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In this issue… major dealer and manufacturer moves lead the week, including APG Office Furnishings merging with OfficeWorks and rebranding, plus leadership change at Bisley alongside a snapshot of its softer FY results and early 2026 improvement; McCoy Rockford plans Texas’s largest commercial furniture showroom in Houston, while Charles Cohen’s D&D Building defaults on a $150M loan amid broader portfolio stress. Workplace and real-estate coverage tracks rising fit-out costs (about $295/sf) and a widening AI-driven split in where tech tenants are leasing, as Atlanta is urged to pause new office construction and CMBS office distress climbs. Design features explore how voice-first AI dictation is making offices louder and how healing design is improving children’s hospitals. Products highlight new launches from Chemetal (metal ceiling systems), DARRAN (Cheval conference/credenza “quiet luxury”), and Matter Surfaces (PVC-free Verlune Arbor flooring), alongside Green Hides naming a new VP to drive design-market growth.
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By the Numbers
U.S. unemployment claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 211,000 for the week ending May 9, surpassing forecasts and indicating a still‑stable labor market despite rising energy prices from the Iran‑related conflict. While initial claims increased, the number of people receiving continued benefits also grew, and non‑farm payrolls added 115,000 jobs in April, keeping the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%. |
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Construction backlogs hit a 10‑month high in April, driven largely by data‑center projects that boosted contracts for large contractors while leaving smaller firms behind. The surge created a split: firms with data‑center work average a 12.2‑month backlog versus 8.3 months for others, and 42% of contractors earning over $100 M are tied to data‑center contracts compared to just 7% of smaller firms. Despite this divide, most contractors remain optimistic about future growth, sales, and staffing, even as overall construction spending weakens and material costs rise.
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"In 2026, Bisley is showing a modest improvement in our results compared to 2025, with stronger demand for Bisley products in both the UK and the US. We remain vigilant and prepared for the headwinds we are experiencing in the Middle East."
-Bisley CFO Marco Pierleoni |
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Bisley CEO Steps Down as Office Furniture Maker Battles Sales Decline but Sees Signs of Recovery
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Historic office furniture manufacturer Bisley Office Equipment is entering a transition period after reporting deeper losses and lower revenue for fiscal 2025, while simultaneously announcing the departure of Group CEO Richard Costin after more than six years leading the company.
The Newport, South Wales-based manufacturer, which employs more than 400 people and operates across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East, reported turnover of £57.9 million for the year ended July 31, 2025, down 6.3 percent from £61.7 million the prior year. Losses before taxation widened to £1.7 million compared to a roughly £100,000 loss in the previous period. Directors attributed the softer performance largely to reduced UK sales during the first half of the year, although stronger growth in North America and Ireland helped offset some of the pressure. The company also improved its gross profit margin from 28.1 percent to 30.8 percent while continuing manufacturing efficiencies and overhead cost reductions.
Despite the difficult year, Bisley said momentum improved as 2025 progressed, with the company strengthening its order book and securing what it described as the largest contract in its history, a major project at the University of Sussex delivered through Balfour Beatty. CFO Marco Pierleoni said the company is already seeing “a modest improvement” in 2026 results compared to 2025, driven by stronger product demand in both the UK and U.S. markets. “The group is seeing encouraging momentum through the delivery of its largest contract to date,” Pierleoni said, adding that Bisley’s BeSmart lock technology platform is also generating “strong demand across both existing and new sectors,” particularly in higher-value technology-driven solutions.
The financial update arrives as Bisley also confirmed that Group CEO Richard Costin is stepping down from the business. Costin, who became CEO in 2020 after consulting with the company in 2019, said in a LinkedIn post that it had been “a privilege” to lead the company through a turbulent period that included economic disruption, product expansion and the launch of the BeSmart technology platform. “We overcame economic challenges, launched BeSmart lock technology solutions, expanded our product range, and entered into new B2B and B2C e-commerce sales channels,” Costin wrote. He added that after helping establish a new senior leadership structure, he had decided “to step down as CEO of Bisley Office Equipment” while thanking employees and customers for their support over the past six years. |
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Cincinnati-based APG Office Furnishings is merging with Indiana’s OfficeWorks in a move that combines two longtime MillerKnoll Certified Dealers under a single regional platform and will eventually transition APG operations to the OfficeWorks brand. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the companies have not outlined a formal timeline for the complete rebranding process.
The merger joins APG’s headquarters operation in Springdale, Ohio, with OfficeWorks’ Fishers, Indiana base to create a larger Midwest contract furnishings dealer serving clients across multiple states. While some initial reports framed the deal as bringing APG into the MillerKnoll family for the first time, APG has in fact been deeply tied to the Herman Miller and later MillerKnoll ecosystem for decades. Founded in 1969 around Herman Miller’s pioneering Action Office system, APG spent much of its history operating as a Herman Miller-aligned dealership before transitioning alongside the broader dealer network following Herman Miller’s acquisition of Knoll in 2021. At the time, APG communicated the launch of the MillerKnoll collective to clients as a natural evolution of its Herman Miller heritage, and in May 2022 the company formally announced that all APG locations had officially become MillerKnoll Certified Dealers.
By the time the 2026 merger discussions emerged, both APG and OfficeWorks were already established MillerKnoll Certified Dealers, making the transaction less about gaining access to the MillerKnoll portfolio and more about scale, geographic reach, and operational alignment. Executives from both organizations say the combined company will leverage APG’s longstanding relationships throughout Greater Cincinnati and OfficeWorks’ established Indiana presence while integrating sales, design, project management, logistics, and installation resources to pursue larger and more complex workplace projects throughout the Midwest.
As the transition unfolds, customers will gradually see the OfficeWorks identity replace the APG brand on proposals, marketing materials, and signage, although leadership says local teams and customer relationships will remain intact. APG’s Springdale headquarters is expected to continue serving as a major operational hub within the expanded organization. The companies say the goal is to maintain the responsiveness of a local dealership while benefiting from the broader scale, product depth, and collective resources associated with the expanding MillerKnoll dealer network. |
|  www.bizjournals.com
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The future of Manhattan’s iconic Decoration & Design Building is facing renewed scrutiny after owner Cohen Brothers Realty Corp. failed to pay off a $150 million loan tied to the 18-story property when it matured earlier this month. The loan has now been transferred to special servicing as the longtime design center continues to struggle with declining occupancy and falling revenue in the post-pandemic market.
Known throughout the interiors industry simply as “D&D,” the 588,000 square foot building has served as one of New York’s most important design destinations since 1965, housing more than 100 luxury showrooms and representing thousands of residential and commercial furnishings brands. The building has also maintained ties to the contract furnishings industry over the years, including showroom space for brands connected to MillerKnoll through the former Knoll organization, including Knoll Luxe Fine Textiles and KnollTextiles.
According to servicer data, occupancy at the building fell to 63 percent at the end of 2025, down sharply from 95 percent in 2015. Revenue has reportedly declined from $48.4 million to $36.7 million, while escalating ground rent obligations tied to the land beneath the property have further pressured operations. Cohen Brothers said the situation represents a “maturity default” and that it is actively working to refinance the debt.
The D&D Building’s challenges come amid broader financial pressure across developer Charles Cohen’s real estate portfolio. Cohen has recently faced foreclosure actions, asset sales and ongoing disputes with Fortress Investment Group over hundreds of millions of dollars in debt obligations tied to several Manhattan office properties. |
|  www.bisnow.com
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McCoy Rockford is preparing to open what it says will be the largest commercial furniture dealership showroom in Texas this summer, expanding its presence in the Houston market with a new facility at 7110 Old Katy Road.
The full-service commercial interiors company specializes in workspace solutions, office furniture and design services, partnering with more than 200 manufacturers across segments including healthcare, higher education, K-12, life sciences and government. The new Houston facility is expected to function as both a showroom and a live workplace environment designed to demonstrate evolving workplace strategies tied to hybrid work and space optimization.
Incoming CEO Mike Luna will oversee the buildout of the new showroom and said the facility is intended to reflect changing customer demands as organizations rethink how office space is used. “It’s not just a showroom,” Luna said. “Our customers are learning to do more with less, and our new facility will resonate with these customers as the evolution of the workplace is taking shape.”
McCoy Rockford’s product offering includes home office solutions, conference room furniture, seating, storage and ancillary workplace products, positioning the company to compete across both traditional office and emerging hybrid-work environments as the contract furnishings industry continues adapting to shifting workplace expectations. |
|  communityimpact.com
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SEGA and Branch Enter the Gaming Seating Wars with Sonic, Dreamcast and Genesis Ergonomic Chairs
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The line between contract furniture, gaming culture and lifestyle branding continues to blur as SEGA and Branch have launched a new collection of ergonomic office chairs inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog, the Genesis console and the Dreamcast. While the collaboration is being marketed heavily toward gamers and nostalgic Sega fans, the launch also highlights how deeply the commercial furniture industry has already moved into the gaming seating category — a space no longer dominated solely by racing-style esports chairs and direct-to-consumer startups.
Branch’s new Ergonomic Chair Pro: SEGA Edition collection includes three versions priced from $569 to $629 and built around the company’s existing ergonomic platform. The chairs feature 14 points of adjustment, “5D” armrests, removable height- and depth-adjustable lumbar support, synchronized tilt mechanisms, adjustable seat depth and a two-axis headrest. The Sonic edition uses blue performance mesh upholstery and white framing, while the Genesis and Dreamcast models shift into vegan leather finishes with console-inspired detailing and branded caster wheels. One optional accessory even includes Sonic “gold ring” caster wheels for buyers apparently seeking maximum workplace productivity through retro gaming symbolism.
What makes the launch notable for the office furniture industry is that gaming seating is no longer an experimental side category. MillerKnoll entered the segment years ago through its partnership between Herman Miller and Logitech G, producing gaming versions of the Aeron, Embody and Vantum chairs aimed at professional gamers, streamers and hybrid workers. Haworth has also aggressively pursued the gaming market through its ownership stake in Halo franchise creator FaZe Clan and collaborations tied to its Fern ergonomic chair platform. Both companies recognized early that younger consumers increasingly expect high-performance seating to function across work, gaming and content creation environments rather than existing as separate categories.
The Branch-SEGA collaboration pushes that evolution even further into pop-culture licensing and nostalgia-driven branding. Instead of marketing “gaming chairs” as aggressive esports hardware, the collection leans heavily into home-office aesthetics, ergonomic credibility and retro identity. In many ways, the office furniture industry’s migration toward gaming now resembles what happened to sneaker culture years ago: performance products are becoming lifestyle objects first and task-oriented equipment second. The difference, of course, is that instead of lining up for basketball shoes, people are now paying over $600 for Dreamcast office chairs. |
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ICFF Shifts to November beginning in 2027, Reshaping Global Design Show Calendar
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The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is making one of the biggest calendar changes in the North American design industry in decades, announcing that beginning in 2027 the show will move from its longtime spring schedule to an annual November edition at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 2027 fair is scheduled for Nov. 7–9 and will run concurrently with BDNY – Boutique Design New York, creating what organizers describe as a broader autumn design platform spanning residential, hospitality and commercial interiors.
The move reflects growing pressure across the global trade show landscape as exhibitors and buyers struggle with increasingly compressed spring schedules, tighter travel budgets and overlapping international events. ICFF Brand Directors Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat said the decision came after years of discussions with exhibitors and partners. “After 37 years defining contemporary design in the U.S., we are making a move that reflects where the industry is going,” they said in a joint statement. “Exhibitors and partners told us clearly and consistently that the spring international fair calendar had become too compressed, so it was time to take meaningful action.”
For the contract furnishings industry, the timing shift could have ripple effects well beyond New York. ICFF has long occupied a key spot in the annual spring design circuit alongside events such as NeoCon, DesignDays and Milan Design Week. Moving the fair into November potentially gives manufacturers, dealers and international brands additional breathing room in product launch schedules while also creating a second major U.S. design-market moment later in the year. The concurrent scheduling with BDNY also increases exposure to hospitality designers and specifiers, an area many contract furniture brands continue targeting aggressively as workplace and hospitality aesthetics increasingly overlap.
Organizers emphasized that ICFF and BDNY will remain independent events despite sharing timing and venue. The strategy is designed to create crossover opportunities while maintaining separate programming and identities. In 2025, ICFF drew more than 13,000 attendees while BDNY attracted over 16,000 visitors, with organizers estimating only about 10% overlap between the audiences. ICFF also noted that roughly half of its exhibitors are international brands, making the timing and travel efficiencies particularly important.
Owned by Emerald, ICFF plans to maintain visibility ahead of the first November edition through several activations, including an ICFF Lounge at BDNY in late 2026, a February 2027 press preview and its ICFF Night Out program during the 2027 NYCxDESIGN Festival. |
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Green Hides Names Michal Trenerowski Vice President of Sales for Design Markets
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Greensboro, N.C.-based Green Hides has appointed Michal Trenerowski as Vice President of Sales – Design Markets, a move the company says is aimed at accelerating growth across the commercial interiors and broader design community. In the newly created leadership role, Trenerowski will oversee strategic growth initiatives spanning workplace, hospitality, aviation and residential sectors as the leather supplier continues to expand its footprint across North America.
The appointment comes during a period of rapid growth for Green Hides, driven by expanded manufacturer relationships, increased specification activity and deeper engagement with the architecture and design community. The company said it continues to strengthen its position as a premium leather resource for furniture manufacturers, designers and specifiers seeking high-end and sustainable material solutions.
Green Hides said Trenerowski brings a combination of industry expertise and market insight to the role and will focus on strengthening partnerships throughout the A&D community while helping advance the company’s emphasis on environmentally responsible, design-forward leather products. The company, known for its curated portfolio of premium leathers, said the hire reflects a broader strategy to expand market presence while continuing to deliver elevated service and product quality to customers throughout North America and international markets.
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Office fit‑out costs in the U.S. and Canada have risen about 10% to an average $295 per square foot, driven by geopolitical pressures, higher energy prices, and growing demand for tech‑enabled workspaces. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and AV/IT systems now make up a larger share of expenses, becoming baseline requirements rather than premiums, while regional cost variations range from over $315 sf in the Northeast to under $265 sf in the Southwest, and the typical cost breakdown is 38% builders’ works, 29% M&E services, 16% furniture and equipment, 10% security and IT/AV, and 7% professional services.
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|  www.globest.com
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Material Bank Expands European Push as Sandow Tightens Grip on Digital Materials Sourcing
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Material Bank is continuing its aggressive expansion across Europe, extending the reach of what has become arguably the dominant digital marketplace for architectural and design materials. Founded by Adam Sandow and backed by the broader SANDOW media and design empire, Material Bank has rapidly evolved from a convenient sampling platform into infrastructure that much of the A&D industry now relies on. Industry observers increasingly view Sandow’s Material Bank ecosystem as holding a near-monopoly position in centralized material sampling and specification logistics, particularly in North America, where few competitors operate at comparable scale.
The European platform now allows architects, designers, and corporate buyers to search more than 56,000 materials across 40 categories, including flooring, textiles, paint, ceramics, acoustics, and wall coverings, while consolidating samples from hundreds of manufacturers into a single shipment. Material Bank says the platform already includes more than 450 brands across Europe, continuing the same logistics-heavy model that helped fuel its explosive U.S. growth. The company’s proprietary fulfillment operation aggregates samples into one box with next-day delivery for many users, dramatically reducing the traditional back-and-forth between manufacturers, reps, and design firms.
The expansion also underscores how quickly digital sourcing has become normalized across the contract furnishings industry. What once required multiple rep visits, binders, overnight shipments, and weeks of coordination is increasingly handled through a single platform. Material Bank says its consolidated shipping model has already eliminated millions of packages globally while helping manufacturers gain direct visibility with specifiers. For an industry historically fragmented across brands and independent rep networks, Material Bank’s continued growth represents both a major efficiency gain and a growing concentration of influence under the Sandow umbrella. |
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Construction material costs in the U.S. rose sharply in early 2026, with overall input prices up 6.2% from January to April and year‑over‑year increases of 7% for materials and 7.4% for non‑residential items. Energy commodities drove much of the surge, notably an 11.3% month‑over‑month jump in crude petroleum and significant rises in unprocessed energy materials and natural gas. Other notable increases included softwood lumber (+5.5%) and hot‑rolled steel bars (+4.1%). Wholesale inflation also accelerated, climbing 1.4% in April compared to March.
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|  www.bisnow.com
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The projected $300 billion cost of a war in Iran could have significant long‑term fiscal impacts on the commercial real‑estate (CRE) sector, as higher government spending and borrowing increase the national debt beyond 100 % of GDP. This rising debt burden may lead to higher interest rates and inflation, which could raise financing costs for CRE projects and reduce investor confidence. Additionally, the war’s effect on oil prices could increase operating expenses for businesses and consumers, further pressuring the CRE market.
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|  www.globest.com
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AI is driving a sharp increase in tech leasing within a select group of dominant gateway markets—Silicon Valley, Manhattan, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Austin, and Chicago—where occupied tech space more than doubled from 2023 to 2025, with AI‑related tenants accounting for a large share of that activity (up to 62% in San Francisco). Meanwhile, secondary markets such as Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas‑Fort Worth are seeing declining leasing, highlighting a growing divide in office demand tied to AI‑focused growth and the concentration of talent and capital in the leading tech hubs.
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|  www.globest.com
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Developers are being urged to hold off on new office construction in Atlanta until vacancy rates drop below 20%, with experts recommending investment in refurbishing existing properties instead. While leasing activity has improved, with nearly 7 million sq ft leased in the past year, the market still lacks sufficient demand to justify new towers, and firms seeking regional headquarters are looking to other Sun Belt cities that offer more space.
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|  www.bisnow.com
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Office loan distress is rising, with CMBS special servicing rates climbing to 11.38% overall and 17.66% for offices. Large office properties like Houston’s Allen Center and the SOP2 portfolio face refinancing challenges due to low occupancy and weakened demand driven by hybrid work. Lenders are extending loans and providing cures, but billions in office loan maturities remain due in 2026, leaving the future of workplace real estate uncertain.
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|  allwork.space
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Piero Gandini, now executive chairman of the Flos B&B Italia Group, emphasizes that the company’s growth stems from a deep passion for design and a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while adapting to modern market demands. He argues that successful entrepreneurship in Italian design requires balancing creative vision with solid financial discipline—maintaining high EBITDA margins, avoiding distortion of brand identity, and fostering innovation that resonates culturally. Gandini also highlights challenges such as market standardisation, the need for technological advancement in lighting versus furniture, and the importance of sustainability, urging the industry to nurture visionary talent, embrace flexible structures, and create products that inspire emotion rather than merely chase profit.
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|  www.internimagazine.com
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HD Expo Reveals Hospitality Industry Balancing Growth Opportunities with Tariff, Foam and Energy Pressures
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According to reporting and market observations from Stump & Company, this year’s HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas reflected a hospitality furnishings market that is stabilizing after a volatile 2025 marked by tariffs, pricing uncertainty, and delayed project activity. The annual event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, held concurrently with the Choice Hotels convention, continues to serve as one of the industry’s major meeting grounds for hoteliers, designers, purchasing groups, and FF&E suppliers alongside BDNY in New York. While Stump & Company noted that traffic at this year’s event appeared somewhat slower than prior years, exhibitors generally reported solid first-quarter growth and improving market conditions.
Stump & Company said several major themes dominated conversations throughout the show floor, including geopolitical instability, tariffs, foam shortages, luxury hospitality demand, and artificial intelligence. Executives reportedly expressed concern that tensions involving Iran and rising energy prices could weaken consumer confidence and discretionary travel spending while simultaneously increasing transportation and logistics costs. Many suppliers are now implementing fuel surcharges to offset those increases. Foam pricing also emerged as a major issue following a fire at a Texas chemical company that supplies key ingredients used in polyurethane foam production. According to the report, many upholstery manufacturers are either increasing prices, adding surcharges, or operating under foam allocation programs that are limiting growth opportunities.
Tariffs remained one of the industry’s most discussed frustrations, particularly among senior executives dealing with constantly changing rates, conflicting interpretations of regulations, and reimbursement uncertainty. According to Stump & Company, several businesses are actively seeking refunds from the U.S. Treasury for prior tariff payments, with some executives reporting that approved refunds representing roughly 25 percent of claims are beginning to arrive. One executive reportedly said his company had already received approximately $6 million. At the same time, the report suggested that luxury hospitality projects continue outperforming lower-tier hotel segments as affluent consumers remain active globally. U.S. suppliers are increasingly expanding internationally both to pursue high-end demand and reduce tariff exposure.
Artificial intelligence was another recurring topic, with exhibitors discussing its growing role in quoting systems, administration, product development, and digital merchandising. One of the more widely repeated comments heard by Stump & Company during the event came from a senior executive who remarked, “Reshoring of casegoods jobs to the USA is not going to happen — that ship has sailed.” Despite lingering economic uncertainty, Stump & Company said merger-and-acquisition activity remains robust throughout the furnishings and hospitality sectors as companies focus on core operations, pursue consolidation opportunities, and divest non-core businesses. The firm pointed to La-Z-Boy’s previously announced sale of its Kincaid and American Drew casegoods brands to Magnussen Home and Banner Home as one recent example. The report also noted growing momentum in U.S.-based upholstery manufacturing as hotel groups seek tariff-free sourcing and more predictable delivery schedules, along with increasing interest in outdoor and casual furnishings categories tied to elevated hospitality environments.
And in one lighter observation from the week, Stump & Company noted remarkably long Starbucks lines throughout the event despite free coffee being available just down the hall from the exhibition entrance. |
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Record-breaking business formation numbers show Americans increasingly turning to entrepreneurship amid rising living costs, with March hitting 624,915 new companies and April adding another 560,194 — a 9% year-over-year increase. Inflation pressures, higher commodity prices, and weak consumer sentiment are pushing many under-employed workers, corporate refugees, and professionals into side hustles, independent consulting, and startup ventures. Florida continues to lead state-level registrations, followed by Texas, California, and Delaware.
For the contract furniture industry, that surge in entrepreneurship could become an important long-term tailwind. New businesses eventually need somewhere to work, collaborate, meet clients, and hire employees. Even smaller startups and hybrid firms are increasingly investing in flexible office environments, coworking memberships, shared studios, and satellite spaces that require furniture, acoustic products, lighting, storage, and technology integration. Today’s startup economy may not immediately translate into large headquarters projects, but it does create a growing pipeline of future workplace demand.
There is also a cultural shift underway. Many entrepreneurs leaving traditional corporate jobs are building companies with different workplace expectations from day one, prioritizing hospitality-driven environments, residential-style comfort, wellness, and flexibility over rows of assigned desks. That trend aligns directly with where much of the contract furniture industry has been repositioning itself over the past several years.
Despite lingering concerns about inflation and consumer confidence, business optimism itself is improving, with a majority of owners reporting greater confidence in their near-term prospects. If entrepreneurship remains elevated through 2026 and beyond, it could quietly become one of the more important drivers supporting the future of the workplace and the contract furnishings industry. |
|  allwork.space
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Office fit-out costs in the U.S. and Canada are rising as companies invest in technology‑heavy, hybrid‑work environments, with average medium‑quality builds now around $295 per square foot. Mechanical, electrical, IT, and audiovisual systems account for up to 12% of total costs, and technology‑related expenses have grown about 8% year over year. Regional disparities persist, with Sun Belt cities offering lower subcontractor rates while coastal and Canadian markets face higher labor and material prices. Labor shortages, especially for skilled trades, and supply‑chain disruptions are further driving up prices, prompting many businesses to focus on renovating existing spaces rather than expanding footprints.
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|  allwork.space
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Job market concerns have risen, with 42% of U.S. adults now worried about finding or keeping a job, up from 37% in 2024. While most adults still feel financially stable, inflation remains a top worry, and only 63% have cash for a $400 emergency. About 25% of workers have recently used AI tools at work, seeing them as career enhancers rather than threats. The Federal Reserve survey highlights growing anxiety about employment and financial security despite overall reasonable financial health.
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|  allwork.space
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Stark Office Suites is benefiting from the ongoing “flight to quality” trend in New York’s office market, with first‑quarter licensing activity up 36% year‑over‑year and 43% above its five‑year average. The company’s premium Excelsior brand, focused on high‑end office suites in Manhattan’s Midtown and emerging sub‑markets like Third Avenue, emphasizes upgraded lobbies, amenity floors, abundant natural light, and modern construction to attract tech and finance clients seeking customizable, high‑performance workspaces. While broader economic concerns such as the oil shock from the Middle East war remain uncertain, Stark’s CEO Adam Stark stays bullish on demand for Class A and A+ office space, noting strong interest from international and domestic tenants.
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|  www.globest.com
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Long working hours are linked to higher obesity rates, as research shows that “time‑poor” employees often experience stress, poor diet, and reduced exercise, leading to weight gain. The study suggests that even modest reductions in weekly work hours could lower obesity prevalence, fueling debates about four‑day workweeks and highlighting the broader public‑health benefits of shorter, more flexible schedules.
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|  allwork.space
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AI is already reshaping workplace power, creating a divide between workers who have access, permission, and integrated workflows for AI tools and those who do not. Adoption is highest in tech‑heavy sectors, while many roles still lack exposure, and manager support, clear policies, and workflow integration are critical to broader, effective use. The gap influences employee visibility, productivity, and equity, with high‑exposure workers who lack adaptive capacity—especially in clerical roles and among women—being most vulnerable. Organizations that treat AI training and governance as core infrastructure can mitigate risks, improve outcomes, and narrow existing inequalities, turning the AI divide into an opportunity rather than a barrier.
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|  allwork.space
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Voice‑first AI dictation tools are rapidly transforming office work by replacing typing with spoken commands, making workspaces noticeably louder. As employees adopt continuous voice input, organizations face new challenges such as noise management, privacy concerns, and the need for etiquette adjustments, leading many to use noise‑cancelling headphones, re‑arrange seating, or adopt hybrid models. Simultaneously, new hardware like wireless microphones and foot‑operated controls is emerging to streamline dictation, while a growing market of startups improves transcription accuracy and real‑time editing, expanding the technology from niche productivity circles to mainstream office workflows.
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|  allwork.space
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Healing design in children’s hospitals uses creative, flexible, and evidence‑based environments to improve comfort, safety, and outcomes for patients, families, and staff. By incorporating natural light, interactive spaces, sensory‑friendly materials, and adaptable layouts, designs reduce anxiety, support diverse age groups, and enhance caregiver well‑being while maintaining rigorous infection‑control and safety standards.
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|  www.haworth.com
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HNI Corporation released its 2025 Corporate Responsibility Progress Report, highlighting significant sustainability achievements such as a 78% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018, zero‑waste‑to‑landfill status at 60% of facilities, and the introduction of carbon‑neutral and energy‑efficient products. The report also emphasizes community investments, enhanced employee safety and wellbeing initiatives, full transparency in material sourcing, and the elimination of expanded polystyrene packaging, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
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DARRAN is bringing a softer, more residential approach to the executive office with the debut of its new Cheval Conference Table and Credenza Collection at NeoCon 2026. Designed by Mario Ruiz, the collection blends architectural simplicity with hospitality-inspired warmth, targeting executive suites, boardrooms and premium shared spaces that increasingly demand a less institutional feel. DARRAN said the collection was developed around the idea of “slow discovery,” with understated details including sculptural bases, metal profiles and rich material layering intended to reveal themselves gradually over time rather than dominate a room immediately.
“Cheval distinguishes itself through a philosophy of restraint,” Ruiz said. “Unlike ‘loud’ contract furniture that seeks immediate attention, Cheval is designed to be lived with. Its innovation lies in details that reveal themselves over time, ensuring the design remains timeless rather than trendy.” DARRAN described the collection as an answer to what many designers and clients are now seeking in the workplace: environments that balance durability and performance with the emotional comfort typically associated with residential and boutique hospitality interiors.
The collection combines wood, metal and stone in what DARRAN calls an “essentialist” approach intended to create a more curated and human-centric atmosphere. The company said Cheval is aimed not only at traditional executive environments, but also hospitality lounges, public gathering spaces and design-driven workplaces where brands want interiors to communicate permanence and sophistication without appearing overly corporate. The Cheval Collection will be shown during NeoCon at DARRAN’s showroom in suite 3-120 at The Mart in Chicago. |
|  www.officing.com
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Chemetal is expanding beyond vertical surfaces and officially entering the ceiling category with the launch of Chemetal Ceiling, a new line of engineered metal ceiling panels designed for commercial and high-end residential applications. The new offering allows architects and designers to specify Chemetal’s signature metal finishes for overhead installations using industry-standard ceiling grid systems.
The collection includes Torsion Spring, Bent Edge, Backlit, Acoustic and Flat Cut “Drop In” panel options, giving designers flexibility across a range of ceiling applications while also allowing for custom-engineered solutions through the company’s in-house team. “We’re making it easier for designers to use Chemetal in ceiling projects,” said Geoff Schaefer, Creative Director at Chemetal. “There are now standard ceiling panels as well as custom engineered solutions to bring the beauty of Chemetal to all surfaces within a space.”
The launch represents a natural extension for a company long known within the A&D community for decorative metal laminates and specialty surface materials used in hospitality, workplace and retail interiors. By adapting its metal designs into ceiling-ready formats, Chemetal is positioning itself to give designers another way to create more visually integrated environments — this time by encouraging them to look up.
For product information, samples, and to explore the full ceiling collection, visit chemetal.com. |
|  www.officing.com
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Matter Surfaces has launched the Verlune™ Arbor Collection, a PVC‑free, eco‑friendly line of six wide‑plank flooring products featuring a food‑grade base layer made from chalk and polypropylene, free of phthalates, plasticizers, solvents, heavy metals, and chlorine. The collection offers UV resistance, waterproofing, quiet underfoot performance, allergy‑friendly and antibacterial properties, and is designed for U.S. commercial markets, aiming to combine high performance with sustainability.
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|  www.officing.com
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Alessandro Stabile’s Areo chair reimagines the classic Thonet design using CNC cold‑bending and manual welding to create seamless, organic curves, while emphasizing sustainability through zero‑waste production; the chair is set for production by Kristalia.
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|  www.core77.com
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The chunky, art‑totem furniture pieces by DEOS Architecture are crafted from massive old‑growth oak, a rare material in America but abundant in Moldova’s neighboring Romania. Their primitive, child‑like design and the scarcity of the wood give them a unique appeal, and they are offered as a limited run priced at €1,000 (about $1,180) each.
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|  www.core77.com
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A height‑adjustable IKEA PS stool, inspired by a traditional Swedish woodworking clamp, features a birch base with a bright blue latch and an exaggerated wedge‑shaped lever that lets users easily set the seat height. Designed by Mikael Axelsson for the 2026 PS collection, the low‑tech, analogue piece emphasizes tactile interaction, durability, and playful aesthetics, aligning with the collection’s goal of affordable, cutting‑edge Scandinavian design.
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|  www.dezeen.com
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Tom Dixon warned that designers have already forfeited control of their ideas by posting them on platforms like Instagram, making it virtually impossible to protect intellectual property, especially as AI tools are trained on existing designs. He argued that the focus should shift from guarding ideas to using new technologies responsibly, emphasizing that AI’s real concerns lie in areas such as warfare and fraud rather than design, while also noting that AI cannot replace architects because of the nuanced, human‑centric nature of architecture.
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|  www.dezeen.com
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The lighting company is launching a series of new wireless lamps, and giving everyone else the chance to design their own via a new platform.
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|  www.fastcompany.com
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Ikea’s newest PS collection showcases whimsical, experimental Scandinavian designs—such as a rocking bench, a bright blue lamp with hidden elbows, a glass vase with ear-like extensions, and a worm‑like red tube clock—demonstrating the brand’s playful take on “less but more” simplicity while promoting its design ethos at the company’s headquarters and upcoming Milan furniture fair.
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|  www.fastcompany.com
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David Letterman invites Stephen Colbert to reprise one of the most cherished and satisfying bits from Letterman's "Late Show." This video includes the end of a Steelcase Think Chair.
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|  www.youtube.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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Clerkenwell Design Week
May 19 - 21, 2026 | London, UK
Clerkenwell Design Week will take place from May 19–21, 2026, featuring a mix of new and established venues, along with an international presence in EC1. The event promises to transform the area into a hub of design, architecture, and creativity, showcasing the best of both international and UK design through exhibitions, immersive installations, talks, and showroom events. New venues include "The Luxury Edit" at Haberdashers' Hall and workplace products at Goldsmiths'. Additionally, a new CDW app will launch, assisting visitors in planning their experience by providing access to badges, maps, and event information.
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MillerKnoll’s “High‑Touch” exhibition, running from May 15 to October 2, 2026 in its New York gallery, revisits minimalist interior design through the hands‑on work of Joe D’Urso and Ward Bennett, showcasing archival pieces, sketches, and rare furniture that illustrate their total‑design approach and influence on modern interiors. Curated by Luke Baker and featuring contributions from industrial designer Jonah Takagi and graphic studio Various Projects, the show highlights the designers’ collaborative legacy, connects past modernist movements to contemporary practice, and reinforces MillerKnoll’s commitment to fostering design history dialogue.
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|  news.millerknoll.com
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Haskell Education™ to Open Showroom at the Merchandise Mart for NeoCon
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Haskell Education will expand its presence at this year’s NeoCon 2026 with a new showroom on the 11th floor of The Mart, where the company plans to spotlight its growing portfolio of hands-on learning and inclusive education products. Located in showroom 11-122, the space is designed to showcase Haskell Education’s engineering-driven approach to furniture for K-12, higher education, and corporate training environments.
A centerpiece of the showroom will be the recently launched Pathmaker™ Table Series, which the company describes as the first fully ADA-compliant large-format table collection specifically designed for hands-on learning applications. Haskell said the collection was developed around universal design principles, integrating accessibility directly into the product rather than relying on aftermarket modifications. The company will also feature products from its Explorer™ Series, including the Rover™ Table, the 360™ Seating Series, and the newly introduced 4Ever Stool™.
“Haskell Education’s suite of hands-on learning solutions is transforming how educational institutions address the diverse needs of both students and teachers,” the company said in announcing the showroom opening. The expansion comes as education furniture manufacturers continue to invest heavily in active learning, flexibility, accessibility, and collaborative classroom environments ahead of NeoCon, which remains one of the industry’s largest platforms for launching new workplace and education products. |
| Visit Haskell Education > |
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Actiu's Award-Winning Designs on Display at NeoCon 2026 — Merchandise Mart, Floor 11, Suite 1
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Actiu, a Spanish contract‑furniture maker, is debuting its U.S. showroom at NeoCon 2026 in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, showcasing its US portfolio for the first time. The exhibit features award‑winning pieces such as the German Design Award‑winning Qyos Acoustic Cabin and the iF + German Design Award‑winning Meetia soft‑seating collection, highlighting Actiu’s “Feel Good. Work Better.” philosophy through fully furnished vignettes. The company emphasizes its sustainability credentials—including LEED and WELL Platinum certifications and B‑Corp status—and invites U.S. representatives and visitors to learn about its products, certifications. Contact sales manager Ryan Featherston for further information at ryan.featherston@actiu.com
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Kettal will celebrate its 60th anniversary at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 by opening Paulton House, a 600 sqm flagship showroom in Shoreditch that serves as a platform for furniture, architecture, and cultural exchange. The venue will showcase the Eames Pavilion System, host installations, talks, and events—including a conversation with Jay Osgerby—and launch new collections and collaborations unveiled at Milan Design Week, culminating in a London Opening Cocktail on 20 May.
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|  www.interiordaily.com
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Trends in Commercial Projects
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OpenAI opened a new 14,500‑square‑foot office in Washington’s Penn Quarter that prioritizes community engagement over traditional workstations, featuring a workshop‑style layout with a conference center, library, bar, meeting rooms, kitchen and seating area, while allocating less than a quarter of the space to standing desks for its roughly 100 employees. The design aims to host external groups, from high‑school students to veterans, for hands‑on AI sessions, reflecting a broader trend of tech firms creating public‑facing spaces in downtown D.C. to foster interaction and showcase their technologies.
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|  www.bizjournals.com
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KTGY’s new self‑designed Chicago office, located in the historic 225 W Randolph Building, unites the firm’s interiors and architecture teams under one roof, creating an integrated studio that promotes collaboration and a high‑performing environment. Designed with hospitality expertise, the space feels more like an amenity‑rich welcoming area than a traditional workplace, featuring thoughtfully crafted common zones and flexible workspaces that prioritize comfort, creativity, and interdisciplinary connection.
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|  www.connectcre.com
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The LiberNovo Omni chair was the hottest chair in 2025 and in less than 1 year, they listened to the feedback and are releasing 2 chairs with significant changes: the LiberNovo Omni SE and the LiberNovo Omni Pro. *LiberNovo is sponsoring this video, but I ensure I'm allowed to speak honestly about the pros and cons* Are these new models any good?
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|  www.youtube.com
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Baker McKenzie is expanding its lease at 10 Bryant to a total of 121,833 square feet, occupying the full 15th‑20th floors, the entire 30th floor, and part of the 14th floor, which gives the firm access to 7.5 floors in the Class A tower. The expansion underscores the firm’s confidence in the Midtown location’s strategic value and its continued growth in the New York City market.
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|  www.globest.com
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Illumio is moving its headquarters from Sunnyvale to Santa Clara, signing a 120,000‑square‑foot lease at the Campus at Scott and occupying three floors. The complex, acquired by Ellis Partners and the Baupost Group for $210 million, is undergoing renovations that will add food, fitness, and outdoor amenities. With about 1,000 employees worldwide, Illumio plans to relocate to the new space in early or mid‑2027, aiming to expand its teams and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities.
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|  www.bisnow.com
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Henricksen Appoints New Business Development Manager, Minneapolis
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Kate Damato joins Henricksen as Business Development Manager for Minneapolis, bringing nearly 20 years of healthcare and commercial real‑estate experience. She will expand the company’s market presence by engaging clients early, aligning furniture and interior decisions with business goals, and fostering collaboration across real‑estate, design, and architecture communities to deliver value‑engineered solutions within budget. Damato also leverages her leadership roles in MNCREW to strengthen partnerships and drive growth in workplace and healthcare sectors.
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Empire & Co. Expands Workplace Expertise with New Vice Presidents of Sales
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Empire & Co. announced the appointments of Andrea Boggs as Vice President of Sales for Atlanta and Maddie Irwin (formerly Maddie Lewis) as Vice President of Sales for New York City, strengthening the company’s workplace division and supporting its broader expansion into hospitality, residential, and retail markets. Their extensive industry experience and regional market knowledge are expected to drive growth, deepen client relationships, and enhance the firm’s national presence across commercial interiors.
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NEWH, Inc. Honors Stacy Garcia with 2026 ICON of Industry Award
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Stacy Garcia, a 30‑year veteran of hospitality design and founder of Lebatex and her own studio, was honored as the 2026 ICON of Industry Award by NEWH, Inc. The recognition highlights her influential career, leadership, and extensive philanthropic work. At the award ceremony, NEWH also announced two scholarships: a $10,000 award to Aryn Snyder for interior architecture studies at the University of Kansas and a $7,500 award to Remi McKnight for a master’s program at Arizona State University.
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//3877 Welcomes David Delcher as Senior Associate
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//3877 announced the appointment of David Delcher, AIA, LEED AP, as a senior associate, highlighting his three decades of experience in hospitality, residential, student housing, and commercial design. His role will focus on guiding internal processes, project management, and mentoring junior staff, reinforcing the firm’s strategic growth and commitment to collaborative, innovative design across diverse markets.
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OFS Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class of “Crafted” Program
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OFS and Southridge High School celebrated the graduation of the inaugural Crafted program, where seven students completed a hands‑on curriculum in woodworking, design, and advanced manufacturing. The partnership provided mentorship, equipment, and real‑world projects, resulting in student‑built furniture used throughout the school and fostering confidence, career pathways, and community investment in technical education.
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Spectorgroup Named Architect of Record for 11 Bryant Park Plaza Repositioning
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Spectorgroup has been appointed Architect of Record for the repositioning of 11 Bryant Park Plaza, a Midtown Manhattan office building. The firm will upgrade existing suites, retrofit outdated spaces, and create move‑in‑ready environments, while also managing the Alteration Certificate of Occupancy. Demolition on the top two floors is nearly complete, with renovations slated through Q2‑Q3 and a new lobby and elevators expected by early 2027. The project aims to enhance the building’s competitiveness and attract a broader tenant base.
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IKONstudio Launches With Collections of SOM and Louis Kahn Furniture
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IKONstudio is launching its first collections of iconic furniture by Louis Kahn and SOM, debuting at NYCxDESIGN and Chicago’s Design Days. The pieces, reimagined for contemporary use while preserving original design intent, will be available for pre‑order starting June 8, with the SOM79 Chair opening for pre‑order on May 16 via Rarify. Collaborations with archives, estates, and partners such as Rarify and Form Portfolios enable the revival of historically significant designs, presented through immersive installations that blend architecture, fashion, and modern technology.
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John Edelman Talk at Poltrona Frau
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John Edelman’s recent talk at Poltrona Frau, hosted under the Haworth Lifestyle umbrella, highlighted his new role overseeing the Americas portfolio of Italian design brands and emphasized the stewardship of these heritage labels. He discussed the importance of authentic Italian craftsmanship, the need to preserve each brand’s identity while creating a unified story, and strategies for localizing luxury design for the U.S. market, including protecting against knock‑offs and fostering genuine luxury experiences.
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MillerKnoll Recognized on Newsweek’s 2026 Lists of America’s Most Charitable Companies & Greatest Workplaces for Trust
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MillerKnoll has been recognized by Newsweek on its 2026 lists for America’s Most Charitable Companies and Greatest Workplaces for Trust, highlighting the company’s strong commitment to philanthropy, transparent leadership, and ethical culture. The recognition reflects MillerKnoll’s extensive employee‑driven programs, community initiatives, and global design impact, reinforcing its purpose‑focused strategy and solid financial performance.
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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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