their longevity and relevance. Strategies include testing small-scale ideas, ensuring flexibility in design, and incorporating changeable elements. Companies should also consider subleasing options and invest in sustainable materials to reduce waste. A flexible design approach allows organizations to adapt quickly to evolving needs, ensuring spaces remain functional and valuable over time.

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Leadership: The Real Magnet
Leadership presence, purpose, and friction-free hybrid technology drive office attendance more than amenities. Cisco's unified tech stack reduces meeting friction, while AI accelerates workplace strategy by quickly converting briefs into visuals. Key strategies include activating space for engagement, rethinking metrics beyond badge rates, and optimizing portfolio flexibility for better business outcomes.

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Flexible working policies have only a limited effect on how people actually work
A UK policy reform allowing flexible working requests has not significantly changed actual work practices, according to research analyzing data from over 15,000 employees. While women showed a tendency to reduce hours post-reform, there was no increase in remote work or flexitime. Barriers such as employer refusal, gender norms, and stigma around flexible work persist. Recommendations include promoting job roles with flexible options, supporting smaller employers, and reducing stigma. Recent legal changes may take time to show effects.

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"I want the robot to clean up my desk on its own..."
A research team led by Professor Oh Sung-hoe at Seoul National University has developed AI technology that allows robots to autonomously identify and organize objects based on the subjective concept of "cleanness." This advancement addresses previous limitations in AI table organizing technology, which struggled with the variability of cleanliness standards among individuals. The team created a "Tidiness Discriminator" model and a dataset featuring 224,225 images of various environments and objects to train the robots. Using advanced techniques like offline reinforcement learning and Monte Carlo tree search, the robots achieved an 88.5% success rate in simulations and an 85% success rate in real-world tests across different settings. This technology has potential applications in home cleaning, hotel services, and logistics, significantly enhancing automation in various fields. Professor Oh envisions further developments that will integrate this technology with large language models to improve contextual understanding.

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CDC To Disabled Staff: No More Remote Work - Even If It's A Legal Right
The CDC has paused remote work accommodations for employees with disabilities, citing updates to federal policies, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts with federal disability rights laws. Employees are left uncertain as previous approvals are on hold, and many have been abruptly instructed to return to the office. Legal experts warn that broad policies may violate regulations requiring individualized accommodation decisions. The situation is compounded by staffing cuts that have reduced support for navigating accommodation requests.

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Trends
Reimagining Haussmann: Adaptive Workplace Design in the Parisian Urban Fabric
Reimagining Haussmann: Adaptive Workplace Design in the Parisian Urban Fabric
Historic Haussmannian apartments in Paris can be adapted into sustainable, flexible workplaces by preserving their architectural charm while incorporating modern design elements. Strategies include enhancing spatial fluidity, creating open environments for collaboration, and using materials that evoke a sense of hospitality. This approach not only respects the historical significance of these buildings but also addresses contemporary workplace needs, promoting well-being and flexibility in urban settings.

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Design
How a Fresh Materials Mindset Can Transform Your Projects - Metropolis
How a Fresh Materials Mindset Can Transform Your Projects 
A fresh materials mindset can enhance design projects by encouraging innovative, low-carbon choices that balance cost and aesthetics. Architects like Marlon Blackwell demonstrate that creative ideas can be realized with various materials, emphasizing sustainability and functionality. The exploration of alternative materials, such as biodegradable furniture and low-carbon options, showcases the potential for positive environmental impact while maintaining design integrity.

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Human and 'Digital Employee' Collaboration Will Transform Workplace Design
Human and 'Digital Employee' Collaboration Will Transform Workplace Design
The integration of generative AI into workplaces is set to transform physical spaces and organizational culture, particularly in the financial sector. Companies are investing heavily in AI, which will soon enable digital employees to perform tasks akin to human workers, necessitating new collaboration strategies and workspace designs. This evolution will lead to the creation of dedicated spaces for AI training and innovation, as well as changes in team structures and hierarchies. Organizations must adapt their environments to support seamless human-AI collaboration while also considering the need for tech-free zones for employee well-being.

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Student Voices Create Better Learning Spaces
Students are often excluded from the design process of learning spaces, leading to frustration and suboptimal environments. Engaging students from the early stages of planning through structured frameworks can enhance their input and satisfaction. Effective strategies include in-person events, feedback opportunities, and utilizing existing data. Making engagement enjoyable can foster better participation, ultimately leading to more effective and student-centered learning spaces.

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Sculpting Systems of Belonging: Participatory Art in Workplace Design
Sculpting Systems of Belonging: Participatory Art in Workplace Design
Participatory art in workplace design serves as cultural infrastructure, reflecting identity and fostering dialogue. It should be integrated early in the design process, allowing for adaptability and stewardship to ensure ongoing engagement. Projects like Fleurish and Embodied illustrate how modular systems can capture community contributions and enhance organizational culture through visible action and shared narratives. Budgeting for these systems is an investment in long-term cultural value, emphasizing the importance of renewal and reconfiguration in sustainable workplace environments.

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Coworking
WeWork Expands Coworking Partner Network With 1,000+ New Locations Across U.S. And Canada
WeWork Expands Coworking Partner Network With 1,000+ New Locations Across U.S. And Canada
WeWork is expanding its coworking partner network by adding over 1,000 new locations across the U.S. and Canada, integrating independent operators to meet the growing demand for flexible workspaces. This strategic move follows the company's emergence from bankruptcy and aims to provide enterprise clients with more options through WeWork's digital platforms. The expansion reflects a shift towards decentralized work environments that offer employees greater flexibility and convenience.

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Dealers
Empire Office Acquires Model Home Interiors
Empire Office, Inc. has acquired Model Home Interiors (MHI), a leading firm in design, furnishing, and installation specializing in turnkey solutions for lifestyle real estate, including multifamily and student housing, as well as senior living communities and model homes. This acquisition marks a key step in Empire's strategy to diversify into residential and hospitality sectors. By leveraging Empire's national scale and MHI's expertise, the two companies aim to provide unparalleled turnkey furnishing solutions for model homes across the U.S. The acquisition is expected to enhance the services provided by MHI, allowing for greater reach and innovation through Empire's logistics and technology platforms. The merger also aligns with Empire's upcoming rebranding, which will reflect its expanded portfolio and commitment to design-driven solutions in various environments.
Latest Product News
Pearson Lloyd designs high-backed Hug sofa to
Pearson Lloyd designs high-backed Hug sofa to "deliver the right posture"
Pearson Lloyd and Cozmo have introduced the Hug sofa, designed to provide comfort and support with a high back that encourages proper posture. The modular sofa features a lightweight, flat-pack design for easy delivery and is made from a steel frame with foam and feather-filled cushions. The design process emphasized tactile qualities and the ability to repair and revitalize the sofa over time, reflecting a commitment to sustainable furniture practices.

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"Hey Jude": The Office Chair That Hits All the Right Notes
The Jude Office Chair, part of the Room & Board for Business collection, combines modern design with ergonomic support to enhance user experience. Handcrafted in North Carolina, it features luxurious top-grain leather or high-performance fabrics, a tailored silhouette with precise stitching, and built-in lumbar support. The chair offers a 360-degree swivel base, adjustable seat height, and soft-roll casters for easy movement across various flooring types. Constructed with a hardwood frame and CertiPUR-US® certified foam, it is available in stocked options as well as a variety of fade-resistant, pet-friendly, and family-friendly made-to-order materials, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and durability.

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Aceray Launches Corso; A Flexible and Durable Piece of Art - officing.
Aceray Launches Corso; A Flexible and Durable Piece of Art
Aceray has launched the Corso collection of chairs, designed by Balutto Associates and crafted in Italy. The collection includes various styles such as bar stools, counter stools, lounges, and side chairs, featuring comfortable upholstered seats and curved backs. With durable black powder-coated legs, the chairs are lightweight (15.5 to 17.5 lbs) and suitable for flexible reconfiguration in hospitality and corporate environments.

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Heller launches Swell Mini, fun-size and gift-ready
Heller introduces Swell Mini, a compact version of the Swell Wall Catchall, made with Worry Free Plastics technology, emphasizing sustainability and versatility. Available in multiple colors for $30, it combines functionality with artistic design, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Anna Dawson, the designer, aims to create a connection between humans and their environment through her work.
bolton
Bolon Unveils Riff, a Bold, Design-Driven, Rhythm-Reshaping Flooring Collection
Bolon introduces Riff, a flooring collection inspired by musical rhythm, featuring a 3D effect and a refined color palette of neutrals designed for versatility in design. The collection emphasizes sustainability, using 68% waste material and produced in a climate-neutral facility in Sweden. Available exclusively as tiles, Riff is easy to repair and recycle, making it suitable for various sectors including corporate and healthcare.
Showrooms
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Turf Opens Expanded Design Experience Center At THE MART
The Turf Design Experience Center features a multisensory showroom, corporate design offices, and a prototyping space, designed by Elizabeth Von Lehe. The interactive storefront invites visitors to explore, while design challenges, such as an existing ceiling duct, were creatively transformed into aesthetic elements using Turf's custom solutions. Overall, the center showcases Turf's innovative approach and product offerings.
Industrial Design
müller möbelfabrikation: Trolley
müller möbelfabrikation: Trolley "NEXT" by Mark Braun
müller möbelfabrikation has been a pioneer in versatile metal product design since 1996, focusing on durable craftsmanship over fleeting trends. The ‘NEXT’ trolley, designed by Mark Braun, combines storage and seating with innovative features like a sliding shelf and lockable compartment. Available in two heights and customizable in 24 RAL colors, it reflects individuality and character. Each piece is handmade from recyclable steel, emphasizing durability and environmental responsibility. The design is compact and timeless, making it suitable for various settings, from offices to events, showcasing müller's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

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An Interactive Public Bench with User-Adjustable Seating - Core77
An Interactive Public Bench with User-Adjustable Seating
The ADP Bench, designed by Spacon and +Halle, offers user-adjustable seating for various heights and can also serve as table-height surfaces. It encourages interaction and personal ownership in public spaces, drawing inspiration from the concept of symmetry and the desire to organize chaos. The bench's design promotes flexible use, allowing for different seating arrangements and fostering communication among users.

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You could be sitting on a fortune - these benches are made from £2.5m worth of banknotes
You could be sitting on a fortune - these benches are made from £2.5m worth of banknotes
The Bank of England is showcasing benches made from £2.5 million worth of shredded banknotes in a pop-up exhibition titled 'Reconstructing Value' during the London Design Festival. This collaboration highlights the creative repurposing of waste, transforming decommissioned currency into high-end furniture while challenging perceptions of recycled materials. The installation features elegant benches arranged in the shape of a pound symbol, surrounded by curated palettes that reflect the colors and architectural details of British banknotes.

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Pecadora's Simple but Elegant Bent Plywood MT Chair - Core77
Pecadora's Simple but Elegant Bent Plywood MT Chair
The MT Chair, designed by Spanish industrial designers Rafa Peris and David Guilmain, is crafted from two sheets of plywood without any hardware and can support up to 200kg. Its production involves a 5-axis CNC for edge trimming, although the assembly method is not specified. The chair is described as a statement piece and is not currently in production.

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Who First Invented the Ball Pit? Two Young Ikea Designers, in 1970 - Core77
Who First Invented the Ball Pit? Two Young Ikea Designers, in 1970
In 1970, Ikea designers Charlotte Rude and Hjördis Olsson-Une created the first ball pit for a children's play area in the Stockholm store after being inspired by protective packing material. Their design featured a large wooden box filled with colorful balls, which became a huge hit and led to the widespread popularity of ball pits in various venues. After five years at Ikea, the designers moved on to pursue further studies and faded from public recognition.

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Vintage Ad Archives
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Upcoming Industry Events
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NeoCon 2026 / DesignDays 2026
June 8-10, 2026 | 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.
Chicago Architecture Biennial opens this weekend, bringing a world of architectural ideas to town
Chicago Architecture Biennial opens this weekend, bringing a world of architectural ideas to town
The Chicago Architecture Biennial opens this weekend, celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme "SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change." Running until February 28, 2026, it features over 100 architects, designers, and artists from more than 30 countries, offering a platform for dialogue on the impact of various changes on the built environment. Key events include interdisciplinary performances, exhibitions, and discussions at multiple venues throughout the city, emphasizing the importance of architecture for everyone and the growing role of women in the field.

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Trends in Commercial Projects
SpaceInvader employs radical reuse for the Renold Building, Manchester | Mix Interiors
SpaceInvader employs radical reuse for the Renold Building, Manchester
The Renold Building in Manchester has been transformed by SpaceInvader through a strategy of radical reuse, maintaining its exterior while creating coworking spaces, offices, and lecture halls from existing materials. The design incorporates elements inspired by the building's history and local culture, featuring bespoke furniture made from post-construction waste, and aims to inspire innovation among tech start-ups and research organizations.

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Acne Studios unveils art-filled Paris headquarters in former laboratory
Acne Studios unveils art-filled Paris headquarters in former laboratory
Acne Studios has opened a new headquarters in a historic 18th-century building in Paris, featuring a blend of original architectural elements and modern design. The space includes a concrete showroom, a laboratory converted into a showroom, and various artworks and collectible designs. The design aims to preserve historical details while introducing contemporary touches, creating a dialogue between the past and present. The headquarters also houses offices, studios, and a canteen, all reflecting the brand's aesthetic and collaborative spirit.

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Investment Firm's Nashville Office Balances Urban Refinement with Southern Warmth
Investment Firm's Nashville Office Balances Urban Refinement with Southern Warmth
An investment management firm in Nashville, designed by HASTINGS, features a top-floor workspace that blends New York sophistication with Southern charm. The design emphasizes community with open work areas, a café, and panoramic city views, while balancing modern aesthetics with the warmth of mass timber. Key challenges included merging the New York office's design direction with local identity and navigating code compliance for exposed wood construction. The resulting office fosters collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging, with distinct spaces for both social interaction and focused work.

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Luxury Meets Flexibility: Thirdway Delivers Award-Winning Workspace for BauMont in Covent Garden
Thirdway has created a luxurious and flexible workspace for BauMont Real Estate in Covent Garden, featuring bold design, premium finishes, and adaptable layouts. The project, completed in August 2024, includes a full refurbishment and a business lounge, aiming to redefine CAT A+ design standards. The space has been well-received, being let on the first viewing, and has won a Mix award for Project of the Year in the Workplace Interiors category.

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WFH - IRL
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Workspaces - Grace Walker
Grace Walker is a freelance web designer and Webflow developer who provides full-service design solutions to help entrepreneurs scale their brands. She maintains a minimal and tidy workspace, utilizing a tech setup that includes a MacBook Pro, a 4K monitor, and various design and management tools such as XD, Figma, and Asana.

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As seen on Chairish
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From the United Nations! Matching Set of 1972 Eames PSCC Side Chairs in Original Orange Naugahyde - $2,000
This listing features a rare matching set of authentic 1972 Eames PSCC side chairs upholstered in original orange Naugahyde, sourced directly from the United Nations. Manufactured by Herman Miller, these chairs are made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester with factory-applied upholstery. The bold orange color combined with olive-toned fiberglass backs embodies the essence of 1970s modern design. The set is noted for its provenance, adding significant historical value. Each chair comes with original upholstery, intact production labels, and features a swiveling post base. Despite minor imperfections, including cracked fiberglass and small holes in the upholstery, the chairs maintain good structural integrity. Ideal for collectors and design enthusiasts, this set offers both aesthetic appeal and a rich narrative. Dimensions are 18.5ʺW × 22ʺD × 32.25ʺH.
 

MMQB Buying Advice: Seat of Power? Only If You’re Decorating the UN Circa 1972

Big fan of Cold War seating solutions? Think the best design decisions happen when international diplomacy meets wipeable vinyl? Then boy, do I have the chairs for you: a matching pair of 1972 Eames PSCC (Pivot Side Chair on Cast Base) side chairs, decked out in glorious original orange Naugahyde. That’s right. Just two seats—one for you, and one for the ghost of UN bureaucracies past.
 
These came straight out of the United Nations in NYC, which means you’re not just buying chairs—you’re acquiring global history in a mid-century shell. The chairs were manufactured by Herman Miller, upholstered at the factory, and feature olive-toned fiberglass backs, swiveling contract bases, and that second-generation Herman Miller/Cincinnati Milicron stamp collectors love to get misty-eyed about.
 
One small hiccup: there’s a cracked fiberglass underside on one, and some battle wounds in the vinyl seat from what appears to be a keychain holster or possibly a belt of the spiked persuasion. But don’t worry, the seller says these flaws don’t “affect functionally or comfort,” which is exactly the kind of thing you want to hear about a 52-year-old office chair once used to pass time between Security Council sessions.
 
The Eames PSCC is one of many iterations of the iconic molded fiberglass side chair Charles and Ray Eames rolled out for Herman Miller in the 1950s. This model—designed for contract use—got the cast aluminum base and a nifty little swivel, because apparently the world was turning, and so should you.
 
These aren’t your polished lounge-ready fiberglass shells in surf blue or parchment white. No, these are institutional. Purpose-built. Orange like a traffic cone. From an era when design wasn’t asking you to fall in love—it just wanted you to sit down and get back to work.
 
Buying Advice? Unless you’re opening a boutique hotel suite themed “Bureaucracy Chic,” I’d skip this one. The UN provenance is fun to drop at dinner parties, but unless your friends are furniture nerds who can spot a Cincinnati Milicron star from across the room, you’re better off admiring these chairs from a respectful design-historical distance.
 
Buy only if:
You’re building a collection of “chairs that witnessed treaties no one remembers” or you believe orange vinyl is the future of interiors.
 
Otherwise:
Let this set go to someone curating a museum of functional diplomacy. You’ve got better things to sit on.

See listing on Chairish

Project Leads
Big Government Is Back, Baby — and There’s Office Furniture to Be Sold
The GSA just rang the dinner bell, and every office furniture manufacturer in America should be salivating. Thanks to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, ICE is about to add more than 10,000 new lawyers and enforcement officers to its ranks — and they all need places to sit, desks to shuffle papers on, and cubicles from which to detain and deport with bureaucratic precision.
 
According to The Washington Post, ICE is pushing the General Services Administration to lock in leases for 300 new office locations across the U.S. to house its surging workforce. The effort, now dubbed the “ICE Surge,” is moving at warp speed. The GSA has already created special planning teams, internal meetings are jam-packed, and ICE officials are reportedly telling their real estate partners: “We want this yesterday.” And of course, the preferred spaces are “fully-finished and furnished.” You can practically hear the steelcase chairs being wheeled into place.
 
This massive real estate and hiring blitz follows a congressional budget tripling that ballooned ICE’s enforcement budget to nearly $30 billion, with an additional $45 billion earmarked for immigrant detention centers. Yes, billion — with a B. 
 
And where are all these shiny new agents headed? Offices in red cities and red states — think Alabama, South Carolina, Idaho, and Florida — with space reuse plans already floating around for shuttered federal buildings and expired leases. GSA’s public listings are openly soliciting “as-is, fully-finished and furnished office space” — a phrase that should send every contract furniture dealer into euphoric frenzy.
 
Of course, civil liberties lawyers are sounding alarm bells. UCLA’s Hiroshi Motomura warns this could usher in “a much broader, pervasive enforcement apparatus” that targets more than just undocumented immigrants. And yes, comparisons have already been drawn to McCarthyism, post-9/11 surveillance expansion, and even WWII-era internment camps.
 
But hey — from the furniture industry’s perspective, this isn’t about politics. It’s about procurement. GSA’s got the mandate. ICE has the money. And someone’s got to furnish this juggernaut.
 
Moral of the story? If you’re in office interiors, grab your government sales rep and start bidding. There’s a bureaucratic gold rush underway.
KKR Signs Big Lease To Relocate, Expand Boston Office
KKR Signs Big Lease To Relocate, Expand Boston Office
KKR & Co. has signed a long-term lease for 132,500 square feet in Boston’s Financial District, significantly expanding its office space from Brighton. The move, described as a local expansion, aims to support over 300 employees and enhance operations. This lease is part of a positive trend in downtown Boston's office market, which is recovering from pandemic-related challenges, as evidenced by recent large leases from companies like Hasbro.

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Industry Briefing
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Artcobell Promotes Ryan Myers to Vice President of Sales
Ryan Myers has been promoted to Vice President of Sales at Artcobell, bringing over 20 years of experience in the furniture manufacturing sector. He will focus on strengthening dealer development and driving sales growth, with support from Chief Development Officer Patricia Cadigan as part of the company's aggressive growth plan.
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Forward Space Milwaukee Office Named a Best Place to Work—for the Sixth Year in a Row 
Forward Space's Milwaukee office has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for six consecutive years, thanks to the team's energy, collaboration, and leadership. The workplace culture promotes camaraderie, community outreach, and mutual respect, demonstrating that teamwork and shared values contribute to a thriving environment. Forward Space is a women-owned contract furniture dealer focused on innovative design and workplace strategy.
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Artopex and CET Commercial Interiors: Imagine, Plan, Create
Artopex has launched its products on the CET Commercial Interiors Marketplace, allowing users to download an extension featuring collections like desks and storage furniture. This integration aims to support architects and designers in creating work environments with Artopex products, with plans to expand the catalog further. Users can access support via email and find educational resources in the Artopex member area.
Hospitality Design Announces Editorial Promotions, Leadership Continuity, and Strategic Growth Plans
Hospitality Design has announced several key editorial promotions and a strategic growth plan aimed at enhancing its influence in the hospitality design industry. Alissa Ponchione has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief, leading a strengthened editorial team including Caitlin St. John, Stephanie Chen, and Jonathan Marsland. The magazine plans to launch a comprehensive State of the Industry Report in 2026 and aims to expand its content strategy to emphasize diverse voices and thought leadership. On the events side, the HD Expo + Conference will grow its Hosted Buyers program by 150% and introduce new mentorship initiatives to connect emerging professionals with industry leaders. The core events team, including Keisha Byrd, Tim Fearney, and Keeli Schmidt, will continue to deliver effective client programs. Additionally, Paul Bienkowski, the long-time Publisher, is retiring after 40 years, leaving a significant legacy in the industry. Overall, Hospitality Design is committed to amplifying visionary voices and fostering a vibrant community in the hospitality design sector for the future.
MMQB Help Wanted Ads
Contract Careers
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Ask Stephen - Why Is It So Hard to Hire Sales Assistants?
Hiring sales assistants can be challenging due to their value in supporting salespeople. To find candidates, consider word-of-mouth referrals, enhancing job titles, utilizing job boards, and leveraging LinkedIn to reach out to potential hires, including those from competitors. Emphasizing training, career growth, and a positive work environment can attract recent graduates and improve retention.

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Senior Accountant @ Avanto
The Senior Accountant is responsible for managing key components of the financial reporting process on behalf of client accounts, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. 

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Regional Vice President - South East @ OFS
The Regional Vice President (RVP) is responsible for developing and executing sales strategies in alignment with corporate objectives to drive the South East territory and sales performance. This leadership position focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with dealer principals, key personnel, and end-user customers, ensuring the regional sales teams have the necessary tools, training, and support to achieve their goals.

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Industry Leading Partners + MMQB
 
Times are changing and navigating the uncertainty of business isn’t for the meek. AIS is here to help you every single day.
 
At Allsteel, we design furnishings and architectural products for a wide range of environments. But our “why” is about something much deeper. It’s about connection, learning, shaping an experience, and enabling companies and employees to become the best versions of themselves. It’s about blending what’s pragmatic with what’s possible—for better comfort, productivity, efficiency, and collaboration. 
 
A family-owned company that has developed into a market-leading manufacturer of high-quality components for the office chair, lounge furniture and automotive industry since 1969. Bock supports their customers as a holistic specialist partner and manufacture both standardized and individual solutions made of polyurethane, various plastics and aluminum according to your requirements.
 
COE Distributing is a national office furniture distributor with a passion for creating inspiring work environments. A family-owned business since 1947, COE sources high-quality office furniture with forward-thinking, well-planned design from around the globe. Based in southwestern Pennsylvania with distribution centers in North Carolina and Texas, COE boasts an enthusiastic team dedicated to delivering the right solutions for our customers.
 
Donati is dedicated to manufacturing for the world’s best furniture brands.
We enable our industry clients to develop and distribute outstanding product in terms of innovation, quality and sustainability.
 
Founded in 1956, Groupe Lacasse is a North American leader in the design, manufacture, and service of a wide range of high-quality furniture for all types of business and institutional environments. With a strong commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, Groupe Lacasse offers a comprehensive portfolio of furniture collections designed to meet the diverse needs of modern workspaces.
 
At KiSP we create, develop and provide client-facing solutions to manufacturers, dealers, interior designers and customers in the office furniture industry. During our 30 years in the industry, our solutions have created revenues where they never existed, added value to the services you provide and established greater loyalty between you and your customers.
 
Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated solutions of high-design site furniture, advanced LED lighting, structure, and custom environments.
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry since 1969.
 
N9NE Furniture Group is a leading office furniture distributor with a nationwide presence covering the entire US. Our commitment lies in providing comprehensive office furniture solutions that prioritize customer service, affordability, sustainability and ergonomic design without compromising on style. At N9NE, we believe in creating workspaces that inspire productivity and comfort while reflecting the latest trends and industry standards. 
 
For more than 20 years, Special-T has delivered Grade A tables at Grade C prices, thanks to a fierce commitment to innovation in technology, and a “whatever it takes” approach to customer service.
 
Life is an adventure……and adventures are best experienced with family.  At Wyatt, this motto is how we live, how we work, and who we are.  Wyatt is a family-owned business that manufactures high quality office seating and ships it to customers all over the country. We believe that everyone deserves a great chair, and our seating line is aggressively positioned to help make that happen.
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