In this issue… backlash erupts over a Baltimore dealer’s $25.8M ICE furniture contract; Davis Furniture expands U.S. manufacturing in High Point; HON announces a 12,000+ SF Chicago Fulton Market flagship (opening June 2026); and Teknion debuts a new SF showroom with LEED/WELL certifications. Amazon outlines a plan to cut 49,000 desks and shrink its office footprint while still betting heavily on AI and in-person collaboration. Features spotlight the return of hand sketching in architecture, the rise of OEM production models in office furniture, and expert views on why offices must be redesigned for flexibility, health, and culture. Workspace News covers small behavioral “nudges” that shape culture. Trends examine new workplace power demands (USB‑C, decarbonization, AI/data centers, grid modernization) and the workplace as civic infrastructure. Design highlights flexible, modular office layouts and furnishings. Products include new outdoor booths, swivel-base lounge seating updates, decorative lighting, next-gen ergonomic lounge seating with power, transitional seating collections, multi-port power docks, and carbon-neutral acoustic solutions.

The U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, raising the unemployment rate to 4.4% and marking a significant decline in the labor market, particularly in healthcare. Geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices complicate the economic outlook, while fears of AI job displacement are increasing. The Federal Reserve faces pressure to consider rate cuts amid these challenges, as recent job reports suggest a weakening labor market.

“If you can envision a sold-out Taylor Swift concert and give every single person their desk, that’s how many desks we need to get rid of.” Martha Schwarzkopf Doyle - Senior Amazon Real Estate Manager 

 

The HON Company is preparing to open its largest and most ambitious showroom to date in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, unveiling a 12,000-plus square-foot flagship designed to showcase the brand’s full portfolio of workplace and K-12 furnishings.

 

Scheduled to debut in June 2026, the new HON Chicago Flagship will be located on the 11th floor of 320 N. Sangamon St. and will open during Fulton Market Design Days, one of the contract furniture industry’s key annual gatherings. The space is intended to function not only as a product showroom but also as a collaborative hub where dealers, designers, and customers can experience HON’s solutions across a range of real-world environments.

 

The flagship will bring together HON’s commercial workplace and education furniture offerings in a single cohesive setting. Rather than presenting products individually, the showroom will be organized into a series of interconnected environments—including private offices, heads-down work zones, collaborative areas, and learning spaces—designed to demonstrate how HON products function together across an entire floorplate.

 

“Our Chicago Flagship is more than a showroom — it’s a statement,” said Ric Andersen, vice president of sales at The HON Company. “It brings the full strength of HON together in one immersive environment, giving our partners a smarter, faster way to collaborate, specify, and deliver complete solutions.”

 

The space will also highlight the company’s seating portfolio alongside its broader range of workplace and education products. The layout has been designed to support dealer training sessions, customer presentations, and industry events, positioning the showroom as both a display environment and a resource for the brand’s dealer network.

 

Jason Heredia, vice president of marketing at The HON Company, said the showroom is meant to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of how HON’s products support modern work and learning environments.

 

“This space lets our dealers and customers experience complete, working solutions designed around their needs — from private offices to flexible learning environments,” Heredia said. “It’s a place to collaborate, explore what’s possible, and see firsthand how HON delivers on style, function, and value.”

 

The project also underscores HON’s broader sustainability initiatives. The company noted that its portfolio includes products certified under BIFMA LEVEL and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold programs and manufactured in facilities that operate with zero waste to landfill. HON says it has reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse-gas emissions by 79 percent since 2018, surpassing HNI Corporation’s Science Based Targets initiative-validated goal, while committing to reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 40 percent by 2035.

 

The new flagship will be housed within the recently completed 320 North Sangamon office tower, a 13-story, 270,000-square-foot building developed by Tishman Speyer and Mark Goodman & Associates and designed by the architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz. Completed in 2021, the building features large column-free floorplates, 13-foot ceilings, and sustainability credentials including LEED Gold and FitWel certifications.

 

The Chicago flagship will join HON’s existing showroom presence in New York and Washington, D.C., while strengthening the company’s visibility in Chicago’s rapidly growing Fulton Market design district.

As office leasing activity begins to rebound in San Francisco on the back of a rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, Teknion is planting a renewed flag in the Bay Area with the opening of a new showroom along the city’s waterfront.

 

The workplace furniture manufacturer announced that it has relocated its San Francisco showroom from the Financial District to the South Beach neighborhood, opening a new space on the Embarcadero adjacent to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. The move places the company in one of the city’s most active districts where technology firms, design studios, and creative companies increasingly intersect.

 

The timing could hardly be better. After several years of sluggish office demand following the pandemic, San Francisco is seeing signs of renewed leasing activity driven largely by the explosion of new artificial intelligence startups setting up operations across the city. Hundreds of AI companies have launched or expanded in the Bay Area over the past two years, creating fresh demand for office space—and, by extension, workplace interiors and furniture solutions.

 

Teknion’s new showroom is designed to capitalize on that momentum while strengthening its long-standing ties to the region. San Francisco has been part of the company’s history for more than four decades and was home to several of its earliest major projects in the United States.

 

“San Francisco has long been a global epicenter for innovation and progress,” said David Feldberg, president and CEO of Teknion. “The culture here of creativity and ambition aligns naturally with Teknion’s commitment to design, sustainability, and human-centered solutions. This new showroom allows us to better serve our dealer partners and design community while presenting the full breadth of our growing portfolio in a city that continues to shape how the world works.”

 

Located in the South Beach district along the Embarcadero, the showroom sits within one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, where technology, architecture, and design communities converge. The space is intended to serve Teknion’s Bay Area dealer network and architecture and design partners, demonstrating how furniture, architectural interiors, and technology integration can be combined to support evolving workplace strategies.

 

The showroom will feature a range of recent introductions across the company’s brands. Among them is the Aarea chair, designed by Pearson Lloyd, which emphasizes minimal components and materials while maintaining ergonomic performance. Teknion is also highlighting Telescope, a new architectural interiors system that uses synchronized sliding panels to open or enclose meeting rooms and collaborative spaces.

 

Additional collections from Studio TK will be displayed throughout the space, showcasing contemporary furniture created with internationally recognized designers and intended to bring a more residential aesthetic into commercial environments. Materials from Luum Textiles will also be integrated throughout the showroom, emphasizing performance fabrics and sustainable material innovation.

 

Sustainability and wellness were key priorities in the design of the new facility. The showroom has achieved LEED v4 Gold certification and WELL v2 Platinum certification, making it the ninth Teknion showroom globally to receive WELL certification.

 

For Teknion, the new location reflects both confidence in San Francisco’s long-term importance to the global technology economy and an opportunity to engage with the next wave of companies reshaping how work happens. As the city’s AI ecosystem continues to grow—and new offices follow—Teknion’s latest showroom aims to position the brand squarely in the middle of that resurgence.

Davis Furniture is significantly expanding its footprint in High Point, North Carolina, with the acquisition of a nearby industrial property and the groundbreaking of a new multi-functional manufacturing and showroom facility. The moves increase the company’s South High Point campus from nine to eleven buildings and bring its total office and manufacturing space to more than 500,000 square feet.

 

The company recently purchased the former Woodmark Furniture building at 1920 Jarrell Street, a 124,000-square-foot facility situated on a 14.6-acre parcel near U.S. 29 and Surrett Drive. Renovations are expected to begin later this year, and the building will operate as a hybrid manufacturing and warehouse facility designed to increase capacity and provide greater operational flexibility.

 

Founded in 1944, Davis Furniture remains family-owned and operated and employs nearly 350 people. While the company works with internationally recognized designers and maintains showrooms in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., its operations remain anchored in American manufacturing in High Point.

 

“This expansion is a long-term investment in our people, our processes, and our community,” said Danny Davis, president of Davis Furniture. “For more than eighty years, we’ve believed in building here and manufacturing here. Our design perspective may be global, but our foundation is firmly local.”

 

The Jarrell Street acquisition further strengthens Davis Furniture’s vertically integrated manufacturing model. Across its campus, individual facilities are organized around specific phases of production, allowing fabrication, finishing, and upholstery operations to function in close coordination.

 

“Our facilities are designed around how we manufacture,” said Brian Davis, who is overseeing both the renovation of the Jarrell Street property and the development of the company’s new building on Market Center Drive. “This expansion allows us to scale responsibly, improve efficiencies, and maintain the level of quality control that defines Davis.”

 

Brian Davis and Ashley Davis Williams, both active in company leadership, represent the fourth generation of the Davis family guiding the business.

 

At the same time, Davis has broken ground on a new building at 500 West Market Center Drive, located on a former parking lot directly behind the company’s corporate headquarters at 2400 College Drive. The new facility will combine advanced manufacturing capabilities with expanded sales and marketing offices and a dedicated showroom designed to support customer visits and factory tours.

 

Designed by Winston-Salem-based architecture and interior design firm Stitch Design Shop, the building reflects Davis Furniture’s modern design philosophy while physically linking the company’s manufacturing, design, and sales functions.

 

“Our goal was to create a space that reflects how we operate — transparent, collaborative, and closely connected to manufacturing,” Brian Davis said. “It allows clients to experience the full Davis process in one cohesive campus environment.”

 

The new facility will also strengthen Davis Furniture’s engagement with the contract furniture market, according to Jeffrey Rosner, the company’s vice president of sales.

 

“This investment elevates the way we host and collaborate with clients,” Rosner said. “Visitors will see our manufacturing capabilities firsthand and then experience our collections in a thoughtfully designed showroom setting. It reinforces the trust and transparency that are central to our partnerships.”

 

Ashley Davis Williams said the expansion reflects the company’s continued commitment to High Point and its role within the local community.

 

“Our history and our future are tied to this community,” she said. “We’re grateful for the employees and partners who have supported Davis for generations. Expanding our campus allows us to continue contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of High Point while staying true to our values.”

 

With renovations beginning at the Jarrell Street property and construction underway on the new integrated facility, Davis Furniture’s latest expansion represents a major investment in both its manufacturing capabilities and its High Point headquarters, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to American-made contract furniture.

Price Modern, a century-old furniture dealer in Baltimore, has faced criticism after securing a $25.8 million contract to supply office furniture to ICE. Residents like Amalia Delony expressed their discontent, linking the contract to the agency's controversial practices, including family separations and detention centers. Price Modern has held contracts with federal agencies for 40 years, with ICE contracts making up a significant portion of its revenue. The company defended its actions, stating it has no influence over government policy and has served various federal clients across administrations. As tensions rise over immigration enforcement in Maryland, the company's contracts have drawn attention, prompting public outcry and comparisons to historical injustices. Additionally, other Maryland businesses are also supplying ICE, contributing to a broader conversation about the agency's impact on communities.

Amazon plans to eliminate 49,000 desks, significantly reducing its office footprint as part of a shift in real estate strategy. The company aims to decrease its average office vacancy from around 31% to just under 23% within the year, potentially impacting over 14 million square feet of office space. This decision follows layoffs totaling approximately 30,000 positions and reflects a broader effort to enhance operational efficiency driven by artificial intelligence. The strategy includes letting leases expire, "hibernating" some offices, and subleasing or terminating others, with a goal of reaching a global vacancy rate of 22.9% this year, ideally aiming for closer to 11%. Amazon's shift follows a period of aggressive office leasing in anticipation of a return-to-office push, which has since evolved into a strategy emphasizing in-person collaboration.

The global office furniture industry has shifted towards OEM production models, emphasizing cost efficiency, flexibility, and rapid adaptation. Companies now collaborate with specialized manufacturers for scalable production, engineering precision, and supply chain coordination. Key aspects include the transition from traditional manufacturing to integrated OEM systems, the importance of material sourcing and quality assurance, and the need for adaptability in response to evolving workplace trends. OEM manufacturers, like Oakland Furniture, play a crucial role in ensuring production stability and meeting diverse market demands, highlighting their significance in modern commercial furniture distribution.

The future of workplaces is evolving from static offices to dynamic environments that foster collaboration, health, and innovation. Key insights from experts highlight the importance of flexibility in work hours, the need for cross-team interactions, and the recognition of neurodiversity in design. Nature and health are becoming central to workplace strategies, while the value of commuting must be justified through social connections. The office is transforming into a knowledge marketplace, emphasizing engagement over mere occupancy, and adapting to generational shifts that prioritize experiences and mentorship. Overall, the physical workplace remains vital for social connections and organizational culture.

The architectural sketch, once sidelined by digital tools and computer-aided design, is making a comeback, as evidenced by an exhibition showcasing over 200 sketches from various architecture practices. While the sketch was largely absent from architectural education in recent decades, its resurgence is highlighted by contemporary architects embracing hand-drawn techniques, emphasizing the physical connection between the artist and the medium amidst a digital landscape.

Simple interventions in the workplace can significantly influence employee behavior. Examples include using design elements to reinforce company values, promoting health through strategic snack placements, fostering creativity with sensory nudges, encouraging sustainability with waste management strategies, and addressing shared resource issues through visual cues. Intentional nudges can lead to better decision-making and enhance workplace culture.

Forward-thinking organizations are transforming workplaces into civic resources to address the decline of public gathering spaces. By intentionally opening their environments for community use, companies can foster civic engagement, strengthen local relationships, and redefine their role as civic infrastructure. This approach not only enhances community access to resources but also enriches employee engagement and organizational purpose, signaling a lasting shift in how workplaces are perceived and utilized.

The demand for efficient power solutions in workspaces is rising due to technology integration and the need for immediate access to information. Key trends include increased device efficiency with USB-C, a focus on decarbonization and sustainability, evolving workforce safety protocols, industrial reshoring requiring flexible power zones, modernization of grid infrastructure, the impact of AI on data center power needs, and the exploration of portable power sources. Thoughtful workspace planning is essential to support these changes and enhance accessibility to power.

Commercial office spaces are increasingly emphasizing flexibility through adaptable furnishings and smarter space management. Designers are moving away from fixed layouts to modular, mobile, and multi-functional furniture that supports various work styles and enhances collaboration. The focus is on creating environments that can quickly adjust to changing needs, improve employee well-being, and maximize long-term value, as exemplified by the redesign of OneDigital's headquarters, which integrates technology and promotes social engagement.

DARRAN Furniture is expanding its Fion wingback lounge chair collection with new swivel base configurations, adding versatility to a design that has gained traction in workplace and hospitality environments since its introduction. Designed by Chrissy Fehan, the sculptural lounge chair is now available with two additional return-to-center (RTC) swivel bases intended to broaden how the product can be specified across a wider range of interiors.

 

The Fion chair has become a recognizable piece in DARRAN’s portfolio thanks to its enveloping wingback form and distinctive silhouette, which blends comfort with a strong visual presence. With the new base options, the company aims to give architects and designers more flexibility when tailoring the chair to specific environments, from collaborative office settings to hospitality lounges.

 

The expansion introduces two four-star RTC swivel bases designed to enhance both performance and aesthetic range. The first is a metal four-star base that offers a clean, contemporary look. Available in multiple powder-coated finishes, the base provides a crisp, architectural foundation that contrasts with the chair’s softer, organic form. The second option is a wood-clad four-star base that incorporates precision-crafted wood elements over a metal structure. The design introduces warmth and texture while maintaining the ergonomic benefits of a return-to-center swivel mechanism.

 

According to DARRAN, the new bases were developed in response to strong interest from the design community following the chair’s initial launch. “Chrissy Fehan’s Fion chair has resonated deeply with the design community,” said Matthew Agostinelli, the company’s creative director. “These new base options are a response to that enthusiasm and open up the Fion collection to more specifications. We are committed to providing our clients with the tools and products to create highly sophisticated and thoughtful environments that elevate spaces and add to their intrinsic culture.”

 

Agostinelli added that the new bases allow the chair to adapt to a broader range of design narratives. “The new metal and wood-clad bases not only offer functional performance but allow Fion to pivot seamlessly between sleek, modern environments and warmer, more personal and intimate oriented interiors,” he said.

 

The metal and wood-clad four-star RTC bases are available for specification immediately.

Humanscale has finally launched the Diffrient Lounge, an innovative chair designed for hybrid environments, combining ergonomic support with aesthetic appeal. Recognized with the iF Design Award 2026, it features an adjustable headrest, a precise recline mechanism, and integrated USB-C ports for connectivity. Crafted from high-quality materials, it adapts to various settings, aiming to enhance productivity and well-being while fulfilling Niels Diffrient's vision of human-centered design. The chair will be available in Humanscale showrooms during Design Days 2026 and is available online now.

Jamie Stern introduces the Threshold Collection, a seating series designed by William Oberlin for transitional environments in hospitality and corporate interiors. The collection features four lounge chairs—Portal, Crossing, Passage, and Terminus—each representing stages of transition. The designs balance comfort and professionalism with warm wood framing and adaptable upholstery, suitable for both corporate and hospitality contexts. The collection aims to enhance spaces where people gather briefly yet meaningfully, and is now available for viewing online.

Berco Designs has launched PTO, an outdoor upholstered booth designed for open-air spaces, combining indoor comfort with outdoor durability. Available in various sizes, PTO aims to enhance patios and courtyards, making them inviting gathering areas. The company emphasizes the importance of creating intentional outdoor experiences while maintaining commercial-grade performance. Established in 1969, Berco Designs focuses on high-quality, domestically manufactured furniture and continues to innovate in design and customer service.

Momentum has partnered with Autex Acoustics to distribute carbon-neutral acoustic solutions in North America, focusing on performance and architectural flexibility. Key products include Groove Duet™ with two-tone effects, Mirage™ Textured Tiles for easy installation, Acoustic Timber™ with natural wood aesthetics, and STONE Finishes offering a refined stone look, all designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in modern interiors.

Eureka has launched the Torno luminaire, featuring 14-inch handcrafted circular shades in ceramic finishes of Ivory White, Coal Black, and Terracotta Brown, along with locally sourced wood options. It offers versatile mounting configurations and delivers up to 750 lumens of low-glare light, creating a subtle halo effect when surface mounted. Eureka, part of Acuity Brands Lighting, focuses on innovative decorative lighting solutions since 1987.

MOD introduces Maggie XP, an advanced power dock for high-density commercial environments, featuring a magnetic wireless charging pad, USB-C and USB-A ports, multiple AC outlets, under-surface outlets, built-in overload protection, and customizable finishes for cleaner, accessible workstations.

Furniture designer Martin Kechayas created a lounge chair for Copenhagen Airport's Terminal 3 in just three weeks. The PGM3 chair emphasizes calmness, ergonomics, and sustainability, featuring a sculptural design inspired by airplane wings and made from recycled materials. It includes modular components for easy maintenance and adaptability, providing a versatile space for work or relaxation.

The Hug is a high-back modular sofa designed by Pearson Lloyd, focusing on comfort through human-scale experimentation with materials. The design process emphasized tactile sensations and ergonomic support, utilizing a foldable steel frame for practicality and easy assembly. Components are modular and customizable, allowing users to adapt the sofa to their needs over time.

Jasper Morrison has designed the "Outdoor Market" collection for the Danish brand Hay, comprising 35 objects made primarily from wood, fabric, and steel. The collection includes folding chairs, tables, picnic bags, outdoor cooking utensils, and everyday items like clothespins and bottle openers. It aims to create a lightweight, portable living space suitable for outdoor activities such as camping and picnics. The design emphasizes functionality and simplicity, reflecting Morrison's philosophy of "super normal objects" that seamlessly integrate into daily life. The collection was presented at the MoMA Design Store in New York, celebrating outdoor living through essential, stripped-back designs.

A custom drafting table was commissioned by artist Daniel Arsham from the design firm Caliper, featuring a backlit surface, magnifying lamp, and tailored storage for art supplies. The table is made from CNC machined aluminum and was fully assembled in Madrid before being shipped to New York City.

LD Seating has launched the Terra Lounge soft seating collection, designed by Folco Orlandini, focusing on comfort, design, and sustainability. The collection features armchairs with dual-density foam and an integrated rocking mechanism, allowing for mixed materials to suit various interior styles. All materials are recyclable and produced locally, supporting circular design principles. The collection is available in showrooms across several European cities.

Manuela Hirschfeld, an Industrial Design student from Hochschule Pforzheim, designed a minimalist bent plywood chair called Tilt, which can transform from a chair to a lounger with a simple forward tilt, offering two distinct seating experiences. Despite her innovative work, she lacks an online presence, a trend observed among current design students.

Will selling office furniture be added to the list of items available via live video? Probably. Here's one example of that happening from last week.

Arper x Jean-Marie Massaud Debut Polyurethane-Free Sofa

At Salone del Mobile 2026, Arper will unveil Aom, a new seating collection by Jean-Marie Massaud that eliminates polyurethane in favor of expanded polypropylene and recyclable Breathair® padding. This lightweight, modular design promotes sustainability and adaptability for various environments, featuring one-, two-, and three-seat configurations suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Gensler designed Sanofi M Station Office in Morristown to enhance workplace experience through a human-centric approach that fosters collaboration, wellbeing, and flexibility. Spanning 260,000 square feet, the office emphasizes connection and choice, featuring diverse work settings, abundant natural light, and locally commissioned art. Amenities include hospitality ambassadors for personalized support and a public-facing restaurant that integrates work and community. The design aims to create a vibrant environment that supports hybrid work and positions the office as a desirable destination.

Intuit's new San Francisco office, designed by The Bureau, emphasizes connection and local creativity through a vibrant color palette and diverse workspaces. It features "neighbourhoods" for teams, acoustic privacy, and social areas, alongside a curated collection of over 30 artworks by local artists. Sustainability was prioritized, retaining 90% of the existing structure and refurbishing furniture. A notable installation by artist Hannah Ember Sitzer showcases artifacts from local businesses in the music scene.

Ocean Network Express's new headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, designed by Abstracto Arquitectos, emphasizes a blend of corporate identity and natural surroundings. The design focuses on functionality and flexibility, using materials that harmonize with the local environment while maintaining a professional aesthetic. The office space supports both individual tasks and team collaboration, aligning with international standards and operational needs.

Luca Defreitas-Hansen, a founder and designer, operates Fourth Floor, a creative studio, and Athleats, a healthy recipe app. His workspace has evolved into a dedicated office with a Flexispot standing desk and a focus on minimalism. He emphasizes the importance of investing in quality items for comfort and aesthetics in a workspace, while also appreciating the small joys of remote work.

The Sakyu Chair, designed by Studio MucNyc for Look into Nature, won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 for its unique blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Made from igusa, a Japanese material, it features a three-dimensional woven seat and a minimalist steel frame, suitable for both private and public spaces. This recognition highlights the brand's commitment to integrating natural materials and calming aesthetics into modern interiors.

Coinbase plans to invest $750 million annually to establish a 1,000-employee research hub in New York City, expanding its office at One Madison with a $30 million build-out. The company aims to hire 630 new employees focusing on security engineering, product development, and data analytics. Empire State Development will provide a $5 million tax credit to support this expansion, which reflects New York's growing role in the global crypto ecosystem. Coinbase's commitment to the city is seen as a significant boost to its innovation economy and digital finance leadership.

Tangram Interiors Welcomes Holly Rau as VP of Sales and Healthcare Practice Leader

Holly Rau has been appointed as Vice President of Sales and Healthcare Practice Leader at Tangram Interiors, bringing over 25 years of experience in the commercial interiors industry. She will lead the New Business Development and Healthcare sales teams in Southern California, focusing on expanding their size and performance. Rau previously held leadership roles at Kimball International and PeopleSpace, where she contributed to launching a Facilities Services business unit. Her expertise will support Tangram's growth and commitment to client-focused interior environments.

Empire & Co. Welcomes Hayley Pernsteiner as Director of Hospitality

Hayley Pernsteiner has been appointed as Director of Hospitality at Empire & Co., where she will lead the newly established hospitality division. With over 10 years of experience in interior design and the furniture industry, she aims to enhance the company's portfolio in hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use spaces. Pernsteiner's previous roles include positions at Hirsch Bedner Associates and Cortland Partners, and she co-founded Collective by DRG. Her expertise will help Empire & Co. navigate complex projects and deliver customized design solutions as the company expands its presence in the hospitality sector.

Kentwood Office Furniture Names Tim Barrios Vice President of Business Development

Tim Barrios has been appointed Vice President of Business Development at Kentwood Office Furniture, bringing over 25 years of experience in commercial furniture and public sector roles. He will lead business development strategy across the Midwest, focusing on corporate, healthcare, education, and public sector clients. His leadership is expected to enhance Kentwood's ability to deliver strategic solutions as workplaces evolve.

Configura Appoints Steven Jenkins as Chief Executive Officer

Configura has appointed Steven Jenkins as CEO, succeeding Stefan Persson. Jenkins, who has a long history with the company, aims to continue its growth and innovation while maintaining the collaborative community established under Persson's leadership. He emphasizes continuity and forward momentum in advancing Configura's platforms across various industries.

Landscape Forms Congratulates Patti Chipman and Bob Chipman on 2026 MSU CANR Honors

Landscape Forms congratulates Patti and Bob Chipman for their honors from Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Patti received the Honorary Alumni Award for her long-term contributions to education and global learning, while Bob was awarded the Alumni Service Award for his mentorship and design contributions. Both have significantly impacted the landscape architecture field and embody the values of generosity and commitment to education. Landscape Forms also highlights its leadership in high-design outdoor products and its role in supporting educational initiatives.

IIDA NY to Host Third Annual Career Night

IIDA NY is hosting its third annual Career Night on March 25, featuring mentorship and networking opportunities for design students and professionals. New initiatives include a scholarship for students, an experiential vendor show, and professional development activities. Stephen Wilder will deliver the keynote address, and the event will honor recipients of the Hazel Siegel Scholarship for their commitment to inclusive design. For more details, visit IIDA NY's website.

Shaw Contract Launches ‘Design for All’ CEU Focused on Inclusive, Purpose-Driven Design

Shaw Contract has introduced a continuing education course, "Design for All," aimed at helping architecture and design professionals understand inclusive, purpose-driven design. The course, accredited for IDCEC and AIA LU credits, covers five key areas: Wellbeing, Connection, Learning, Experience, and Thriving, emphasizing how design influences human health and social connections. It provides actionable insights for creating inclusive environments and is available through Shaw Contract’s education platform as a live or virtual session.

Ghent Products Becomes Founding Member of Design Stage, Advancing Continuing Education for the A&D Community

Ghent, a manufacturer of visual communication solutions, has become a founding member of Design Stage to enhance design education and professional development in the architecture and design community. They launched an IDCEC-accredited continuing education course focused on outdoor learning environments and their effects on student performance and wellbeing. This initiative aims to provide actionable insights for designers while promoting a modern approach to continuing education through on-demand access and streamlined experiences.

An HR professional expresses frustration with AI-generated cover letters, finding them inauthentic and distracting. They emphasize the importance of genuine human expression in applications, especially for sales roles. Stephen responds by acknowledging the issue but suggests that AI can be used effectively if candidates write their letters first and then use AI for editing, providing specific prompts to maintain authenticity and personality.

Chief Financial Officer

The CFO directs the financial affairs of the Company and prepares financial analyses of operations including interim and final financial statements with supporting schedules, for the guidance of management. The CFO is responsible for the Company’s financial plans and policies, its accounting practices, the conduct of its relationships with lending institutions and the financial community, and the maintenance and preparation of its financial reports.

 Customer Service & Sales Support Representative

Sitmatic is seeking a Customer Service & Sales Support Representative to serve as a knowledgeable, dependable point of contact for customers and internal sales teams. This role requires someone who is calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling technical product questions.

COE Now Seeking Independent Sales Representation in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota

COE Distributing is seeking strong independent sales representation in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. As a leading office furniture supplier, COE supports dealers nationwide with fully stocked warehouses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas, offering deep inventory on every SKU and fast, reliable delivery. Our model is simple: make it easy for dealers to do business—and give reps the resources they need to grow.

The role is for a seasoned industry professional who understands the commercial interiors ecosystem. This is a high-impact territory sales role covering New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester County, NY. The position is based out of a centrally located Midtown Manhattan showroom and focuses on building/maintaining deep relationships with dealers, architects, designers, and end-users while driving specifications and sales across a comprehensive product portfolio.

 

COE Distributing Seeks Midwest Sales Representation

COE Distributing is seeking strong independent sales representation in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. As a leading office furniture supplier, COE supports dealers nationwide with fully stocked warehouses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas, offering deep inventory on every SKU and fast, reliable delivery. Our model is simple: make it easy for dealers to do business—and give reps the resources they need to grow.