Architecture firm billings remained low in November 2025, with the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score at 45.3, indicating a 13th consecutive month of declining billings. Inquiries for new projects showed only modest growth, and newly signed design contracts continued to decrease. While conditions were generally soft across most regions, the Midwest experienced an increase in billings for the third month in a row.

 

The broader economic environment remains challenging, with weak job growth and persistent inflation leading the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Surveyed architecture firm leaders expressed concerns for the upcoming year, primarily focusing on increasing profitability, identifying new clients, and negotiating project fees. Developing future leaders and maintaining client relationships were also highlighted as significant concerns. Additionally, firms noted challenges related to project financing and construction delays. The role of artificial intelligence in practice has emerged as a growing concern for many firms.

Avanto Announces Acquisition of Agentic Dream, Accelerating Growth and Efficiencies

Avanto has acquired Agentic Dream, bringing advanced agentic automation and AI-driven workflow intelligence into its growing technology platform for the commercial interiors industry. The deal has closed and is effective immediately.

 

Avanto, known for its Orderbahn platform, said the acquisition significantly accelerates its goal of building a unified operating system for the commercial interiors ecosystem. By integrating Agentic Dream’s technology and team, Avanto aims to better connect data, systems, and operational workflows across manufacturers, dealers, designers, independent reps, installers, and facility managers.

 

Agentic Dream’s capabilities expand Avanto’s intelligence layer, enabling the automation of complex, multi-stakeholder workflows and the orchestration of data across historically disconnected systems. Avanto said embedding advanced AI automation into its architecture will allow customers to operate with greater efficiency, accuracy, and speed throughout the lifecycle of a project.

 

“This acquisition represents a meaningful leap forward,” said Matt Danyliw, president of Avanto. “By joining forces with Agentic Dream, we amplify our ability to streamline the entire commercial interiors lifecycle—from design and specification to order management, installation, and ongoing operations. Together, we are building the end-to-end infrastructure the industry has needed for decades.”

 

The acquisition also positions Avanto for faster growth by combining its industry-specific expertise with Agentic Dream’s automation technology. The company said the expanded platform will allow it to support more end-to-end operational services, broaden its market footprint, and scale to serve organizations of all sizes.

 

“Commercial interiors involve complex, multi-party coordination and enormous data friction,” Danyliw added. “By integrating Agentic Dream into Avanto, we can unify these fragmented workflows, empower organizations with AI-driven intelligence, and unlock the efficiency gains necessary to modernize the industry.”

 

As part of the transaction, Agentic Dream will transition fully into Avanto and operate under the Avanto brand. Its team and technology are being integrated into Avanto’s broader ecosystem, with customers across the commercial interiors supply chain gaining access to expanded automation capabilities and a more unified platform.

Founded in the summer of 2000 following a management buyout of an existing manufacturing operation from Steelcase, Orangebox traces its roots to the village of Hengoed in South Wales. The company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are located at Parc Nantgarw in Cardiff.

 

In addition to its Welsh base, Orangebox operates Smartworking locations in Huddersfield and London, alongside international sites in Dubai and New York. The business also maintains a U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Orangebox designs, manufactures, and markets office seating and Smartworking products aimed at collaborative workplace environments.

 

According to the latest accounts filed with Companies House, Orangebox reported a pre-tax loss of approximately $5.7 million for the 12 months ended February 28, 2025, compared with a loss of about $159,000 in the prior year.

 

Turnover declined to roughly $71.9 million, down from approximately $78.1 million a year earlier.

 

Average monthly employment, including directors, fell to 359 during the year, compared with 417 in 2024.

 

In a business review accompanying the results, directors said the decline in revenue was largely driven by reduced sales across the UK and European markets. As volumes fell, gross profit margin declined from 32 percent in the prior year to 26 percent.

 

In response to the drop in sales and margin pressure, the company said it made the “difficult decision” to announce redundancies late in the 2024 calendar year. Orangebox also confirmed plans to adjust its property footprint over the coming year as part of an effort to reduce fixed costs.

 

Looking ahead, directors said the company will continue investing in new product development and brand-building initiatives to ensure it remains competitive and positioned at the forefront of workplace design and innovation.

DIRTT last week reported steady commercial momentum heading into the end of 2025, pointing to faster customer decision-making and a consistent flow of projects as signs of a stabilizing interior construction market.

 

The Calgary-based industrialized construction firm said November alone generated more than $15 million in new orders, spread across a mix of existing and new clients. Recent wins included projects for Visa, Bechtel Corporation, PGA Superstore, and first-time Fortune 500 customer ExxonMobil. Additional projects with LinkedIn and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board further underscored DIRTT’s traction with large institutional and corporate clients.

 

Management framed the results against a broader industry rebound in planning activity, citing a sharp year-to-date increase in the Dodge Momentum Index, a leading indicator for nonresidential construction. The trend suggests organizations are moving beyond hesitation and returning to more typical execution cycles for interior build-outs and workplace investments.

 

Chief executive Benjamin Urban said the acceleration in decisions has become more pronounced as the fourth quarter has progressed and is shaping the company’s outlook for 2026. According to Urban, DIRTT’s growth strategy remains centered on deepening support for clients across the full lifecycle of their projects, from planning through delivery, as market conditions continue to normalize.

 

 

Workspace Factories is structured as a cooperative umbrella rather than a merger, allowing each brand to maintain its own identity while benefiting from shared resources, coordinated market access, and closer collaboration on product development. Collectively, the group covers a broad spectrum of workplace needs, from task and lounge seating to metal storage, acoustic elements, and custom interior solutions.

 

The founding companies emphasize European-based manufacturing, positioning the alliance around sustainability, shorter supply chains, and faster delivery times—factors increasingly valued by corporate and institutional clients. By pooling expertise and production capabilities, Workspace Factories aims to respond more effectively to evolving workplace demands driven by hybrid work, flexibility, and employee well-being.

 

With operations and experience centers across several European markets and a combined workforce of several hundred employees, the new entity reflects a broader trend in the commercial furniture industry: collaboration as a way for mid-sized specialists to compete at scale while preserving design independence and manufacturing identity.

U.S. furniture manufacturing is expected to return to modest growth in 2026, marking a potential turning point after several years of contraction, according to the December 2025 Supply Chain Planning Forecast from the Institute for Supply Management. Based on input from purchasing and supply management executives, the report points to cautious optimism across the sector, with respondents forecasting higher revenues, expanded capacity, and renewed capital investment.

 

More than half of survey participants expect overall revenues to rise by 4.4% in 2026, an improvement over the 2.5% increase projected for 2025. Furniture and related products, along with wood products, are among the industries anticipating revenue growth, though they remain in the lower half of sectors by expected gains.

 

Capacity utilization in furniture manufacturing currently stands at 82.4%, with companies planning to increase production capacity by 5.2% next year. Capital expenditures are projected to rise by 3%, driven largely by investments in personnel, equipment, and technology aimed at modernizing operations and supporting higher output.

 

Employment growth is expected to remain muted at 0.4%, while rising labor and material costs continue to pressure margins. Raw material prices are forecast to increase by 4.4% in 2026, underscoring the need for disciplined pricing and cost management. On the trade front, exports are expected to grow while imports remain largely flat, though currency fluctuations could influence sourcing strategies.

 

Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a transitional year for U.S. furniture manufacturing. Demand is expected to strengthen alongside broader manufacturing growth, but companies will need to balance cost pressures, pricing discipline, and operational efficiency to translate that recovery into sustained revenue growth and renewed investment.

MillerKnoll Brings Together A&D Leaders to Discuss Industry Impacts

MillerKnoll has published its 2025 Architecture & Design Leader-to-Leader Recap Report, now available for download, offering a window into how senior voices across the architecture and design community are thinking about the forces reshaping their profession. The report captures the outcomes of a three-day summit held in Detroit that convened design leaders from a wide range of geographies, disciplines, and career paths, creating a rare forum for peer-to-peer discussion at a moment of significant change for the industry.

 

The gathering focused on how design practice is being recalibrated by artificial intelligence, sustainability imperatives, and a workplace that continues to evolve beyond traditional definitions. Participants discussed the growing pressure to deliver projects faster while maintaining quality, the challenges of navigating supply chain volatility and cost uncertainty, and the need to rethink how spaces support culture, collaboration, and human connection rather than simply accommodating headcount or flexibility metrics. Throughout the conversations, there was a recurring emphasis on moving sustainability from aspiration to execution, with leaders calling for more transparent materials, longer product lifecycles, and a shift away from performative environmental claims.

 

Technology, particularly AI, emerged as both a disruptor and an enabler. Rather than framing it as a replacement for design talent, many participants described AI as a tool that can augment creative thinking, streamline workflows, and help teams test ideas more quickly, provided it is guided by human judgment and experience. The discussions also underscored how integrated delivery models and earlier collaboration among clients, designers, manufacturers, and builders are becoming essential as projects grow more complex and timelines compress.

 

Joseph White, MillerKnoll’s Director of Design Strategy, said the intent of the summit was to create space for meaningful, forward-looking dialogue at a time when the industry cannot afford to plan in isolation. He noted that the Leader-to-Leader report is designed to serve as a source of creative, informed, and peer-driven inspiration for architects and designers navigating rapid change. Positioned as both a recap and a reference point, the report reflects MillerKnoll’s broader effort to engage the design community around long-term thinking about workplaces, products, and the role of design in shaping how people live and work.

 

The U.S. office sector is experiencing a significant decline in new construction, with office vacancies reaching 18.5% and asking rents stabilizing at an average of $32.77 per square foot. In contrast, coworking spaces are expanding, with an increase of 22 million square feet in 2025, reflecting a growing demand for flexible work arrangements. While markets like Manhattan show low vacancies and ongoing development, others, such as Minneapolis–St. Paul, are struggling with tenant consolidations. New office construction is now mainly concentrated in a few metros, while leasing costs vary significantly by region. Despite steady employment, the office market is shifting toward reallocation rather than growth, with coworking increasingly becoming a permanent aspect of office demand.

In 2026, 70% of real estate leaders from large companies plan to add office space, a significant increase from 56% in 2024. Of those seeking more space, 44% intend to expand existing locations, while the same percentage will utilize coworking spaces, and 38% will open new sites. Despite this interest, 64% of executives anticipate delays in upgrades or relocations due to economic uncertainty. The desire for more office space is driven by a push for returning to in-person work, with average office visits showing improvement. However, concerns about future commercial real estate performance remain, influenced by economic volatility and policy uncertainties.

San Francisco's office demand surged by 112% year-over-year, driven by returning tenants and a revitalized downtown, while New York's recovery is more gradual. San Francisco saw leasing activity increase by 158% over two years, with positive net absorption and stable rents. Venture capital funding in the Bay Area remains strong, and public transit usage is rebounding. In contrast, New York has experienced consistent fundamentals, with improved market confidence and continued hiring in key sectors supporting office demand.

New York City is set to see a significant increase in office-to-residential conversions, with 9.5 million square feet planned for 2026, more than double the previous year's activity. This surge is driven by new programs and incentives, including the Office Conversion Accelerator and tax breaks for affordable housing. As developers adapt to changing market conditions, creative solutions are being implemented to convert older buildings into viable residential spaces, despite challenges in layout and design. However, the trend may face a slowdown as high-end office leasing stabilizes and the attractiveness of tax incentives diminishes.

Chicago is experiencing a boom in office-to-residential conversions, driven by a growing demand for housing. The predevelopment phase involves securing financing and utilizing technology for building design. The city has initiated various programs to support these conversions, contributing to a significant increase in completed units. Despite initial slow progress, the momentum is building, with Chicago having the third-largest pipeline of apartment conversions in the U.S. Challenges include managing existing tenants during construction and navigating complex financing structures. Developers are leveraging advanced technologies to improve the design process and enhance communication with tenants to smooth the transition.

The year for federal real estate has been marked by chaos and unpredictability, primarily due to drastic initial measures taken by the Trump administration to reduce the federal office footprint. Following these abrupt changes, decision-making slowed significantly, leading to uncertainty regarding agency office needs. The General Services Administration (GSA) faced leadership shake-ups, with many employees leaving, affecting the agency's operational efficiency.

 

Initially, there were plans to terminate numerous leases and offload properties, but many of these plans were retracted, creating confusion in the market. The GSA's leased portfolio decreased slightly, and while some properties were successfully sold, overall new leasing activity remained slow. The GSA's efforts to optimize its real estate operations continue amidst challenges, with hopes of clearer agency needs and improved leadership dynamics in the coming years.

HOK's scenario planning framework emphasizes three time horizons to help organizations design buildings that are future-ready. The "now" focuses on current realities and projections for up to two years, while the "seen" horizon looks five or more years ahead. The "beyond" considers a ten-year outlook. The team identified five key themes influencing future developments: socio-economic factors, place dynamics, thriving aspects related to well-being, people-related issues, and technological advancements. By analyzing these trends and their interconnections, organizations can create resilient and adaptable spaces that respond effectively to future needs.

The modern office landscape has undergone significant changes, driven by the pandemic and the rise of hybrid work. Companies are now reimagining their office spaces to attract employees back, treating design and amenities as essential components of their business strategy. Employees are seeking compelling reasons to return to the office, which goes beyond traditional workspaces. While most companies are not mandating five days a week in the office, many are requiring employees to be present three to four days a week, reflecting a shift towards a more flexible in-person work model.

A global report from workplace analytics firm WorkL indicates that employee engagement levels remained stable in 2025, with flexible work showing a strong correlation to job satisfaction. Based on data from over 500,000 employees across more than 100 countries, the average global engagement score is 75%. Engagement varies regionally, with higher scores reported in countries like India and the Philippines. Hybrid roles see the highest engagement at 77%, while those without remote work options report lower scores.

 

The report identifies a trend toward "career minimalism," especially among men, where flexibility and work-life balance become more important than traditional career progression. Fair pay, trust in management, and the ability to manage personal commitments are key factors in employee happiness. However, around 20% of respondents consider leaving their jobs, particularly younger workers and those in less advantaged groups.

 

Disparities in engagement persist, particularly for disabled employees. The findings suggest that flexibility and engagement are now integral to work life, prompting organizations to focus on the experiences of different employee groups, especially those at risk of disengagement. Flexible working is expected to remain a crucial topic for employers in 2026, along with issues of equity and inclusion.

As companies mandate a return to physical offices, a significant desk shortage has emerged, leading to employee frustration and logistical challenges. Major firms like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase face difficulties accommodating returning staff due to downsized office spaces from the remote work era. Employees are experiencing hot-desking chaos, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of assigned workspaces. The disconnect between rigid return-to-office policies and inadequate infrastructure risks alienating talent and exacerbating workplace inequities. As firms navigate these challenges, innovative workspace solutions and a focus on flexibility may be essential for retaining employees and enhancing productivity.

National office attendance in the U.S. has surged to its highest levels post-pandemic, nearing pre-2020 figures, driven largely by return-to-office mandates and increased activity in major job hubs. In November, office visits were 32.9% below November 2019 levels, marking the smallest gap since early 2020. Miami leads the recovery, with attendance only 15.9% below pre-pandemic levels, followed by New York City and Dallas. While San Francisco lags, it shows significant year-over-year growth attributed to a revival in the tech sector. Major employers implementing stricter in-office requirements have contributed to rising attendance, indicating a gradual shift back to office work despite the persistence of hybrid arrangements.

Companies in Manhattan are evaluating whether to renovate or relocate their office spaces as leases expire. Relocation offers benefits like lease incentives and improved locations for talent attraction, but comes with higher upfront costs and risks related to new landlord relationships. Renovation can be more cost-effective and preserve existing assets, but may limit growth potential. Ultimately, firms must assess their unique needs and goals to determine the best approach for their workspace transformation.

In 2026, the focus of workplace wellness is shifting from physical health to brain health, recognizing its importance in enhancing productivity and overall employee well-being. Companies are increasingly designing workspaces that cater to cognitive, emotional, and neurological needs, moving beyond traditional layouts that favored either introverts or extroverts. This new approach emphasizes the need for variety and choice in the workplace, allowing employees to select environments that best suit their tasks at any given moment. Key features of these brain-healthy spaces will include autonomy of choice, dedicated areas for specific tasks, refuge rooms for privacy, biophilic designs that connect with nature, collaboration zones, and brain break stations. The overall aim is to make brain health a foundational element of workplace design, enhancing retention, productivity, and sustainability.

Fridays, often seen as unproductive, actually play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and work-life balance. They provide opportunities for personal development, reflection, and scheduling personal appointments without the usual weekday pressures. The trend of casual Fridays has diminished, leading companies to shift social events to earlier in the week for better engagement. Overall, Fridays represent a strategic shift in work dynamics, emphasizing the need to redefine productivity and employee well-being. 

Workplace wellness must be integrated into the environment rather than treated as separate programs, as burnout rates continue to rise despite significant investment in wellness initiatives. A healthcare mindset should guide workplace design, focusing on creating spaces that promote well-being, support diverse employee needs, and foster connection. This approach can enhance employee engagement and organizational resilience, ultimately leading to better performance and profitability.

Office attendance metrics show the highest levels since the pandemic, with average visits just 32.9% lower than pre-pandemic figures. Miami leads with a 15.9% drop, followed by New York City at 23.2% and Dallas at 26.2%. San Francisco shows significant year-over-year growth, attributed to a strong tech sector. Overall, office usage has been rising since major companies mandated in-person work.

Effective workplace design that fosters social connections is crucial for attracting talent, enhancing performance, and driving innovation. Research shows that environments promoting relationships lead to better decision-making and faster information sharing. The focus should shift from merely measuring space utilization to understanding the social dynamics that enhance productivity. Designers are encouraged to create spaces that facilitate both spontaneous and planned interactions, reflecting natural human behaviors and needs throughout the workday. Ultimately, successful workplaces in 2026 will nurture human connections, transforming attendance into an opportunity for collaboration and creativity.

As workplaces become more stimulating, there is a growing need for spaces that allow employees to pause and refocus. Traditional perks are being replaced by designs that prioritize health and well-being, recognizing the risks of burnout. Escape spaces should provide a retreat for concentration and calm, featuring intuitive entry sequences and sensory adjustments to create a soothing environment. The integration of AI can enhance these spaces by adjusting conditions to support various work modes. Ultimately, prioritizing such spaces reflects a commitment to employee well-being and fosters a culture of care within organizations.

Collaboration overload hinders creativity by consuming time and focus, leading to a need for a balanced approach that includes both independent thinking and purposeful collaboration. Effective creative teams should protect deep thinking time, design meaningful ensemble moments, and incorporate periods of rest to enhance creativity and maintain a productive rhythm. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering an environment that values autonomy while facilitating collaboration at the right moments.

Rethinking the workplace as a living ecosystem requires continuous adaptation to evolving business needs. True flexibility involves systems thinking, integrating real estate, workplace experience, and other components to support dynamic changes. Implementing hackable workspaces, furniture kits, and modular spaces allows for user-driven adjustments. Organizations must establish decision-making frameworks and metrics to evaluate and adjust the workplace regularly, fostering a culture of evolution that anticipates and accelerates change for strategic business success.

Sargent & Lundy, a Chicago-based engineering firm, has expanded its lease at 77 W. Wacker Drive to nearly 448K SF by adding three floors. The company aims to hire an additional 200 employees to meet industry demands. This expansion follows their initial lease, which was the largest new office deal downtown since 2021. Despite rising office vacancy rates in Chicago, the building is nearly fully occupied, and the landlord has invested in new amenities.

HBF has launched the Rhine collection, designed by Ken Reinhard, featuring modular petite club furniture that blends versatility with comfort. The collection includes a variety of chairs and tables that allow for creative configurations suitable for hospitality and commercial spaces. Each piece is handcrafted with a focus on ergonomic support and integrated power solutions, making it practical for modern workplaces. The design emphasizes horizontal segmentation and customizable upholstery, allowing for personalization while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Rhine meets various sustainability standards, ensuring low chemical emissions and a commitment to environmental responsibility. The collection is crafted to adapt to evolving spaces, offering both performance and elegance.

Versteel introduces Rai, a versatile stool designed for healthcare, educational, and community spaces, emphasizing trust and connection. Its durable, cleanable design features a seamless silhouette and is available in multiple heights and colors. Rai supports meaningful interactions while ensuring comfort and resilience in high-use environments, reflecting Versteel's commitment to quality and innovation.

Momentum's Silica collection introduces new colorways that combine aesthetics with high performance, addressing the long-standing dilemma in healthcare and hospitality textiles. This PVC-free, silicone-based material is bleach-cleanable and offers over 350 options, showcasing a balance between sustainability and design innovation. Opportunities to feature the collection and connect with Momentum's VP of Sustainability are available.

The Mitchell Group introduces Shannon and Davis Sta-Kleen™ Polycarbonate fabrics, designed for durability and cleanability without compromising aesthetics. Shannon features a textured, two-tone surface suitable for various commercial applications, while Davis offers a sleek finish with a wide color range. Both fabrics are engineered for high performance in demanding environments, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality. The company emphasizes the importance of materials that meet both design and performance needs in modern commercial interiors.

Banda agency's new headquarters in Kyiv, designed by ater.architects, combines elements of a designer residence with a focus on craftsmanship and contemporary art. The layout features two cubic volumes, informal workspaces, and a unique mezzanine that includes a Zoom den and a cloud lounge. The design emphasizes flexibility and creativity, culminating in a workshop area for prototyping and model-making, showcasing a blend of vintage and modern aesthetics.

Tabula Studio has transformed a small consultancy office in a historic Bilbao building into a vibrant workspace that showcases its design philosophy. The 92 sq m studio features five workstations and a meeting room, emphasizing openness and privacy. It incorporates diverse materials and bold design elements, reflecting eclecticism and creative freedom, with each area inviting exploration of textures and finishes. The studio serves as both a functional workspace and a showroom for clients, embodying the studio's commitment to innovative design solutions.

MAX Zone has opened a new hub in Foshan, featuring innovative and forward-thinking spaces designed to enhance productivity and collaboration. This development represents a significant step in creating modern working environments that cater to evolving needs.

NanaWall NW MultiSlide 630 Earns Three Major Industry Awards for Product Innovation

NanaWall's NW MultiSlide 630 has received three prestigious awards for its innovative design and performance in the architecture and design industry. Key features include multidirectional panels for flexible operation, effortless opening with a stainless-steel roller design, sleek aesthetics with ultraslim frames, weather-rated sills, thermal efficiency, superior security, and extensive customization options. The product is part of NanaWall's Generation 4 line, emphasizing both functionality and visual appeal.

Allseating Appoints Lisa Hogan as Regional Sales Director

Allseating has appointed Lisa Hogan as the new Regional Sales Director to enhance sales leadership in the Midwest and Capital Region markets. Based in Toronto, Hogan will focus on strengthening dealer partnerships and customer relationships while identifying growth opportunities across various states. With over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing within the contract furniture and hospitality sectors, Hogan is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and customer-first approach. She expressed enthusiasm for Allseating's culture and aims to foster collaboration and support among team members and clients. Hogan's previous roles include Senior Sales Director at Fortessa Tableware Solutions and National Accounts Director at MITY Inc.

Artcobell Welcomes Goldston and Shmurduq to Marketing Team

Artcobell has welcomed Madison Goldston as Marketing Business Development Specialist and Maiya Shmurduq as Marketing Communications Specialist to its marketing team, based in Temple, Texas. Goldston will support business development managers by providing necessary tools and resources, aligning marketing efforts, and collaborating on dealer materials and events. With over seven years of experience in advertising, she aims to contribute to Artcobell’s mission of supporting students through their learning environments. Shmurduq, with a strong creative background and a connection to education, will manage communications and branding initiatives, plan trade shows, and create content for various platforms. Both are excited to contribute to Artcobell's goal of providing high-quality furniture for schools and enhancing student experiences.

Indiana Furniture expands & realigns regional sales leadership as Patty Streiner retires

Patty Streiner is retiring from Indiana Furniture, prompting a strategic expansion and realignment of the regional sales management team. Frank Verhagen and Phil Englert will join Tammy Wessel in leading the independent representative network. Both new managers bring extensive experience in the contract furniture industry, with a focus on strengthening dealer partnerships and customer success. Indiana Furniture emphasizes its commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing and ranks 124 on the FDMC 300 list of North America's largest wood products producers.

Renson® Promotes Priscilla Olivas to Director of Marketing Amid Unifying Strategy for Renson and Corradi USA Brands

Renson has appointed Priscilla Olivas as the new Director of Marketing, aiming to unify the marketing efforts for both Renson and Corradi brands. With five years at Renson, Olivas, who has experience in sales and marketing leadership, will oversee a newly integrated marketing team. This team includes Shelby Gruenberg as Sales Developer, focusing on sales enablement; Pierce Hunt as Creative Designer, enhancing visual content; and Lucrezia Bonfili as Event & Brand Manager, managing impactful events and brand experiences. The restructuring aims to improve customer engagement and streamline marketing initiatives. Both brands are also introducing new tools to enhance customer service and understanding of high-end outdoor products. The unified presence will debut at the NAHB International Builders' Show in February.

Configura Celebrates Success of Experience 2025: Inspiring Innovation, Connection, and Community 

Nearly 500 industry professionals gathered in Orlando for Experience 2025, a three-day event hosted by Configura, focusing on hands-on learning, community connection, and innovation in commercial interiors. Attendees participated in workshops on CET, SPEC, and visualization tools, and experienced the early launch of Configura's latest product, Aline. The event featured networking opportunities, social gatherings, and keynote speeches, including one by Amy Jo Martin that inspired attendees to embrace creativity and leadership. Configura has made key recordings available for those unable to attend and is committed to ongoing professional development and support. Plans for Experience 2026 are already underway, set to be held in Cincinnati from October 6-8.

Ghent Announces Its 2026 Color of the Year 

Ghent has announced Marigold as its 2026 Color of the Year, aiming to inspire creativity and positivity in various environments such as learning, corporate, and healthcare spaces. Marigold is described as a cheerful yellow with warm orange undertones, designed to energize and stand out rather than blend in. The accompanying palette includes Denim for balance, Cactus for grounding, Terra for depth, and Beige as a supportive foundation. The color choices reflect a shift towards designing spaces that encourage curiosity, dialogue, and emotional wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of optimistic and warm tones in enhancing mood and creativity. Ghent, established in 1976, continues to innovate in customizable communication and collaboration solutions.

Samuelson Furniture to Exhibit at CES as part of AARP AgeTech Collaborative

Samuelson Furniture will exhibit at CES 2026 as part of the AARP AgeTech Collaborative, showcasing innovative products designed for aging adults. Highlights include the Immersion Sound Chair, which integrates Bluetooth technology to enhance audio experiences for seniors. The booth will feature startup showcases, interactive activities, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, emphasizing the collaboration between technology and design to empower aging communities.

OFS is seeking a District Sales Manager for Southern California (Los Angeles area) 

The role is to drive business development, promote solutions, support customers, specify products, present, and train designated Dealerships and End Users. 

 

Qualifications: proven B2B/industrial sales experience, strong leadership and communication skills, ability to work with a team and travel within Southern California. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (technical background a plus), and reliable transportation required. 

To apply, email sdavis@ofs.com with a resume and brief cover note; all inquiries will remain confidential.