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In this issue…top headlines cover major industry moves and leadership changes—Atmosphere Commercial Interiors’ acquisition of Minneapolis dealer Acre; MillerKnoll’s CEO transition with Jeff Stutz as interim leader (and related coverage around the change); Herman Miller naming Kim Colin and Sam Hecht as global creative directors; Virco’s Q1 loss as school-furniture demand cools; Storr Office Environments appointing Trevor Croghan as CEO; WRK LAB’s exclusive Allsteel partnership; and Geiger’s refreshed brand identity. Main news also tracks office-market and workplace-service shifts, including CBRE’s expanded “Experience by Industrious” hospitality platform, a seemingly stable office market that’s increasingly split between thriving and distressed buildings, a measurable rebound in office demand helped by conversions/demolitions shrinking supply, plus Landscape Forms’ eighth straight Great Place To Work certification and another look at Geiger’s rebrand. Design coverage spotlights why ergonomics is becoming a strategic, performance-driving pillar of lab design. Products highlights include Turf’s expanded, well-being-focused acoustic color palette; Momentum’s hip-hop-inspired textile/wallcovering collection with Michael Ford; and Allsteel’s Levra performance seating debuting with advanced support and sustainability claims. Trends and workplace news examine the “amenity” of human connection, broader macro shifts shaping work and well-being, and how remote work is affecting new-grad hiring, office visitation, sedentary behavior, Gen Z social-media pressure, and isolation/psychological distress.
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By the Numbers
U.S. jobless claims rose to a four‑month high of 225,000, driven partly by holiday effects, but the labor market remains stable with low layoffs, modest payroll growth, and a steady unemployment rate around 4.3%. Productivity growth slowed to a 0.3% annualized rate in the latest quarter, while unit labor costs rose modestly, and economists expect AI adoption to boost future productivity despite current softness. |
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U.S. private payrolls rose by 122,000 jobs in May, outpacing the Reuters forecast of 117,000, with the biggest gains in education and health services, while other sectors saw mixed results; economists caution that this increase does not signal a strengthening labor market, noting weakening hiring intention indexes and stable unemployment at 4.3%. Despite the robust job growth, analysts expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates in the 3.50%-3.75% range, as inflation remains elevated and broader labor market indicators suggest a cautious outlook.
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- Quotes Provided by Stephen Viscusi
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Andi Owen Out at MillerKnoll as Board Launches CEO Search
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Andi Owen’s run atop MillerKnoll is coming to an abrupt end.
The company announced Friday that Owen will retire as president and CEO effective June 30, with Chief Operating Officer Jeff Stutz assuming leadership duties immediately and becoming interim CEO at the end of the month. While MillerKnoll characterized the move as a mutually agreed retirement and cited Owen’s desire to focus on family matters, the timing and structure of the announcement are likely to generate considerable discussion throughout the contract furnishings industry.
Owen immediately resigned from the board and began a leave of absence effective upon the announcement, an unusual arrangement for what is being described as a planned retirement. Leadership transitions are typically accompanied by a formal handoff period. Instead, MillerKnoll effectively removed Owen from day-to-day leadership immediately while launching a search for her permanent successor.
The departure comes after years of disappointing shareholder returns and ongoing questions about the company’s strategic direction. Owen inherited Herman Miller in 2018 and later orchestrated the acquisition of Knoll, creating MillerKnoll and assembling one of the largest collections of brands in the furnishings industry. The merger expanded the company’s reach into higher-end residential furniture and retail through Design Within Reach and company-owned stores, a significant departure from the contract furniture roots that built Herman Miller’s reputation.
While supporters viewed the strategy as a diversification play, critics argued that MillerKnoll was spending too much time chasing retail opportunities while its core contract furnishings business faced unprecedented disruption from hybrid work, changing office utilization patterns, and increased competition. Investors appeared unconvinced. Since Owen became CEO, MillerKnoll shares have significantly underperformed both broader equity markets and the expectations many investors had for the combined Herman Miller-Knoll enterprise.
The board has appointed Stutz, a 25-year company veteran, as interim CEO while it conducts a comprehensive search that will include both internal and external candidates. His deep operational experience and longstanding relationships with dealers and customers could make him a serious contender for the permanent role.
The CEO search itself may become one of the industry’s most closely watched personnel decisions this year. Executive recruiter Stephen Viscusi, founder and president of The Viscusi Group, believes boards often underestimate the value of industry experience during leadership transitions.
“Leadership transitions often trigger a search for outside perspectives. Yet many boards overlook the fact that some of the most transformative leaders are already within their own industry,” Viscusi said. “After decades of recruiting executives in the furnishings industry, I have found that leaders who understand the customer, the distribution channels, the competitive landscape, and the culture of a business can often create change faster than someone learning the industry for the first time.”
“The strongest leadership transitions are not about choosing between fresh thinking and industry expertise,” he added. “The best candidates often bring both.”
For MillerKnoll, that observation may prove particularly relevant. The company possesses one of the industry’s strongest portfolios of brands, a powerful dealer network, and a global presence that few competitors can match. What remains unclear is whether the board is seeking continuity, a strategic reset, or something in between.
What is clear is that one of the most closely scrutinized CEO tenures in the modern contract furnishings industry has ended, and the search for MillerKnoll’s next chapter has already begun. |
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Herman Miller Names Longtime Design Partners as Global Creative Directors Amid Leadership Transition
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Just days after MillerKnoll announced the departure of CEO Andi Owen and the start of a search for new corporate leadership, Herman Miller has made a significant leadership move of its own—this time on the creative side of the business.
The company announced that designers Kim Colin and Sam Hecht, founders of London-based Industrial Facility, have been named Global Creative Directors for the Herman Miller brand. The appointment formalizes a relationship that has already spanned more than two decades and comes as Herman Miller seeks to reinforce its design credentials during a period of broader uncertainty at its parent company.
The timing is difficult to ignore. While MillerKnoll’s board begins the search for Owen’s successor following her abrupt retirement announcement and immediate leave of absence, Herman Miller appears to be emphasizing continuity and stability around one of its greatest assets: design. Colin and Hecht are hardly outsiders. Since beginning their relationship with Herman Miller in 2006, the pair have been responsible for a number of key product introductions, including the Lino chair, OE1 Workspace Collection, Locale system, Civic tables, Plex Lounge and several residential and lighting products. They have also served as creative advisors to the company since 2008.
In their new roles, Colin and Hecht will help guide not only product development but also the broader brand experience, including communications and customer engagement. Ben Watson, MillerKnoll’s chief creative officer, described the pair as “transformational in their thinking” and praised their ability to create products that are culturally relevant and commercially successful.
For industry observers, the appointment signals that Herman Miller is doubling down on its historic identity as a design-led company at a time when investors, dealers and customers are all asking what comes next for MillerKnoll. The company spent much of the past decade focused on integration efforts following the Knoll acquisition, expanding retail operations and navigating the changing dynamics of the workplace market. With corporate leadership now in flux, reinforcing the Herman Miller brand’s design heritage may be viewed as one of the safest bets available.
Colin and Hecht certainly bring the credentials. Their studio, Industrial Facility, has designed products for companies ranging from Muji and Emeco to Google and Mattiazzi, while their work resides in permanent collections at museums including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Art Institute of Chicago. Both are Royal Designers for Industry and among the most respected figures in contemporary industrial design.
The bigger question is whether the appointment represents simply an evolution of Herman Miller’s creative leadership or an early indication of the direction MillerKnoll’s board hopes to take the company after Owen. Either way, while Wall Street focuses on the CEO search, Herman Miller is sending a clear message that design remains at the center of its strategy. |
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Virco Posts First-Quarter Loss as K-12 Furniture Market Faces Funding Headwinds and Slower Demand
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The K-12 furniture market continues to feel the effects of tighter school budgets, federal funding uncertainty, and the fading afterglow of pandemic-era spending, and that reality showed up clearly in Virco’s first-quarter results.
The California-based school furniture manufacturer, Virco Manufacturing Corporation, reported net sales of $30.7 million for the quarter ended April 30, down 9.1% from $33.8 million a year earlier. The company posted a net loss of $2.8 million, compared with net income of $700,000 in the prior-year period. Executives pointed to a difficult comparison against last year’s first quarter, when the company was still working through a backlog of pandemic-related orders that helped boost revenue and profitability.
The results reflect broader challenges facing the educational furniture sector. School districts across the country are grappling with the expiration of federal ESSER funds, ongoing budget pressures, enrollment declines in some markets, and uncertainty around future state and local funding. Many districts accelerated furniture purchases during the pandemic recovery period, leaving manufacturers searching for a new demand baseline as the market returns to more traditional buying cycles.
Virco’s gross margin fell to 41.4% from 47.5% a year ago, largely due to lower production volumes and reduced factory utilization. Inventories declined 7.7% year over year as the company adjusted production levels to better match current demand. While the headline numbers were weaker, management noted that incoming orders remain roughly flat compared with last year, with backlog slightly higher. The company’s “Shipments plus Backlog” metric, a key indicator used for staffing and production planning, stood at $103.7 million, just 1.8% below the prior year.
One bright spot for Virco continues to be its growing services business. More than three-quarters of the company’s backlog now includes design, planning, delivery, and installation services. As school districts look to reduce internal staffing costs and simplify project management, Virco believes its ability to provide turnkey solutions creates a competitive advantage over lower-cost import suppliers that primarily sell products rather than integrated services. The company also noted that compressed summer installation schedules and expanded school calendars have effectively shortened delivery windows, increasing the value of suppliers that can manage projects from planning through installation.
For now, Virco appears to be navigating a market caught between post-pandemic normalization and ongoing funding pressures. The question facing both Virco and the broader education furniture sector is whether stable order activity can offset the reality that many districts simply have less discretionary capital available than they did during the peak years of federal pandemic funding. |
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Atmosphere Acquires Acre, Consolidating Minneapolis Steelcase Dealer Market
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Atmosphere Commercial Interiors has strengthened its position in the Minneapolis market with the acquisition of fellow Steelcase dealer Acre, formerly known as General Office Products, in a move that further consolidates one of the Upper Midwest’s largest contract furniture markets.
The transaction, effective June 1, brings together two long-established Steelcase partners that have collectively served the Minneapolis region for more than 130 years. Atmosphere, an Omni company headquartered in Minneapolis, will continue under the leadership of President and CEO Carlene Wilson, who said the acquisition is designed to expand the company’s presence in two key growth segments: education and the public sector.
“This is a strategic, growth-oriented acquisition that strengthens our Minneapolis platform and accelerates our capabilities in two priority markets—education and the public sector,” Wilson said. She added that the combination will provide greater scale, operational consistency, and closer alignment with Steelcase’s expectations while enhancing service across an overlapping customer base.
The deal reflects a continuing trend of consolidation within the contract furnishings dealer channel, where scale, technology investments, and specialized market expertise are becoming increasingly important. For Steelcase, the combination creates a larger, unified dealership platform in Minneapolis at a time when manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on operational efficiency, customer experience, and market coverage.
Acre has long maintained a strong presence in the region, particularly through its relationships with public-sector and educational customers. Owners John and Dave Boss, who have led the company for more than three decades following the legacy established by their father and company co-founder Jack Boss, said the move creates new opportunities for employees while preserving a shared commitment to customer service.
“There has always been mutual respect between Acre and Atmosphere,” the brothers said in a statement. “Bringing our two successful organizations together will not only benefit the greater Minneapolis market but give our team the opportunity to further grow their careers with a dynamic company like Atmosphere.”
Atmosphere said the integration will occur in phases to minimize disruption for customers and employees. The company plans to retain talent from Acre while continuing investments in the Minneapolis market. Wilson said the focus remains on combining the strengths of both organizations while maintaining continuity for clients during the transition.
For the Minneapolis contract furniture community, the acquisition marks another significant shift in a market that has long been home to multiple large Steelcase-affiliated operations. The combination gives Atmosphere additional depth in education and government accounts while further concentrating market share under a single dealership platform. |
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South Florida’s WRK LAB Lands Allsteel Partnership, Expanding Reach Beyond Traditional Furniture Dealership Model
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WRK LAB has secured an exclusive partnership with Allsteel, a move that gives the Miami-based workplace solutions firm access to one of the industry’s best-known contract furniture brands while reinforcing its strategy of positioning itself as more than a traditional furniture dealership.
The agreement pairs Allsteel’s product portfolio and manufacturing resources with a company that has built its reputation around helping clients solve workplace challenges rather than simply specifying furniture. Founded more than a decade ago, WRK LAB has grown into a significant player in South Florida’s contract furnishings market, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and healthcare organizations to universities, government agencies, financial institutions, and technology firms.
Led by President and CEO Danny Garcia and Vice President and COO Doug Fisher, WRK LAB employs more than 35 full-time team members and provides services that extend beyond furniture procurement to include workplace strategy, design, technology integration, project management, and installation. Garcia said the partnership emerged from discussions about the future of the workplace industry and the evolving relationship between manufacturers and dealers.
“At WRK LAB, we’ve always believed that the workplace is about people first,” Garcia said. “Our partnership with Allsteel brings together two organizations that share a commitment to innovation, customer success, and the future of work.”
The announcement is notable at a time when many manufacturers are reevaluating dealer networks and looking for partners that can provide deeper consulting capabilities. Rather than competing solely on product, an increasing number of dealerships are attempting to differentiate themselves through workplace strategy, technology services, and project execution. Garcia said Allsteel stood out because of its willingness to support entrepreneurial dealers with strong local relationships and market knowledge.
Lauren Hession, vice president and general manager of contract furniture at Allsteel, said WRK LAB’s client-centric approach made the company a strong fit. “We value WRK LAB’s client focus and deep market understanding,” Hession said. “This partnership will provide enhanced service continuity and allow us to support a broader range of clients’ collective needs.”
For WRK LAB, the partnership provides expanded resources and a broader portfolio as South Florida continues to attract corporate relocations, healthcare investment, and higher education growth. Garcia said the long-term opportunity extends beyond furniture sales and into creating a stronger platform for clients and employees alike.
“When you combine great people, a strong culture, and a shared vision for the future, you create something much bigger than a business transaction,” Garcia said. “You create a platform for long-term success.”
The agreement also represents another win for Allsteel as the HNI-owned brand continues to strengthen its dealer network in key growth markets. With South Florida remaining one of the country’s most active regions for workplace investment and corporate expansion, both companies are betting that clients increasingly want partners capable of delivering complete workplace solutions rather than simply filling a floor plan. |
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Geiger Unveils New Brand Identity, Brings DatesWeiser Under One Roof
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ATLANTA — In an industry where many manufacturers are focused on cost pressures, tariffs and an uncertain workplace market, Geiger is taking a different approach: investing in its brand.
The premium furniture manufacturer unveiled a new corporate identity last week, introducing a refreshed visual system designed to reinforce its position at the higher end of the workplace furnishings market. The rebrand also formally brings conference furniture specialist DatesWeiser under the Geiger banner, creating a single brand experience across sales, design, marketing and client services.
For Geiger, the move is less about a new logo and more about sharpening its market position. The company has long differentiated itself through architectural-grade wood products, custom craftsmanship and a design portfolio influenced by some of the industry’s most respected names, including BassamFellows, Carole Baijings and EOOS. The new identity reflects that heritage, featuring a forest green and orange color palette intended to highlight the importance of wood and materiality to the brand.
“This brand work is a synthesis of the best parts of the Geiger and DatesWeiser brands and marks an important shift in how we use our design voice in everything we create,” said Creative Director Stephen Floyd. “The rebrand marks the start of our next chapter.”
The integration also gives Geiger a broader product story. While the company has built its reputation around executive furniture and premium wood casegoods, DatesWeiser has been known for conference room environments and highly customized solutions. Bringing the two together creates a more comprehensive offering for architects, designers and corporate clients seeking high-end workplace interiors.
“Uniting our brands under a refreshed Geiger is an exciting day in our history and pivotal in our journey to continue inspiring our clients and design partners,” said R.J. Stelter, vice president and general manager. “Now through one seamless experience across digital platforms, sales, design and client services, we will continue to create unique solutions—a win for our clients and associates alike.”
The announcement comes as parent company MillerKnoll continues to evaluate the positioning of its various brands following several years of organizational changes. While many manufacturers have spent the last few years adjusting to shifts in workplace demand, Geiger appears to be doubling down on what has long separated it from competitors: craftsmanship, premium materials and design-driven products.
The company is also using the occasion to highlight its design heritage through High-Touch, an exhibition currently on display at MillerKnoll’s New York showroom. The exhibit examines the influence of legendary designer Ward Bennett, whose minimalist approach and longstanding relationship with Geiger continue to shape the brand’s design philosophy today.
For Geiger, the message is clear. In a market increasingly crowded with products that often look alike, the company is betting that craftsmanship, material quality and a stronger unified brand story still matter. |
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Storr Taps One Workplace Veteran Trevor Croghan as CEO
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Trevor Croghan is heading east.
North Carolina-based Storr Office Environments announced that Croghan will become its next chief executive officer, officially taking the reins on August 3. He succeeds longtime CEO Tom Vande Guchte, who, along with Bob Schanz, spent more than three decades building Storr into one of the Southeast’s largest and most respected workplace solutions providers before the company was acquired by The Zaf Group in 2025.
Croghan joins Storr after a 19-year run at One Workplace, one of the largest dealers in the Steelcase network. During his tenure, he held a variety of leadership positions spanning learning environments, healthcare, government, enterprise growth, and regional operations. His appointment brings another seasoned Steelcase dealer executive into a top leadership role at a time when dealerships are increasingly expanding beyond furniture sales into broader workplace services and facilities solutions.
The move comes as Storr looks to accelerate growth under The Zaf Group’s ownership. Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Raleigh, the company has evolved far beyond its roots as a furniture dealership, offering workplace strategy, relocation services, facility maintenance, records management, refurbishment, warehousing, and pre-owned furniture programs. Croghan said his initial focus will be on listening to customers, employees, and partners while building on the company’s century-long legacy across North Carolina and the Southeast. |
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Landscape Forms Earns Its Eighth Straight Great Place To Work® Certification™ for 2026–2027
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Landscape Forms announced its eighth consecutive Great Place To Work® Certification, highlighting a strong, inclusive culture that prioritizes employee engagement, professional growth, and community. The company’s commitment to high‑trust workplaces and continuous investment in people has earned global recognition and reinforces its position as a leading designer and manufacturer of premium outdoor furniture and solutions.
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U.S. office demand has entered its strongest growth streak since 2022, with three consecutive quarters of positive net absorption and vacancy rates falling to about 11.8%. The market’s recovery is driven by shrinking office inventory—office‑to‑residential conversions and demolitions outpacing new construction by 3 million sq ft in Q1 2026—and sustained demand for premium, high‑quality spaces, while future growth may be tempered by slower job growth, inflation and cautious investment.
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|  allwork.space
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The U.S. office market appears stable overall, with vacancy rates modestly down to about 14% in Q1, but this stability masks a deepening divide: roughly two‑thirds of buildings are highly occupied (90%+), while around 20% are under 75% occupied, creating a stark contrast between profitable, well‑filled properties and those facing financial distress. Demand continues to concentrate on premium Class A space, pushing vacancies higher in lower‑tier assets and leading to expected flat vacancy through the year, a slow decline starting in 2027, and increased demolition of obsolete buildings as the market polarizes between thriving and struggling properties.
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|  www.globest.com
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CBRE has launched “Experience by Industrious,” an enhanced hospitality service for commercial building owners and tenants that covers arrival interactions, food and beverage, front‑desk operations, employee conferencing, parking, wellness, childcare, and more, aiming to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Led by Anna Squires Levine, the offering targets corporate headquarters and major office sites, leveraging CBRE’s existing facilities management platform and 7,000‑plus staff, and is expected to expand into other sectors such as hospitals and warehouses as the concierge services market continues to grow.
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|  www.bisnow.com
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Humanscale Pushes Ergonomics Into the Laboratory as Life Sciences Firms Focus on Talent and Performance
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For years, laboratory design has centered on equipment, workflows, and safety protocols. Now, a growing number of life sciences organizations are turning their attention to something often overlooked in scientific environments: the comfort and wellbeing of the people doing the work.
The shift comes as research laboratories, healthcare facilities, and biotechnology companies face increasing pressure to attract talent, improve productivity, and reduce workplace injuries. According to JLL’s Future of Work in Life Sciences report, 79% of industry decision-makers say investing in workplace quality has become a greater priority than expanding physical footprints, while 74% believe flexible workplace models are essential for recruiting and retaining employees. At the same time, 85% of life sciences professionals expect artificial intelligence and automation to reshape laboratory operations, allowing scientists to spend more time on analytical and innovative work.
That focus on the employee experience is helping drive renewed interest in ergonomics. Researchers, clinicians, and laboratory technicians often spend long hours at benches, microscopes, and computer workstations performing repetitive tasks or maintaining static postures. According to global workplace safety data, musculoskeletal disorders account for nearly 30% of all workplace injuries. Studies have also shown that ergonomic programs can reduce workplace injuries by 30% to 40% while improving productivity and employee engagement.
The trend is creating opportunities for workplace manufacturers such as Humanscale, which has increasingly focused on healthcare, laboratory, and life sciences environments. The company says demand is growing for ergonomic seating, laboratory stools, monitor arms, and workspace solutions designed to reduce fatigue and support natural movement throughout the workday. Unlike traditional office environments, laboratory spaces require products that can withstand rigorous cleaning protocols while supporting workers who may remain in highly specialized positions for extended periods.
The movement is global. North American life sciences employers are increasingly using workplace quality as a competitive advantage in recruiting scientific talent. European organizations continue to tie workplace investments to employee wellbeing and ESG goals, while rapidly expanding biotechnology sectors in India, Singapore, and China are incorporating ergonomic principles into new laboratory developments. Across regions, the common theme is that employee wellbeing is increasingly viewed as an operational and business priority rather than a workplace perk.
For Humanscale, the strategy aligns with a long-standing design philosophy centered on simplicity and sustainability. The company emphasizes products built with fewer components, durable materials, and intuitive functionality. In laboratory and healthcare settings, that often means naturally hygienic, non-porous surfaces that can withstand frequent cleaning while maintaining long service lives.
The broader message reflects a growing realization within the life sciences sector. As laboratories become more automated and technologically advanced, organizations are discovering that scientific performance is not determined solely by equipment and software. The people behind the research remain the most important asset, and increasingly, employers are viewing ergonomic workplace design as a critical part of helping them perform at their best. |
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UK office workers spend a large portion of their day seated—between 68 % and 82 %—and often skip regular breaks, with only about 41 % taking at least one break per hour compared to 45 % of remote workers. This sedentary behavior is linked to increased stress, mental‑health decline, and higher risk of chronic disease. Effective solutions include built‑in interventions such as sit‑stand desks, strategically placed shared facilities, and scheduled collective breaks like a daily “fika,” which encourage movement without relying on individual willpower.
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|  workplaceinsight.net
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Remote work is identified as the primary driver behind a two‑thirds rise in unemployment among recent college graduates, accounting for 64% of the increase observed since the pandemic, while generative AI plays a lesser role. The shift to remote work has reduced employers’ willingness to hire younger, less‑experienced workers who need more training and mentorship, leading to higher unemployment rates for workers aged 18‑28 compared to older graduates, especially in occupations that can be performed remotely.
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|  www.globest.com
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Office visits have declined to 67% of pre‑pandemic levels in March 2026, down from a 75% recovery peak in 2025, despite tighter return‑to‑office policies among large employers. While fixed hybrid models remain dominant (55% of Fortune 200 firms), office‑first arrangements have risen to 27% and remote‑first strategies have fallen to 1.5%, indicating that stricter attendance requirements alone are insufficient to boost office utilization amid a softening labor market and economic uncertainty.
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|  www.globest.com
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Remote work is driving a significant rise in unemployment among young college graduates, accounting for roughly two‑thirds of the increase since the pandemic, while slightly lowering unemployment for older, experienced workers. Employers favor experienced, remote‑compatible candidates, reducing hiring of newer graduates who need more training, leading to higher joblessness for those under 29, especially ages 22‑27, despite the broader labor market concerns about AI.
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|  allwork.space
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Remote workers are experiencing higher levels of isolation and psychological distress compared to in‑person employees, especially those who live alone, according to a large study of over 588,000 Americans. While remote work remains popular for its flexibility, the findings suggest employers should prioritize social connection through coordinated office days, team‑building activities, and intentional community efforts to mitigate the mental‑health impacts of distributed work.
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|  allwork.space
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Gen Z workers face intense pressure to blend personal and professional social media, leading 95% to avoid posting genuine opinions and 90% to experience negative workplace consequences such as warnings or reprimands. To protect their careers, many keep accounts private, curate content, maintain separate personal and professional profiles, delete old posts, and limit their audience, while a significant portion feel pressure from managers and coworkers to connect online.
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|  allwork.space
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Human connection, not perks or design, is the key office amenity; panels emphasized that fostering collaboration, belonging, and interaction through people‑first approaches—such as welcoming security staff and community‑building services—draws employees back. This shift is reshaping office design and operations to prioritize spaces and practices that encourage natural social engagement and a sense of community.
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|  www.globest.com
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Emerging trends are reshaping work, growth, and well‑being by emphasizing collective confidence and trust, integrating nature into daily life, and fostering a longevity economy that prioritizes durability over speed. Workers are increasingly “job hugging” for stability, while low‑key downtime and intentional rest become essential for mental health, and AI brings both productivity gains and the risk of low‑quality output, prompting a focus on discernment and responsible investment.
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|  www.haworth.com
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Aeron at 32: Herman Miller Reinvents an Icon for a Carbon-Conscious Era
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When Herman Miller introduced the Aeron chair in 1994, it looked like a product destined for failure. The chair abandoned the plush foam, leather upholstery and executive styling that dominated office seating at the time. Instead, designers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick delivered a chair with an exposed frame, transparent mesh and a price tag that shocked buyers.
Three decades later, Aeron has become one of the most successful products in contract furniture history. More than nine million chairs have been sold worldwide, earning a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and becoming a fixture in corporate offices, hedge funds, design firms and Silicon Valley startups. What began as a radical experiment evolved into perhaps the most recognizable office chair ever produced.
Now Herman Miller is giving its flagship product another overhaul, though this time the focus is not ergonomics but sustainability. The latest Aeron, launching this month, incorporates recycled and bio-based materials, lighter-weight components and plastics recovered from waterways and coastal areas. According to parent company MillerKnoll, the changes are expected to reduce the chair’s average embodied carbon footprint by an additional 12%, continuing a decades-long effort to lower the environmental impact of one of the industry’s highest-volume products.
The redesign reaches deep into the chair’s supply chain. Herman Miller engineers reworked the aluminum base to remove nearly two pounds of weight while maintaining structural performance. Seat and back frames now incorporate recycled and biomass-balanced nylon. The company says the Aeron, which once carried a carbon footprint exceeding 100 kilograms of embodied carbon, now measures in the low 60-kilogram range.
The effort highlights a broader shift taking place across the contract furnishings industry. Sustainability has moved beyond marketing language and increasingly into procurement requirements, regulations and customer specifications. Gabe Wing, vice president of sustainability at MillerKnoll, noted that sustainability requirements now appear in nearly every major customer request. That trend is expected to accelerate as European reporting regulations and extended producer responsibility laws continue influencing global manufacturers.
Durability remains central to the Aeron story. Herman Miller says only a tiny fraction of the more than nine million Aerons sold since 1994 have required full replacement, reinforcing a long-held belief within the industry that the greenest product is often the one that lasts the longest. For a chair that helped define workplace ergonomics in the computer age, the challenge today is different: proving that iconic design can evolve to meet the environmental demands of the next generation.
The update also introduces something the Aeron has largely avoided throughout its history: color. New finishes in deep blue and olive green reflect growing interest in neuroaesthetics and workplace wellness while helping soften what company designers describe as the chair’s traditionally industrial and masculine appearance. It’s a subtle shift, but one that underscores a larger reality. Thirty-two years after disrupting the seating market, Aeron is still adapting to changing expectations about how offices look, feel and function.
For Herman Miller, that may be the chair’s greatest accomplishment. The original Aeron answered questions about how people would work in front of computers. The 2026 version is designed to answer questions about how manufacturers can build durable products in a world increasingly focused on carbon, materials and sustainability. |
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Loopamid® enables large‑scale textile‑to‑textile recycling by converting polyamide‑6 waste—including industrial scraps and used garments—into high‑quality fiber, with a Shanghai plant capable of producing 500 tonnes annually. Partner brands such as Zara and Adidas have already launched fully loopamid®‑based apparel, demonstrating the material’s suitability for fashionable, sustainable clothing and underscoring the importance of design for recyclability.
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|  www.stylepark.com
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Allsteel and ITO Design have launched Levra™, a performance seating system featuring a patent‑pending structural knit back, weight‑activated support, and 4D⁺ arms that rotate 180°. The chair emphasizes intuitive comfort, movement, sustainable manufacturing with zero‑waste knitting and carbon‑neutral processes, and a refined aesthetic. Levra debuts at Fulton Market Design Days in Chicago (June 8‑10 2026) and is positioned as a high‑performance, responsibly made seating option for modern offices.
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|  www.officing.com
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Turf Expands Hues Color Palette
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Turf introduced ten new, neuroaesthetically‑designed colors that expand its exclusive palette to 42 hues, emphasizing the link between visual aesthetics and emotional well‑being. Crafted from 60 % recycled PET felt, the collection integrates with Turf’s acoustic solutions and texture lines, offering designers vibrant, sustainable options that enhance interior environments while supporting the brand’s commitment to eco‑friendly, high‑performance design.
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Momentum Debuts Collection with Architect and Hip Hop by Design™ Founder Michael Ford, FAIA
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Momentum and architect Michael Ford, FAIA, have launched the Michael Ford × Momentum Collection, a five‑pattern line of bio‑sourced, carbon‑neutral wallcoverings and jacquard upholstery inspired by hip‑hop culture. The collection translates hip‑hop’s rhythm, sampling, and community ethos into high‑performance textiles for commercial interiors, debuting at NeoCon 2026. It supports Ford’s Hip Hop By Design scholarships and highlights his award‑winning work in architecture, education, and cultural engagement.
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Johannes Faure‑Brac, a French industrial designer, created Airmaan, a line of durable, lightweight inflatable furniture for year‑round outdoor use. Inspired by aeronautical technology, the pieces are made from a high‑pressure, low‑weight material that supports an adult’s weight while being easy to transport and clean. The M Sofa and N Club Chair were successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising $316,748, and are now in pre‑production with retail prices of $355 and $296 respectively, plus optional padding upgrades.
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|  www.core77.com
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A movable‑leg table system designed by Fernweh Woodworking allows legs to shift positions, preventing them from blocking seats when tables are combined and creating more flexible, comfortable group seating; the design is patented and being offered for licensing or acquisition to manufacturers in hospitality, education, office, or furniture industries.
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|  www.core77.com
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A natural‑stone collectible design project presented at Salone del Mobile 2026, featuring limited‑edition, signed pieces by international designers. The objects, up to 55 cm, blend craftsmanship with precise manufacturing, highlighting stone’s unique grain, color, and surface. Collaboration between Stefan Scholten and Manuela Rotta shapes the minimalist design language and production expertise. The collection is displayed at the Rosewood Hotel gallery in Amsterdam through June 30, 2026.
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|  www.stylepark.com
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A walnut folding chair by the little‑known company Esspur features an unconventional design that stands out despite its modest build quality and the brand’s lack of history.
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|  www.core77.com
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NeoCon 2026 / DesignDays 2026
June 7-10, 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. For 2026 NeoCon is introducing a special preview day on Sunday, June 7th, from 12-4 PM. All NeoCon attendees and exhibitors are invited to visit on Sunday.
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This year's NeoCon theme, "Where Design Connects," emphasizes innovation and resilience in the built environment. Keynote speakers include Jessica O. Matthews, who will discuss the personal impact on innovation; Nick Foster, who will challenge future assumptions; and David “Shingy” Shing, who will explore the evolving relationship between technology and design. Registration for the event opened on February 3, 2026, and the event will feature seven exhibition floors, highlighting a new focus on lighting through the "Illuminate at NeoCon" initiative.
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.
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NeoCon
Chicago’s big week at THE MART is coming in hot: NeoCon 2026 is basically a million-square-foot group project where “Where Design Connects” isn’t a slogan so much as a scheduling warning. The show floor energy is equal parts product launch, brand flex, and “quick, where’s the coffee line?”—and a bunch of heavy hitters are showing up like they’ve been saving announcements for this exact moment.
AIS, Arcadia and Encore are unloading a full set of new collections built for the messy middle of modern space planning—lounges that need to behave like meeting rooms, healthcare settings that want hospitality warmth, and everything modular enough to keep facilities teams from losing sleep. Davis Furniture is in full “new introductions” mode, stacking the roster with fresh seating, lounge pieces, benches, and tables designed to move between training, workplace, hospitality, and even residential-adjacent vibes without feeling like a compromise.
Keilhauer is marking the moment with a new showroom at THE MART and a headline collaboration with Yabu Pushelberg, bringing that luxury-hospitality polish into workplace lounging via the Etta collection—think “soft landing” spaces for the part of the day where brains are fried but decisions still have to get made. Kettal is treating its 60th anniversary like a design manifesto, showing an expanded ecosystem that blends architecture, furniture, lighting, and acoustics into one integrated “workplace as a kit-of-parts” story—highlighting systems like the Eames Pavilion and the Area collection co-designed with Foster + Partners.
On the “what’s underfoot matters” front, Shaw Contract is going big with new collections that stitch together carpet tile, broadloom, rugs, LVT, and porcelain into an era-defining modular platform—plus elevated material plays and collaborations that clearly aim to make the showroom feel like an exhibit. Meanwhile, Momentum teams up with architect Michael Ford to translate hip-hop culture into high-performance textiles and wallcoverings—pattern, rhythm, and storytelling turned into commercial-spec surfaces, with a portion of sales supporting the Hip Hop by Design scholarship mission.
Then there’s the craft-and-materials crowd: WVH rolls out ALMA, acoustic wall panels that mix wood veneer with copper, lava stone, and obsidian—equal parts material honesty and “yes, you can touch it.” The programming is buzzing too: UpSpring hosts a live recording of The Design Board podcast (with guests like ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneider), digging into workplace culture, trust, and the next generation’s expectations—served with boba tea, because even the existential conversations need a beverage strategy.
And hovering over it all: NeoCon itself, pulling tens of thousands of design professionals into one place to argue—politely, with good typography—about wellbeing, circularity, AI-enabled workplaces, lighting, and how to make spaces that people actually want to show up for.
Fulton Market Design Days
Over in Fulton Market, the vibe shifts from “trade show marathon” to “design neighborhood takeover.” This is where showrooms act like stages and every brand wants you to feel like you “discovered” something—even if you’re standing in a perfectly lit space with a branded cocktail menu.
Allsteel makes a performance-seating play with Levra—structural knit back, weight-activated support, arms that rotate 180°—aimed squarely at how people actually move (and fidget) through the day. Humanscale leans into its “Body. Planet. Materials.” theme, spotlighting sustainable, human-centered products like Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge, while framing the whole exhibit around next-gen materials and waste-to-resource thinking—very “we’re not just launching products, we’re making an argument.”
HON opens a Chicago flagship showroom during FMDD and lays it out like a hands-on field guide: zones for collaboration, experimentation, focused work, and education—blending workplace and K–12 in a way that says “the future is flexible, and we brought receipts.” Allermuir goes full statement-piece with a new four-story North America flagship in Fulton Market—21,000 square feet designed to feel immersive and intentional, not just “here are the chairs.”
On the textiles-and-installations side, Maharam turns the showroom into a curated experience—lots of material storytelling, a system-driven presentation approach, and that familiar sense that you’re walking through a design thesis that just happens to be shoppable. And because Chicago design week can’t resist a forward-looking tease, IKEA previews its MITTZON office storage system via pop-up/showroom programming—quietly reminding everyone that the future of workplace isn’t only couture brands and limited editions; it’s also the stuff that keeps cables, clutter, and chaos from eating the whole floorplate alive.
Put it together and FMDD reads like the afterparty with better lighting: fewer aisles, more atmosphere, and a steady stream of “wait, you have to see this upstairs” moments—where product launches, sustainability claims, and brand identity all get tested in the only environment that matters: people walking in, sitting down, and deciding if it feels right.
Corrections
A couple of corrections to last week’s NeoCon coverage:
In our feature story, we incorrectly identified Chris Barton as one of this year’s NeoCon keynote speakers. Barton delivered the keynote address in 2025. The Wednesday keynote at NeoCon 2026 will be David Shing (“Shingy”), presenting Design for an Evolving World.
We also incorrectly listed the location of the Gentherm Suite. The suite is located in 7-5042 on the 7th floor of THE MART, not Suite 5042 as originally reported.
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Trends in Commercial Projects
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For tech company Snap, Studio Vincent Eschalier has created a Paris HQ that needs no filters.
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|  youtube.com
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Industrial-design studio Blond revitalized its East London studio, creating a flexible, collaborative space with custom furniture, expanded meeting areas, an extended kitchen, and a larger workshop to support diverse workstyles, prototyping, and digital fabrication while preserving its industrial aesthetic.
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|  www.onofficemagazine.com
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Snøhetta has relocated its New York headquarters to a renovated former cardboard‑factory space on the top floor of 55 Washington Street in Brooklyn’s DUMBO district, creating an open‑plan office with skylights, a terrace overlooking the Manhattan Bridge, and various collaborative zones, while highlighting the studio’s recent projects and recent union‑related controversy.
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|  www.dezeen.com
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The Fursys Business Hub Gangnam showroom offers a reservation‑only, B2B‑focused space where clients can experience office furniture arranged in a real‑world mock‑up room, compare designs with actual layouts, and test both standard and custom items, with the facility also serving as an active workspace for employees.
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|  www.asiae.co.kr
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Tom Snyder’s Austin workspace blends his marketing business with a home studio, featuring a MacBook Air, Apple peripherals, HP monitor, various studio monitors, audio interfaces, synths, and mixers. He relies on tools like Notion, Claude Pro, Airtable, Logic Pro, and Vercel for daily work, while music production gear fuels his creative side. Recent upgrades include new studio monitor speakers, and he’s seeking a cable‑storage cabinet. His day starts with espresso and music, and he stays productive by planning each hour, with Notion as his go‑to underrated app.
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|  www.workspaces.xyz
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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett secured a 916,000 sf lease at 570 Fifth Avenue, representing 38.6% of Manhattan’s office demand in May and becoming the city’s second‑largest office deal of 2026, while its headquarters remain at 425 Lexington Avenue. The development, led by Extell and designed by KPF, includes a one‑third stake held by Ingka Group, which will operate 80,000 sf of retail space for IKEA.
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|  www.globest.com
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Samsung Electronics America will relocate its U.S. headquarters from New Jersey to its existing campus in Plano, Texas, by the end of the year, moving roughly 1,000 employees and consolidating operations in a region that already supports about 2,000 staff. The move aligns with a broader business transformation aimed at long‑term growth, while AT&T is also planning a major headquarters relocation to Plano, targeting a second‑half‑2028 move‑in.
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|  www.bisnow.com
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Brooklyn Defender Services has secured a 212,000‑square‑foot, 31‑year lease for six floors in Tishman Speyer’s The Wheeler building in Downtown Brooklyn, consolidating its headquarters and planning to move its downtown workforce there later this year, with representation by Newmark and backing from Tishman and CBRE.
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|  www.globest.com
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Camira Appoints Andrea Nondorf as President, North America
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Camira announced the appointment of Andrea Nondorf as President, North America, highlighting her 25 + years of leadership experience in commercial growth, strategic transformation, and market expansion across the region. Nondorf, who previously held senior roles at W.L. Gore, Swarovski and The LYCRA Company, will lead Camira’s North American operations from Grand Rapids, MI, focusing on accelerating regional growth, expanding market share, strengthening strategic partnerships, and enhancing commercial execution. To mark the start of her tenure, she will attend the NeoCon exhibition in Chicago this June, engaging with industry peers, partners, and clients.
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Kate Judd Joins Tai Ping & Edward Fields as Managing Director of the Americas
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Kate Judd has been appointed Managing Director of the Americas for Tai Ping and Edward Fields, where she will lead the strategic, commercial, and operational direction across the region. Bringing over 13 years of senior leadership experience from The Rug Company and a global background in luxury interiors, retail, and brand growth, Judd aims to focus on operational excellence, customer experience, and long‑term brand expansion for both residential and contract sectors.
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Ware Malcomb Announces Opening of Las Vegas Office
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Ware Malcomb has opened its 30th office in Las Vegas, located at 1 Meridian Vista Dr. in Summerlin South, expanding its Southwest Region presence. CEO Ken Wink highlighted the new office’s role in serving the growing market, while Regional Manager Andrew Martin—who brings extensive architectural experience and local client relationships—will lead the office. The expansion reflects Las Vegas’s overall growth across hospitality, office, multifamily, restaurant, industrial, and tenant‑improvement sectors.
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Tangram Interiors Hosts Health Spaces Vendor Showcase at Santa Fe Springs Location
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Tangram Interiors hosted its third Health Spaces vendor showcase at the Santa Fe Springs location, gathering over 220 healthcare executives, architects, designers, and manufacturers from April 28 to May 8, 2026. The event featured 30+ exhibitors and 50 guided tours across nine days, highlighting innovative furniture, materials, technology, and design solutions for various healthcare environments, emphasizing the role of design in enhancing healing, caregiving, and human connection.
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Hendrick Takes Home Three Awards at ASID Georgia's 45th Annual Design Excellence Ceremony
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Hendrick, an Atlanta‑based architecture and design firm, earned three ASID Georgia Design Excellence Awards—Gold for a 20,000–50,000 sq ft commercial project, Silver for another 20,000–50,000 sq ft project, and Bronze for a 50,000+ sq ft commercial project—highlighting its collaborative approach and client‑focused innovation. The awards, presented on May 14 2026, underscore Hendrick’s commitment to thoughtful design, partnership with clients, and its long‑standing reputation since 1974.
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Teknion Named Official Office Furniture Partner of the Toronto Tempo
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Teknion has become the Official Office Furniture Partner of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA franchise, furnishing premium courtside loges and suites at the Coca‑Cola Coliseum and showcasing its designs at a Montreal showroom event. The partnership highlights a shared commitment to community impact, women's sports, and innovative design, while supporting the Tempo’s inaugural 2026 season and enhancing fan experiences.
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Ask Stephen: Did We Stop Dressing for Interviews?
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Professional appearance matters in interviews, especially for high‑pay sales roles; candidates should research a company’s dress culture and present a polished, intentional look that balances business‑appropriate attire with personal style, avoiding sloppy or overly casual outfits that can outweigh qualifications.
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| Read Ask Stephen > |
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Market Development Representative (Southeast Region)
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BRC is seeking a Market Development Representative (Southeast Region) to drive growth within a strategic alliance partner dealer channel, with an initial focus in the Orlando, FL market. This role focuses on building strong dealer relationships, identifying and developing opportunities, and supporting projects from early specification through order completion. Acting as a direct extension of BRC in the market, the MDR will partner with dealer sales and design teams to increase engagement, expand scope within active projects, and capture competitive opportunities, while ensuring a high level of responsiveness and execution throughout the sales process.
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| See Job Opening > |
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District Sales Manager - Atlanta
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OFS is seeking a District Sales manager to join our team in the Georgia area. As a District Sales Manager, your responsibilities would include business development, promotion, support, and training activities targeted towards designated Dealerships, A & D Firms and End Users in the Georgia market.
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| See Job Opening > |
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