On August 22, Trump announced plans to impose import tariffs on furniture, sparking concerns across Europe and affecting trade relations. Poland, a key exporter to the U.S., expressed worry about the impact on its growing furniture market. The Dutch Royal CBM plans to address the issue at the European level. Germany's economy is also at risk, with industries warning that tariffs could harm exports and competitiveness. Spain and Italy, significant exporters, are bracing for potential impacts, especially after previous tariffs led to declining trade figures. The UK, reliant on U.S. exports, faces rising costs and supply chain challenges. The announcement affected stock prices of major furniture importers while benefiting domestic producers. Concerns about the sustainability of reshoring in the U.S. furniture sector persist, particularly amid a slowing housing market and inflation. The final tariff decisions are expected by October 11.

Booking the gains: The Swiss National Bank reduced its stake in Steelcase Inc. by 1.2%, retaining 164,100 shares valued at $1.8 million. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions, with institutional ownership at 92.42%. Steelcase reported Q2 earnings of $0.20 per share, exceeding expectations, and a market capitalization of $1.89 billion. Analysts have a consensus rating of "Hold" with a target price of $16.00.

Teknion Opens New Legacy Space in Toronto, In Partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Teknion has opened a Legacy Space at its corporate headquarters in Toronto, in collaboration with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. This initiative aims to foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, encouraging discussions about Indigenous history and reconciliation. The Legacy Space represents Teknion's commitment to making a genuine impact on healing and interconnectedness among all Canadians. David Feldberg, CEO of Teknion, emphasized the importance of recognizing historical transgressions and facilitating in-depth conversations for truth and reconciliation. The space honors First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and is open to the public for tours, having officially opened on June 25, 2025.

Teknion Welcomes Magnus Aspegren as Chief Creative Officer 

Teknion has appointed Magnus Aspegren as Chief Creative Officer, effective August 5, 2025. With over two decades of global design experience, he will enhance Teknion's creative leadership and strategic vision. Previously, he served as Chief Innovation Officer at Stokke and held significant roles at BMW Group and other notable companies. Aspegren emphasizes the power of design to inspire and improve lives, aligning with Teknion's commitment to innovative and sustainable office solutions.

President Trump's executive order favoring classical architectural styles for federal buildings may significantly impact the office real estate market, particularly in D.C. and government-centric areas. This shift could reduce demand for modernist structures, prompting renovations to align with traditional aesthetics. Long-term effects may include landlords upgrading properties to attract federal tenants or converting modernist buildings for other uses, reshaping the landscape of office markets.

New York's office market is recovering, with $3 billion raised for refinancing four office towers, indicating renewed investor confidence as companies bring employees back to physical workplaces. Demand for office space in the city has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, growing 25.3% year over year, although the recovery varies nationally. Developers are actively investing, as seen with Blackstone's $850 million deal for 1345 Sixth Avenue, securing a major tenant.

On August 28, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at reshaping federal architecture to reflect his preferred classical style, specifically Greco-Roman architecture. The order mandates that any federal building design deviating from this style must be reported to the President. This move follows Trump's previous efforts to impose his aesthetic preferences on federal buildings, which had been revoked by President Biden in 2021. The order is backed by the National Civic Art Society and aims to enhance the visual appeal of federal architecture, which has been criticized in recent years. As Trump seeks to exert greater influence over federal agencies, his focus on architectural uniformity raises concerns about the implications of linking aesthetic preferences to presidential authority.

President Trump's announcement of a tariff investigation on imported furniture has sparked significant concern in the home industry, leading to immediate stock drops and widespread frustration among executives. Many fear that new tariffs will exacerbate existing challenges, resulting in price hikes that could deter consumers. While some manufacturers express cautious optimism about potential benefits, the overall sentiment is one of anxiety regarding the future of the industry and the feasibility of reviving domestic furniture manufacturing.

Leasing activity among law firms reached a high point, with 2.5 million square feet leased in Q2 and a total of 5.9 million square feet in the first half of the year, the highest since 2018. A growing number of firms are moving to similar or older buildings, while expansions account for a significant portion of renewals and relocations. This trend indicates renewed confidence in long-term office commitments within the legal sector.

Nearly half of office sales are closing at a discount, with 46% of properties sold below prior valuations in 2025, up from 20% in 2021. Major urban markets like Houston and San Francisco are experiencing the steepest discounts, while central business districts are hit hardest. A significant portion of A-Class properties have also seen price declines, contrary to expectations. Discounts are likely to persist due to weak tenant demand and high interest rates, with buyers who take risks potentially benefiting from deep discounts or office-to-residential conversions.

Over 35% of general contracting firms report being affected by increased immigration enforcement, with many workers fearing detention or deportation. The construction industry faces a labor shortage, exacerbated by the loss of unauthorized immigrant workers, who make up 15-23% of the workforce. The AGC-NCCER survey indicates that 92% of contractors struggle to find necessary labor, and industry leaders call for more lawful pathways for foreign workers and a construction-specific temporary work visa program.

The European office furniture market is projected to grow from $11.92 billion in 2024 to $25.63 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.88%. This growth is driven by hybrid work trends, ergonomic awareness, sustainability, and investments in home offices. Key players include Steelcase and Herman Miller, with a focus on modular, eco-friendly solutions. The market is influenced by changing work environments and economic conditions, with a strong demand for adaptable and sustainable furniture across Europe.

Consumer confidence in the job market has hit a four-year low, overshadowing positive business investment data. While orders for U.S.-manufactured capital goods increased, consumer perceptions of job availability worsened, attributed to rising costs from tariffs and economic uncertainty. The share of consumers finding jobs hard to get rose, indicating growing concerns about employment and inflation, which could impact future spending. The Federal Reserve is considering a rate cut in response to these labor market risks, while inflation expectations among consumers have also increased.

The Dallas-Plano-Irving metro area dropped out of the top 10 job creation markets for the first time since the pandemic, ranking 12th with 22,200 new jobs. Major employers like IBM and FedEx have paused hiring or laid off workers, contributing to slower growth. In contrast, New York led job gains with 129,800 new jobs, followed by Philadelphia and Houston. Overall, the top 10 markets added 467,100 jobs, while 19 of the top 150 markets reported employment losses. Myrtle Beach topped the growth list with a 6.2% increase in jobs.

Gensler celebrates its 60th anniversary and the leadership transition to co-CEOs Elizabeth Brink and Jordan Goldstein, who emphasize collaboration and creativity. They are focused on nurturing future leaders and leveraging new digital tools, including AI-driven storytelling for client presentations. The firm is expanding in Latin America and India, while also addressing societal challenges through design. Former co-CEOs Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen reflect on their new roles and the importance of collaboration in leadership, as well as the impact of technology on design and client needs.

Innovative workspaces like Valentyns in Cologne and The Round in London are redefining office environments to enhance wellness through natural light, biophilic design, and wellness facilities. The growing wellness market, driven by younger generations, emphasizes the importance of design in improving health and wellbeing. Key design elements include maximizing natural light, integrating greenery, using color psychology, maintaining tidy spaces, ensuring good air quality, and creating walkable communities that promote physical activity and social interaction.

Virtual simulations allow designers to create and test interiors before construction, enhancing creativity and precision. Tools for lighting, materials, and ergonomics enable real-time collaboration and feedback, reducing errors and improving client engagement. As technology evolves, AI assists in automating repetitive tasks and providing design recommendations, making these tools essential for modern designers to meet client expectations and achieve high-quality results.

Muskegon has seen various failed redevelopment proposals for a former furniture factory site that was once home to Shaw-Walker, over the past decades, including plans for a movie studio, laser tag center, and marijuana facility. Despite these attempts, none materialized, and the site remained an eyesore until recent construction began on a residential and retail development. The factory, closed since 1989, had been subject to multiple redevelopment ideas, but financial and economic challenges hindered progress until the current project was initiated.

Workplaces are increasingly recognizing the value of play, such as pool and table tennis, in enhancing productivity and well-being. These activities help combat sedentary habits, foster connections and culture among employees, provide necessary breaks for recovery and focus, and offer cognitive benefits. Recreational spaces signal an organization's commitment to work-life balance, attracting and retaining talent. Integrating play into the workplace is essential for promoting health, trust, and productivity.

The U.S. labor market is experiencing stagnant hiring, with employment gains averaging only 35,000 jobs per month, significantly lower than the previous year's average. The unemployment rate is projected to rise to 4.3% due to weak hiring and a shrinking labor supply, influenced by protectionist trade policies and immigration crackdowns. Consumer perceptions of job availability are worsening, indicating potential underlying issues in the labor market despite low layoffs.

A recent poll indicates that younger employees, particularly those aged 16 to 24, are seeking more office time due to feelings of loneliness and isolation from remote work. About 40% report loneliness while working from home, with many considering jobs that offer more face-to-face interaction. Health concerns are also rising, as 41% of Gen Z workers would switch jobs for better health benefits. Experts suggest that employers should focus on fostering social connections, providing clear career paths, and supporting younger employees to combat these challenges.

The workplace strategy is increasingly influenced by company size, with smaller firms (under 500 employees) maintaining flexibility while larger firms (like Fortune 100) are tightening office mandates. A significant portion of companies now adopt hybrid models, balancing flexibility with office access. Successful workplace designs focus on fostering relationships rather than just activity-based functions, and firms that prioritize flexibility are experiencing faster growth. Workplace leaders should align strategies with company size, prioritize hybrid infrastructures, and design spaces that enhance genuine connections.

Over 50% of workers believe AI will make offices obsolete, with 71% stating it enhances flexibility. A significant portion prefers AI-enhanced remote work, and while IT leaders see effective AI use, only 53% of employees agree. There's a shift in budget priorities towards AI tools over office perks, with strong support across all age groups for AI's productivity benefits. Businesses must balance AI-powered experiences with traditional office advantages as they adapt to these changes.

At Gensler Tokyo, it is emphasized that design alone is insufficient for effective workplaces; understanding how to use a space is equally important. Traditional change management is valuable, but the real impact comes from experiencing the workplace firsthand. Testing new work setups allows employees to provide feedback and supports continuous improvement, aligning with the Japanese principle of Kaizen. This approach not only enhances workplace knowledge and experience but also ensures that each iteration of the office becomes smarter and more effective. Moreover, there is a strong expectation for hospitality (Omotenashi) in spaces that engage people, where employees seek convenience, clear communication, and involvement in a feedback loop that addresses their needs.

The modern workplace is shifting towards flexibility and employee wellbeing, emphasizing adaptable workspace zoning that supports various work modes. Innovative design solutions, such as modular systems, allow for dynamic environments that enhance collaboration, focus, and social interaction. Well-designed spaces that integrate natural elements and aesthetic appeal contribute to employee satisfaction and retention, fostering a culture of creativity and productivity. Adaptability in office design is essential for meeting the evolving needs of the workforce.

Organizations are reevaluating their office commitments, balancing remote work with the need for corporate culture and productivity. Engagement, defined as how workers connect with their workplace, is becoming crucial, yet lacks a standard definition. Different employees have varying needs for office presence, influenced by generational preferences for digital versus physical engagement. Companies must adapt to these preferences, creating hybrid ecosystems that blend physical and digital interactions to enhance employee connection and retention.

Workspaces should be designed to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, recognizing their diverse needs. Creating various environments—quiet areas, lively spaces, and relaxation rooms—benefits everyone, not just neurodivergent people. Research emphasizes the importance of flexibility, inclusivity, and the need for equitable design that allows all individuals to thrive in their workspaces.

Patricia Urquiola has collaborated with Tableau to launch a new textile collection for Kvadrat, inspired by Nordic nature, showcased at Copenhagen's Chart 2025 art fair. The installation features fabrics draped like a canopy, creating an immersive experience, complemented by a whimsical tablescape. The collection includes a soft color palette and continues Urquiola's history with Kvadrat, which includes innovative textiles made from ocean-bound plastic.

Workplace noise has become a significant challenge due to hybrid work policies, shrinking office spaces, and increased worker density. Effective acoustic design is essential to balance collaboration and focus, with strategies including planning for specific activities, empowering employees with space choices, clear communication of space intent, and implementing dedicated acoustic solutions. The goal is to create an environment that supports diverse work modes while minimizing distractions.

The Mitchell Group’s NetZERO™ Added to Materials ConneXion Library

The Mitchell Group's NetZERO™ collection has been added to the Materials ConneXion® library, a prestigious resource for sustainable and innovative materials. This collection combines sophisticated design with sustainable practices, featuring a hydro-based manufacturing process that eliminates solvents. NetZERO™ showcases a carbon-neutral manufacturing process, PVC-free construction, and high abrasion resistance, making it suitable for demanding commercial environments. The collection offers a range of elegant colors and patterns, enhancing its appeal for contract interiors. This recognition highlights the importance of sustainable design in commercial textiles and expands NetZERO™'s visibility among professionals in architecture and design.

Leading manufacturers are rethinking their role in the circular economy by creating programs to give used office furniture a sustainable new life. Haworth's closed-loop manufacturing reuses plastics from production and end-of-life chairs, Steelcase's Circular program refurbishes worn products with reduced carbon emissions, and Flokk incorporates recycled materials into iconic designs, enhancing sustainability and collaboration within their supply chains.

The late plays of William Shakespeare, known for their magical realism and complex social themes, have inspired the notion of a "sea change" in the economy, as projected by the Bank of America Institute. This transformation is expected to enhance worker productivity in major companies, influenced by lessons learned from post-pandemic inflation and advancements in artificial intelligence. The productivity paradox, noted by Nobel laureate Robert Solow, reflects the disconnect between technological advancements and actual productivity growth. However, with AI tools and the necessity for companies to optimize labor, a shift is occurring where businesses are learning to achieve more with fewer employees. This change could redefine the productivity landscape, as firms increasingly rely on processes over personnel, potentially leading to significant efficiency gains and changing the valuation of U.S. stocks.

Fellowes has launched new 65W Power Modules within the FlexCharge™ Series, featuring PD 3.0 technology, designed to meet the power demands of modern professionals. These desk-mounted modules provide efficient charging for devices, including laptops, through USB-C ports, with options for AC outlets and surge protection. The series includes various configurations to reduce desk clutter and enhance accessibility, all backed by a ten-year warranty.

KFI Studios has launched the Mason lounge chair, designed for comfort in workspaces and hospitality environments. Its ergonomic, sculpted shell is inspired by smooth pebbles and can be upholstered in various fabrics. The chair offers three base options: solid ash wood, steel sled, and aluminum four-star, allowing customization for different settings. CEO Chris Smith emphasizes the design's flexibility, enabling designers to tailor the chair to their specific needs.

J+J Flooring's latest carpet tile collection, The Fields Collection, features two patterns, Wheat and Rye, inspired by natural landscapes. Designed to create a calming atmosphere, both patterns use the same yarn colors but differ in placement, resulting in unique yet harmonious designs. Crafted from 100% Encore SD Ultima Nylon, the tiles are available in 18”x 36” sizes and 9 colorways, with sustainable backing options that support landfill diversion.

Bundle Studio, based in Copenhagen, focuses on utilizing bio-based materials in furniture design. The founders, Jón Hinrik Höskuldsson and Kirstine Nørgaard Sejersen, emphasize the need for sustainable material usage. Their experimentation led to the creation of a lightweight, stackable chair made from thermo-pressed flax fibers and PLA, weighing only 2.5 kg. This design challenges traditional plastic furniture by improving material efficiency and incorporating biodegradable components. They further refined their designs with the Branch chair, which combines flax fiber/PLA composites with a beech wood veneer frame, achieving a balance of strength and sustainability while maintaining a practical, stackable form. The studio aims to inspire industry change through innovative design.

A Taiwanese design firm created a low-cost, quickly deliverable modular signage system for a university, utilizing mass-produced perforated metal plates and wax-coated ropes for graphics. This sustainable design allows for easy maintenance and expansion, effectively conveying various academic themes while being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Oceanside Library in Oceanside, New York

Elisabeth Martin and her team designed an innovative lighting scheme for the Oceanside Library, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. By partnering with USAI Lighting, they achieved goals such as efficient energy use and user comfort. Key features include tailored lighting for different library zones, integration of natural light, and a cohesive design that earned a Lighting Design Award from the American Institute of Architects – Long Island Chapter.

MoreySmith has transformed the reception area of Maple House, a historic Brutalist building in Fitzrovia, into a warm and inviting space while preserving its architectural heritage. The design features elements such as a Rosso Levanto marble reception desk, a bespoke coffee bar, and artwork from local artists, all aimed at enhancing the building's character and providing a tactile warmth. This project is part of a broader initiative to reimagine the building for Lazari Investments, with more developments planned, including a members' club and rooftop terrace.

Puma has renovated its Buenos Aires headquarters to embody its "Forever Faster" ethos, creating a dynamic workspace that promotes agility and collaboration. The redesign, led by Contract Workplaces, features a central Town Hall, flexible work areas, and improved employee wellbeing through natural light and acoustic comfort. The project successfully integrates operational, collaborative, and social spaces, enhancing team interaction and reflecting Puma's brand identity while supporting sustainable design practices.

Ollie Hooper, a freelance 3D artist and motion designer, emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated workspace to separate work and home life. He built a garden office, which he considers one of his best investments. His workspace includes high-end equipment such as a Dell 5k Ultra Wide monitor, a custom PC with dual 4090s, and a Herman Miller chair, among other items.

Newmark will relocate its Chicago office to the Salesforce Tower, leasing 24,000 square feet on the 22nd floor, with plans to move in early 2026. The new space will feature collaboration areas and conference centers, aiming to provide a top-class working environment. The Salesforce Tower, opened in May 2023, is nearly fully leased and offers excellent views of the city. Employees are excited about the move, which reflects Newmark's growth and commitment to quality amenities.

Ghent Parent Company GMi Named a Top Workplace in Cincinnati for 2025

GMi Companies, parent company of Ghent, has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Greater Cincinnati for the third consecutive year, based on employee feedback regarding pay, benefits, leadership, and workplace culture. The company also received a USA Today Top Workplace award for 2025, highlighting its commitment to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence. Ghent has been providing innovative communication and collaboration solutions for over 40 years.

Rustbelt Launches New Quick Ship Table Program

Rustbelt has launched the Cut & Dried quick ship program, offering affordable premium solid wood tables made in the USA with an 8-week lead time. The program features three standard styles, premium solid wood tops, a cast iron base, easy assembly, and a commercial-grade finish. It aims to provide flexibility in size and style for businesses and designers without the long wait associated with fully custom options.

Ultrafabrics’ Senior Vice President Appointed to Association for Contract Textiles Board of Directors

Sergio Prosperino, Senior Vice President at Ultrafabrics, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association for Contract Textiles. He will leverage his extensive experience in sales and marketing to support the association's mission and help shape the future of contract textiles. Prosperino's appointment reflects Ultrafabrics' commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry.

Renson and Corradi North America Welcome Michael Ackelbein as New President

Michael Ackelbein has been appointed as the new President of Renson and Corradi North America. He brings extensive leadership experience in architectural products and building materials, previously serving as Vice President at Fräsch / Catalyst Acoustic Group. Ackelbein aims to drive growth and elevate the brands by leveraging the strengths of the products and the team.

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

We’re seeking an experienced Operations and Supply Chain Manager to lead procurement, inventory, and logistics operations for a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You’ll manage global and domestic vendor relationships, build scalable systems for efficiency and cost savings, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive growth. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, can collaborate cross-functionally, and is passionate about continuous improvement!

We have an outstanding opportunity for motivated sales professionals to embark on a career path that has tremendous growth with earning potential well into the six-figure range. All Ethosource Account Executives are provided with cutting edge technology and expert in-house support. Salesforce CRM is utilized to further support and enhance sales efforts. No industry experience necessary. We will train the right individual!

We are seeking a results-driven Account Executive to join our growing team in the U.S Southeastern region. This role is ideal for a motivated sales professional with experience in the commercial office, furniture, or interiors industry who thrives on building strong client relationships and closing deals.

MergeWorks is seeking a Regional Sales Manager for the western US to grow sales and manage Independent Representatives. Responsibilities include developing sales strategies, training reps, collaborating with marketing, and resolving customer service issues. Candidates should have 5-10 years in the contract furniture industry, strong communication skills, and be willing to travel 30% or more.