In this issue… Top News covers early signs of stabilization in architecture billings, a major Artopex/Logiflex consolidation, a high-end home-office lounge chair debut, and evidence that office “stabilization” is being driven more by a construction slowdown than by demand. Main News looks at flexible workspace economics (premium flex outperforming traditional rents in London), sharp construction cost inflation driven by energy, and major NYC leasing/finance moves tied to the biggest-ever flex footprint. Features focus on how AI power users work—more mobile, more team-connected—and what workplaces must provide to support learning, connection, and collaboration. Workspace News examines return-to-office friction from inadequate space, retention and neurodiversity support gaps, happiness and wellbeing trends, fractional office sharing models, rising office attendance, and accelerating AI-driven workforce disruption. Trends explores how AI is changing office layouts, privacy, acoustics, and data-driven space planning. Design highlights employees “hacking” workspaces and the design fixes that improve focus and comfort. Products spotlights new meeting-space credenzas, steel-look folding glass walls, an award-to-market coffee table, outdoor collections, modular acoustic rooms, all-wood conference systems, and next-gen privacy pods.

In December 2025, spending on data centers surpassed that for office construction for the first time, with $3.57 billion invested in data centers compared to $3.49 billion for offices. Unfortunately, data centers require very little office furniture. This shift is driven by the increasing demand for AI and cloud computing, prompting companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta to expand server capacity. Investment firms are also favoring data centers due to stable contracts and rising demand, while office development is slowing as businesses adapt to hybrid work environments. The trend indicates a growing focus on the infrastructure that supports work rather than the physical office spaces themselves.

“The Eames (lounge chair) is obviously an iconic design—it's timeless, it's beautiful—but it's not something you can work comfortably in for a long time.”  

- Sergio Silva, vice president of design and innovation at Humanscale

 

Artopex Absorbs Logiflex as Contract Furnishings Consolidation Gains Momentum

In a further sign that consolidation is accelerating across the contract furnishings industry, Artopex and Logiflex have announced a strategic unification under a single brand, with the combined organization moving forward as Artopex. The move underscores a broader uptick in both M&A activity and brand cosolidation as manufacturers look to scale, streamline operations, and better compete in an increasingly bifurcated office market defined by slower demand but higher expectations for integrated solutions.

 

The newly unified Artopex brings together more than 800 employees and six manufacturing facilities, creating one of the larger vertically integrated office furniture players in North America. While the two companies have operated under the same ownership umbrella since 2015, this formal consolidation reflects a shift from loose affiliation to full operational integration—something many in the industry are now pursuing as margins tighten and speed-to-market becomes critical.

 

Artopex President Daniel Pelletier framed the move as a strategic scaling effort, emphasizing the ability to align teams, leverage shared expertise, and deliver greater value to clients. That alignment is expected to manifest most visibly across product development, marketing, and go-to-market execution, where duplication is eliminated and resources are redeployed for faster innovation cycles.

 

From a product standpoint, the unified entity now offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning workstations, seating, storage, meeting tables, reception furniture, acoustic pods, and integrated workplace systems. In practical terms, this positions Artopex to compete more directly with larger North American manufacturers that have long emphasized breadth of offering as a competitive moat—particularly in serving dealers, architects, and large corporate clients seeking single-source solutions.

 

 

For dealers and specifiers, the consolidation promises a simplified experience—one brand, one point of access, and a broader, more cohesive product line. Behind the scenes, however, the real story is operational: shared talent pools, coordinated manufacturing, and a unified brand identity designed to eliminate friction and improve responsiveness.

 

Zooming out, the Artopex-Logiflex unification is emblematic of a larger pattern. As new office construction slows and pricing pressures mount, manufacturers are increasingly turning inward—merging capabilities, acquiring complementary businesses, and building scale where organic growth alone is no longer sufficient. In that context, this deal is less an isolated event and more a data point in what is shaping up to be a sustained wave of consolidation across the contract furnishings landscape.

In February 2026, architecture firm billings showed signs of stabilization, with an Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 49.4, indicating that the number of firms reporting declines was only slightly higher than those reporting increases. While inquiries rose, newly signed design contracts continued to decline, though at a slower pace. Business conditions in the South remained flat, while the Northeast faced challenges due to winter storms. Firm leaders expressed cautious optimism, with almost half expecting stable billings in the next quarter and a significant portion anticipating increases, particularly in larger firms and those in the Midwest and South. Despite these signs, broader economic conditions remained weak, with a decline in nonfarm payrolls and rising inflation affecting various sectors. Many firms reported increases in professional liability insurance coverage over the past three years, with larger firms being more likely to have increased their coverage.

The Diffrient Lounge Chair today

Diffrient Lounge prototype as seen during NeoCon 2016

Humanscale has finally introduced the Diffrient Lounge chair, a luxurious workstation priced from $8,995 to $15,000, designed to blend comfort and functionality for remote work. This chair features an integrated side table, USB-C ports, and adjustable recline and headrest, prioritizing ergonomic support while allowing for various postures. Inspired by Niels Diffrient's earlier designs, it marks Humanscale's shift towards the residential market, reflecting changing work-from-home trends. The chair is built with sustainability in mind, utilizing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, while also offering a sleek, simple aesthetic. The design focuses on eliminating complexity, making it accessible without manuals for adjustment. With a potential future upgrade for its power module, the chair aims to redefine comfort in home office setups, appealing to a market increasingly reliant on remote work solutions.

 

The key issue is that this is not demand-driven recovery—it’s supply contraction. The drop in vacancy to 17.6% isn’t happening because companies are leasing more space and outfitting new offices; it’s happening because developers have largely stopped building. When the pipeline shrinks to just 0.4% of inventory, it effectively chokes off one of the primary demand engines for office furniture: new construction and major tenant buildouts.

 

For contract furniture manufacturers and dealers, new projects are the lifeblood of the business. A slowdown in construction directly translates into fewer opportunities for large-scale workstation installations, seating packages, and ancillary product sales. In other words, fewer cranes in the sky means fewer purchase orders on the ground.

 

The decline in asking rents is another red flag. Lower rents typically signal landlord concessions and weaker pricing power, which often leads to tighter tenant improvement budgets. When companies do take space, they are more cost-conscious, stretching existing furniture assets, downsizing footprints, or opting for lower-spec solutions—all of which compress margins across the furnishings ecosystem.

 

The geographic concentration of investment also creates a funnel effect. Yes, cities like Miami and Manhattan may see pockets of activity, but the industry is not built to thrive on a handful of hot markets. Dealers in secondary and tertiary regions—historically a steady source of repeat business—are now facing a shrinking pipeline with fewer projects to compete for.

 

Finally, the shift toward “fewer, more strategic locations” sounds efficient, but it implies consolidation of office footprints. Fewer locations mean fewer total offices to furnish. Even if those spaces are higher quality, they rarely offset the volume loss from an overall reduction in square footage.

 

Net-net: this is a market finding balance by doing less, not by growing more. And for an industry that depends on physical expansion, churn, and new occupancy to drive revenue, that’s not stabilization—it’s a headwind.

At first glance, Manhattan’s surge in office-to-residential conversions looks like a clever solution for landlords stuck with aging, underutilized assets. Five million square feet converted in 2025—and nearly ten million more in the pipeline—signals that owners are finally finding an exit strategy for obsolete office stock, particularly in Midtown where the shift is accelerating most aggressively. For real estate owners, this is balance-sheet repair disguised as urban revitalization.

 

But for the contract furnishings industry, this is not a recovery story—it’s a quiet erosion of future demand. Every square foot taken out of the office inventory is a square foot that will never require task seating, height-adjustable desks, conference tables, or ancillary workplace products again. These conversions don’t just reduce vacancy; they permanently shrink the total addressable market for office furniture manufacturers and dealers.

 

Worse, the type of buildings being converted are often precisely the kind that would have required substantial renovation and refurnishing to remain competitive. Instead of triggering large-scale furniture refresh cycles, they’re being removed from the ecosystem entirely. Midtown’s growing share of conversions—now over half of proposed projects—underscores that even traditionally resilient, high-value office corridors are no longer guaranteed drivers of future furniture demand.

 

In other words, what’s being framed as a “healing” office market is, for this industry, more akin to a long-term downsizing. Fewer buildings ultimately means fewer tenants, fewer projects, and fewer opportunities to sell. The square footage may be repurposed, but for office furniture manufacturers, it’s simply disappearing.

Construction input prices surged at an annualized rate of 12.6% in the first two months of 2026, driven by increases in energy and material costs. Overall input prices rose 3.1% compared to the previous year, with nonresidential construction seeing a 3.7% increase. The spike in costs is attributed to a 10.9% rise in natural gas prices, alongside increases in unprocessed energy materials and crude petroleum. These escalating expenses pose a significant challenge to construction activity, particularly as the conflict in Iran is expected to further elevate energy prices. The construction sector is also facing rising labor costs and a backlog that has reached a four-year low, hindering project initiations.

Premium flexible offices in London are significantly outperforming traditional office leases, generating over 200% of standard rents in key areas like Canary Wharf and the City. Demand for high-quality flexible workspace is increasing, with projections suggesting that by 2030, it could comprise 20% of London's total office stock. However, there is a growing divide between high-end spaces, which attract higher prices, and lower-grade spaces, which are experiencing volatility and underperformance. The West End holds the highest rental rates overall, while areas like Stratford lag behind.

Industrious has expanded its presence at Kato International's Tower 49 to 292,000 square feet, making it the world's largest flexible office space. The company will occupy 18 floors of the former WeWork headquarters at 12 E. 49th St. and will manage the entire property. The building is set for renovation, which will include a conference center, a new lobby, and flexible event spaces. This deal replaces WeWork's prior lease of 300,000 square feet, which ended during its bankruptcy process.

Higher-quality flexible workspaces in London are significantly outperforming traditional office rents, with top-tier products achieving over 200% of headline rents in some areas. The Flexible Workspace Return Index shows a widening gap between quality tiers, with premium spaces consistently delivering strong returns, while lower-grade products struggle. The West End remains the top-performing submarket, while Stratford lags behind. The flexible office market is projected to grow to 20% of total office stock by 2030, driven by increasing demand and more landlords entering the sector.

An effective workplace in the era of AI is crucial for learning and professional growth. Key design attributes include appealing aesthetics, managed noise levels, and flexible meeting spaces. Additionally, workplaces should provide environments that foster informal learning, connection, and mentorship. As AI reshapes job roles and skills, the physical workplace becomes a strategic asset, enhancing collaboration and innovation. Organizations should prioritize creating beautifully designed, technologically equipped, and flexible spaces that nurture both learning and interpersonal relationships, ultimately enabling employees to thrive in an AI-driven world.

AI power users demonstrate significantly different work habits compared to late adopters. They are more mobile, frequently working from diverse locations such as coworking spaces and client sites. This mobility is accompanied by a strong emphasis on learning, with 70% of power users considering professional development crucial for job performance, contrasting with only 44% of late adopters. The shift towards AI has fostered a workplace culture that prioritizes human-centric activities like learning, connection, and experimentation. Additionally, AI power users report higher levels of innovation, engagement, and stronger team relationships, indicating that the integration of AI does not lead to isolation but rather encourages collaboration and trust among colleagues.

AI disruption is accelerating, with 93% of jobs potentially affected, a significant increase from previous estimates. The impact spans various sectors, including white-collar jobs and manual labor, with companies like Block and Meta reducing their workforces due to AI automation. While AI can assist many tasks, only 10% are fully automatable, indicating a need for new skill sets and retraining for workers. The timeline for these changes may vary, but the overall impact on the workforce is expected to be profound.

Finland has been ranked the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with a life evaluation score of 7.764 out of 10. English-speaking nations, including the US, Canada, and the UK, have dropped in rankings, while some Central and Eastern European countries show improvements. The report highlights a decline in life satisfaction among those under 25 in several English-speaking countries, linking heavy social media use to lower wellbeing. However, social relationships and a sense of belonging are emphasized as more crucial to life satisfaction than digital behavior.

Many companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates, but many employees are returning to smaller, inadequately equipped workspaces, leading to improvisation to complete tasks. A significant number of workers are using meeting rooms alone, organizing meetings at desks, or taking calls in hallways due to a lack of proper facilities. This situation negatively impacts productivity and job satisfaction, highlighting the need for employers to adapt work environments to support their staff effectively. As workplace dynamics evolve, organizations that invest in suitable office spaces will be better positioned for success.

Office attendance in major U.S. markets improved in February, marking the strongest month since the pandemic, despite winter weather disruptions. The visit gap narrowed to 31.9% below February 2019 levels, with a 6% increase in nationwide office visits compared to the previous year. This improvement is driven by a tight labor market and increasing employer mandates for in-person work, although it does not indicate the most significant return-to-office surge recently.

Nexudus has launched "Fractional Offices," allowing multiple companies to share a single private office on different days, addressing the mismatch between traditional office contracts and hybrid work demands. This model increases office utilization and revenue potential, as demand for part-time office access grows. Fractional Offices are now available for all Nexudus customers through their admin dashboard.

Organizations face challenges in supporting neurodivergent employees, as policies promoting flexibility often do not address the root causes of workplace stress. Research indicates that neurodivergent individuals experience higher stress levels and fear disclosing their status due to potential stigmatization. Anticipatory design, which includes offering diverse workspaces and accommodating needs proactively, can help create a more inclusive environment, reduce stress, and improve employee retention.

AI is reshaping office design by changing how work is done and how spaces are utilized. Contrary to fears that AI would reduce office demand, research shows that AI Power Users foster stronger team relationships and collaboration. As AI tools evolve, the need for private spaces increases due to privacy concerns, and AI-generated data will enhance understanding of space utilization, enabling data-driven design decisions. Future offices will need to accommodate voice interactions and address privacy issues while measuring the intangible benefits of in-person collaboration.

Employees are adapting their workspaces to address design shortcomings, with two-thirds making changes like rearranging furniture and adding personal items. Comfort, collaboration, and personalization are key factors in effective office environments. Despite challenges, workers express a desire for more office time, indicating a commitment to the workplace. Enhancements that support focus, collaboration, and comfort can improve employee experience and performance.

Ligne Roset is transforming the Togo for a more sustainable future

Ligne Roset is evolving the Togo, a hallmark of contemporary design, by integrating foams made from post-consumer recycled materials, achieving about 50% sustainable content. This innovative approach maintains the Togo's famed comfort while significantly contributing to sustainability efforts, saving over 400 tons of CO2 equivalent annually. Additionally, the (Re) program in France restores and reconditions used Togos with recycled fabrics, promoting durability and craftsmanship. Through these initiatives, Ligne Roset emphasizes its commitment to combining design excellence with environmental responsibility for a sustainable future.

Haworth Group has achieved sourcing 100% renewable electricity for its global operations, fulfilling its 2025 goal and advancing towards its 2030 targets. This milestone demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The renewable energy is sourced through energy attribute certificates, onsite solar, and green-power contracts, while also focusing on energy efficiency and reducing direct emissions through various upgrades. Haworth aims to address Scope 3 emissions and continues to promote circular design principles in collaboration with partners.

Nearly 300 U.S. companies that published sustainability reports in 2024 did not do so in 2025, marking a 17% decline in reports among Russell 3000 companies. Factors include reduced investor pressure and increased legal risks related to sustainability claims. Major firms like NextEra Energy and Charter Communications skipped reporting, raising questions about the value of such disclosures.

Over 2,000 new environmental regulations were introduced globally in 2025, impacting sustainability teams. Key U.S. regulations include the stalled PROTECT USA Act and state-level emissions reporting initiatives. In Europe, upcoming compliance deadlines for detergent digital passports and battery sustainability are noteworthy, along with the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act aimed at promoting low-carbon materials in public projects. This shift represents a move towards incentivizing climate solutions rather than penalizing emissions.

Nevins has introduced the Ollie Credenza, designed to enhance workplace storage solutions in modern, residential-inspired environments. This credenza features a continuous maple tambour wrap that adds warmth and texture, serving as a sculptural storage element that complements meeting spaces while softening traditional casework. Available in multiple widths and heights with various finishes, it offers flexibility with adjustable shelving, concealed storage, and options for technology integration, such as power blocks and cooling fans.

 

The Ollie Credenza launched on March 19, 2026, and can be purchased through Nevins representatives nationwide. Nevins, a Texas-based family-owned manufacturer, is known for combining refined materials with thoughtful engineering in their products.

 

More information: www.nevins.co/ollie-credenza

Silen has launched Space Gen 2, a new range of office work pods designed for acoustic privacy and occupant well-being. The collection includes Space Call, Space Work, and Space Meet 2, each tailored for specific work modes. Built with 60% recycled materials, the pods emphasize environmental responsibility and feature ergonomic designs, advanced ventilation, and modularity for easy customization. Silen aims to redefine workspace design by merging performance, comfort, and sustainability.

Loftwall has launched SNAP, a modular room system designed to create fully enclosed, acoustically effective spaces in open environments without the need for construction permits or extensive downtime. SNAP addresses the challenges of modern workplaces by providing a solution that balances privacy and collaboration, allowing for quick installation and adaptability as organizational needs change. The system includes various panel options and is aimed at corporate, educational, healthcare, and co-working spaces, marking a significant shift in Loftwall's product offerings.

NanaWall introduces the NW Aluminum 643, a high-performance folding glass wall system that mimics steel frames while utilizing durable aluminum. It features customizable finishes, superior thermal efficiency, and enhanced security with tamper-resistant locks. The system is designed for both residential and commercial use, offering low-profile, weather-rated sills and options for various configurations. For more details, visit the NW Aluminum 643 product page.

The Carver Coffee Table, designed by a University of Wisconsin student, is now in production after winning a design competition. Made from sustainably sourced wood in New Hampshire, it features a rounded top and architectural base, making it suitable for various environments. This initiative connects emerging designers with real business needs, highlighting the importance of fresh perspectives in product development.

Teknion has launched Figure, a customizable all-wood conference collection designed for various meeting spaces. The collection emphasizes craftsmanship and integrates technology, featuring multiple power options and thoughtful wire management. It includes tables in various shapes and styles, along with complementary storage solutions. The design aims to create inviting environments while reflecting company culture and values, addressing the growing demand for authentic materials and integrated technology in the workplace.

KI has launched the Outspan Outdoor Collection, expanding its furniture offerings into outdoor spaces. Designed by Brian Buchik, the collection features durable seating and tables made from powdercoated steel and high-density polyethylene, suitable for various outdoor settings. It emphasizes flexibility, system-based design, and visual continuity with interior spaces, supporting collaboration and gathering in outdoor environments.

Lim Wootek's Dip 1 chair incorporates a sealed old iMac, a Magic Keyboard, and a Magic Mouse encased in resin, creating a piece that symbolizes fading memories rather than comfort. The design highlights the transformation of everyday objects into art, emphasizing the distance between vivid and fading memories, while prioritizing originality over usability.

Simone Giertz's Laundry Chair, designed for clothes that aren't dirty enough for laundry but not clean enough for storage, has gained significant popularity on Kickstarter, raising $750,000 shortly after launch. The chair features solid hardwood construction and 100% cotton corduroy upholstery, with a swivel mechanism using ball bearings. Early Bird pledge slots are available at $899, with shipping expected in November.

An innovative ergonomic chair called the Standing Mate features a unique design where a tongue-like structure allows users to stand on it, anchoring the chair in place. Priced at $237, it is set for pre-order with shipping expected in April. This design showcases original thinking from the Chinese manufacturer Newtral, aiming to change perceptions of Chinese furniture design.

Mael Sandoz, an Industrial Design student at ECAL, has created an articulated desk lamp called Staccato, which uses magnetic connectors instead of springs for its joints. This design allows for a wide range of motion and easy assembly without screws or welding. The lamp features a conductive plastic base that enables touch activation, resulting in a sleek and durable product with minimal risk of breakage.

Gokce Nafak's Osolo Long Seating Unit is inspired by the traditional Turkish sedir, featuring a single-piece folded metal body that serves as structural support and storage. The design allows for modular cushions and backrests, enabling various seating configurations, either as a single unit or a longer system by connecting multiple modules.

Churches have shifted from pews to stackable chairs for flexibility, leading to the design of the Theo chair by Simon Pengelly in 2009. This lightweight, sturdy chair can be linked for pew-like arrangements and is stackable, making it easy to store and move. Its success led to the creation of a furniture company named Theo, which produces additional furniture pieces.

Danish designer Alvilde Holm created a drawer storage unit using an industrial press, featuring aluminum drawers and a wooden housing, as part of the Tools 2 exhibition that challenged designers to explore production techniques with industrial equipment.

Danish designer Laerke Ryom has introduced a new furniture collection called "Raiments" at Copenhagen's Innenkreis gallery, showcasing a departure from traditional upholstery. The collection, named after an old English term for garments, emphasizes the artistic and intentional aspects of furniture design rather than mere utility. It features pieces like a daybed, lamps, chairs, and a bench, crafted from powder-coated steel and aluminum, with wool from Kvadrat that highlights stitching and a tailored aesthetic. Ryom aims for her designs to resemble garments, allowing materials to drape naturally rather than being tightly stretched. The exhibition also contrasts her modern pieces with historical designs, enhancing the dialogue between contemporary and classic furniture. Raiments is on display from March 19 to May 23.

NeoCon 2026 will take place from June 8-10 at The Mart, featuring significant expansions and new showrooms from brands like Formica Group and Calyx by Claridge. This year's event emphasizes innovation, with 22 long-term leases secured and new specialties such as Collab Space and Illuminate at NeoCon showcasing over 50 lighting brands. Established exhibitors are expanding their showrooms, while new brands are joining, enhancing the event's vibrant atmosphere. The 7th Floor Exhibit Hall will introduce a new layout for immersive experiences, uniting over 450 brands and attracting around 50,000 design professionals.

Basha-Franklin has made a significant impact at 5 New Street Square, showcasing their design prowess. The project emphasizes innovative design elements and functional spaces, reflecting a modern approach to office environments. The initiative aims to create a memorable experience for users while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the location.

Karl Lagerfeld's private office in Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been transformed into a two-bedroom rental apartment, preserving its original design elements. The space features sleek metallic details, a custom-designed stairwell, and luxurious amenities like a private hammam and sauna. Guests can also enjoy curated itineraries to visit Lagerfeld's favorite local spots. The apartment reflects Lagerfeld's unique style and serves as an intimate retreat, available for booking at a price upon request.

A new co-working space in Berlin, designed by Bruzkus Greenberg, features custom furniture and a variety of shared amenities, including meeting rooms, a café, and a gym. The design aims to create a comfortable, domestic atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and flexibility in workspaces. Vintage pieces are blended with bespoke furniture to enhance eclecticism and character.

Jacob Titus is an artist and photographer based in South Bend, Indiana, co-owning a creative space called Vested Interest and running a studio named Tutt Street. His workspace includes various photography and design tools, with a recent addition of a Fujifilm GW690 camera. He prefers working at a vintage tanker desk and starts his day by turning on lights and reading emails. A productivity trick he values is using wired headphones and the app Freedom, while he finds Codex particularly useful for managing his websites.

"Lost and Roll" is a documentary directed by Gianluca Vassallo, building on his previous photographic project for the Salone del Mobile.Milano. The film features contributions from a talented team, including cinematographer Francesco Mannironi and sound designer Daniele Guarnera, with music by pianist Anne Lovette. It presents an open-ended narrative through authentic voices and spontaneous encounters, showcasing designers like Piero Lissoni and Fabio Novembre as they compress a year of creative work into a fast-paced week. The film also highlights the perspectives of various individuals, including street photographers and taxi drivers, capturing the vibrant energy of Milan during the design week. Vassallo describes the film as an "inner portrait" of the Salone del Mobile, exploring the dynamics of the design industry and society. The premiere is set for April 16, 2026, at Anteo Spazio Cinema in Milan, with additional screenings planned. The documentary, lasting 54 minutes, was produced by Maddalena Satta for White Box Studio in collaboration with NoClaps.

In The Stuff That Surrounds You, Wallpaper* explores a life through objects. In this episode, we journey to rural Burgundy, where Erwan Bouroullec has transformed an abandoned farmstead into a laboratory for his category-defying designs

Allsteel Presents New Podcast Episode: Creating Space to Lead

Allsteel's latest podcast episode discusses how leaders can create focus and momentum amidst complexity, featuring insights from Beth Goff-McMillan and Susan Stinnett. The conversation emphasizes effective leadership through delegation, reflection, and fostering innovation. Listeners can expect ongoing discussions from industry leaders on trends and challenges in workplace design throughout the season. Listeners can tune in every month for the rest of “Tell Me More” season four, available on various platforms. 

Google is preparing to move 2,000 employees to the renovated Thompson Center in Chicago by 2027, with CBRE managing office leasing and Savills handling retail leasing. The redevelopment, which began in May 2024, aims to revitalize the Loop area, featuring 14 retail spaces and ongoing interior construction. The building will retain its name, with a slight modification, and is seen as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Hacin Promotes Christine Rankin as Principal to Lead Hospitality Design Practice

Christine Rankin has been promoted to Principal at Hacin, leading the hospitality design practice. With over two decades at the firm, she has worked on notable projects including the Sea Crest Beach Hotel and upcoming dining concepts for Michelin-starred chef George Mendes. Rankin emphasizes a collaborative approach to design, and her educational background includes degrees from Northeastern University and the Rhode Island School of Design. David Hacin praises her creativity and leadership, highlighting her impact on the firm's vision for hospitality design.

Tangram Interiors Welcomes Brent Hovis as Director of New Business Development in Dallas

Tangram Interiors has appointed Brent Hovis as Director of New Business Development in Dallas, leveraging over 20 years of experience in the commercial furniture industry. Hovis previously worked at Staples, where he led a national team in business development. In his new role, he will focus on expanding Tangram's market presence and building relationships with organizations seeking performance-driven interior environments. His leadership is expected to enhance the company's growth initiatives in the region.

Casey McNamara, Partner at NJM, Ltd., with colleagues and clients across the Halcon network

·  Bill Hildbrand, representing Halcon

·  Caroline Mattar, Partner at NJM, Ltd., NYC

Almost 100 year old Hiller Longinotti former MillerKnoll A&D Ambassador and still attending function with Casey McNamara of NJM at the event

Fern Mallis the Honoree

DIFFA Angels & Demons Gala Draws A&D Power Crowd to St. John the Divine.

One of New York’s most striking evenings unfolded at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where the A&D community turned out in force for the DIFFA Angels & Demons Gala.

 

This was not a private dinner—it was a fundraiser. Yet the room felt like a true industry summit, with major dealers, leading manufacturers, top designers, and fashion figures all under one roof. A rare mix, and even rarer at this scale.

 

The evening honored Fern Mallis with a Lifetime Achievement Award—an easy call for anyone familiar with her impact on the fashion world.

 

“Fern is a treasure from the fashion world, and a dear friend of mine,” said Stephen Viscusi, attending on behalf of The Business of Fashion. “A well-earned recognition. Fern, we love you.”

 

Viscusi noted what many in the room were thinking: it’s unusual to see this many dealer owners, manufacturers, and designers gathered together—especially at a fundraiser. Several attendees called it the best design event of the year.

POI Adds Leading Audiovisual Provider to Its Service Portfolio With the Acquisition of Doing Things Simply Inc. (DTS)

POI has acquired Toronto-based audiovisual integrator Doing Things Simply Inc. (DTS) to enhance its integrated workplace solutions. This acquisition strengthens POI's technical expertise and resources, allowing better support for customers in Ontario and Manitoba. DTS will continue operating under its current leadership, with no changes to its team or operations. The acquisition is effective immediately, expanding POI's offerings in advanced digital audiovisual and collaboration systems.

Allseating Launches Dart InStock, Bringing Quick Ship Convenience to the Dart Collection

Allseating has launched Dart InStock, a quick ship option for its Dart conference chair collection, including Midback, Highback, and a new Extra Highback model. This offering aims to meet the growing demand for fast, stylish, and ergonomic seating solutions in various workplace settings. The Dart collection is recognized for its sustainability and design, providing flexibility for designers and specifiers while maintaining comfort and performance.

HBF launches the Rhine Configurator, The New ‘It’ Tool for Designers

HBF has launched the Rhine Configurator, an interactive digital tool for designers to create and customize modular furniture layouts in real-time. This tool allows for the assembly of various components, textiles, and finishes, enabling designers to visualize their ideas and explore unlimited configurations. The Rhine seating features customizable upholstery zones, while the tables offer personalization options, enhancing the design process alongside other HBF configurators like Firma and Costa.

A 59-year-old sales veteran feels overlooked in job interviews, suspecting ageism but is advised that salary expectations may be the real issue. Employers value experience but are wary of high salary demands. The key is to focus on the value one can bring to the company rather than past earnings, as presenting oneself as a value hire can mitigate concerns about age.

Tremain is a commercial office furniture manufacturer based in Monterrey, Mexico, with more than a decade of experience designing, producing, and delivering workplace solutions for corporate environments across North America.

Unlike many brands in the market, Tremain is not an importer. We are a direct manufacturer, which allows us to maintain full control over design, engineering, production, and quality standards. Our vertically integrated process ensures consistent results, competitive pricing, and reliable lead times for large corporate projects.

If you are looking for a career with excellent earnings potential and sales opportunity - then look no further than Global Furniture Group, one of the largest manufacturers of workplace, education, healthcare + hospitality furniture in North America.

Global Furniture Group has an immediate career opportunity for Territory Manager, Dealer Sales in the Long Island area. This candidate will increase Global’s brand and interest among dealers, designers, and end-users within your assigned territory. 

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

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

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

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

 

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