MillerKnoll Appoints Three Dynamic New Members to its Board of Directors / Humanscale Launches 'Refreshed' Program: Pioneering a New Era in Circular Design and Sustainability / N9NE Furniture Group Expands with New Warehouse in Baltimore / Office Market Trends: 'The Worst is Officially Behind Us' / 'We Cannot Get Anything To Work': Chicago Projects Being Dragged Down By Development Hurdles / Microsoft Joins Google In Shift To Data Centers, Away From Offices / Busy Summer Continues For NYC Office Leasing With Midtown The Clear Leader / Colliers Says Office Leasing Spiked 32% In The Americas Last Quarter / Office Sublease Vacancy Drops For 3rd Straight Quarter / Austin Office Leasing Activity Dips In Q2 / A Lively Coworking Space Is Now 'Table Stakes' For Office Owners Hoping To Stay Relevant / Remote work is holding back innovation, study claims / and much more…


The Monday Morning Quarterback
Monday, August 5, 2024

🏈 Cheat Sheet 🏈

The Latest Buzz about Contract Furniture and the Workspace

MillerKnoll: Shaking Off the Dust and Embracing Innovation with New Board Members

After years of peddling warmed-over museum pieces, MillerKnoll seems to have finally remembered that innovation is supposed to be part of their DNA. The company, known for its iconic mid-century modern designs, has often appeared content to rest on its laurels, relying on the classics while the world moved forward. But the recent appointment of three new board members—John Maeda, Tina Edmundson, and Jeanne Gang—signals a long-overdue shift. Could it be that MillerKnoll is finally ready to dive back into the world of cutting-edge design and innovation? It's about time.

MillerKnoll's board has been crying out for an injection of fresh, creative blood. For too long, they've been lacking input from some of today's great design thinkers, whether it be in industrial design or architecture. The addition of Maeda, Edmundson, and Gang to the board suggests a promising turn towards embracing new ideas and perspectives, instead of merely safeguarding the status quo.

John Maeda: The Tech-Savvy Design Thinker

John Maeda is not your typical board member. A technologist, educator, and investor, Maeda brings a rich tapestry of experience in technology and design. His current role as Vice President of Engineering and Head of Computational Design at Microsoft's AI Platform sees him shaping how developers utilize AI. Before this, Maeda left his mark at Everbridge, Kleiner Perkins, Automattic, and as the 16th President of the Rhode Island School of Design. He's a man who wears many hats, including that of a contemporary artist with global exhibitions to his name. Oh, and did we mention he's penned five books on simplicity and leadership? Maeda’s presence on the board brings a much-needed tech-forward perspective, one that MillerKnoll has been sorely lacking.

Tina Edmundson: The Hospitality Guru

Then there's Tina Edmundson, who is practically a wizard in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sectors. Currently serving as the inaugural President of Luxury at Marriott International, Edmundson oversees a portfolio that includes some of the most prestigious hotel brands in the world, like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. With over 25 years of experience, Edmundson has a knack for transforming brands into icons of travel and luxury. Her stint at Starwood Hotels and Resorts further solidifies her expertise in creating experiences that resonate with customers. Edmundson's insight into the luxury market is a refreshing addition, potentially steering MillerKnoll towards a more nuanced understanding of contemporary luxury design.

Jeanne Gang: The Visionary Architect - Starchitect

And then there's Jeanne Gang, the architect who needs no introduction. A MacArthur Fellow and TIME Magazine's one of the most influential people, Gang is the founding partner of Studio Gang. Her portfolio boasts marvels like the Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History and the new U.S. Embassy in Brazil. Her work, which focuses on strengthening connections between people, communities, and the natural world, offers a holistic approach to architecture. Gang's inclusion on the board is like a breath of fresh air in a room that has been closed off for too long. Her vision aligns perfectly with MillerKnoll's potential to move beyond merely creating products to crafting experiences that matter.

With these three new appointments, MillerKnoll seems to be taking a bold step towards embracing innovation and design with a capital D. For too long, the company has been content to churn out classic pieces that, while timeless, don't exactly scream "cutting-edge." The new board members bring a diverse range of expertise—from technology and hospitality to architecture and art—that promises to infuse the company with new ideas and directions.

In an era where companies often prioritize profits over innovation, it's refreshing to see MillerKnoll acknowledging (finally) the importance of creativity and fresh perspectives. The company's CEO, Andi Owen, couldn't have put it better: "In addition to their expertise and leadership, they share a commitment to sustainability and the belief that design is a powerful tool to drive positive change."

It’s a new day at MillerKnoll, and frankly, it’s about time. The new board members represent a shift towards not just preserving a legacy but building upon it. With Maeda, Edmundson, and Gang on board, there's hope that MillerKnoll will finally start innovating again, rather than just reissuing museum pieces with a fresh coat of paint. 
 
-The Monday Morning Quarterback

By the NumbersThe office sublease market has seen a decline in vacancy rates for the third consecutive quarter, dropping to 3% of existing inventory, with 144 million square feet of sublease space. High-quality subleases are attracting tenants quickly, with over 75% of subleases signed in Q2 2024 listed in 2023 or 2024. Sublease absorptions reached their highest level since the pandemic at 5.8 million square feet, while new sublease inventory has decreased by a third compared to the first half of 2023.

Quote of the Week
"Downsizing tenants have typically been more aggressive in cutting footprints than expanding groups have been in adding space. While only three firms expanded a location by more than 100,000 square feet in the second quarter, five firms cut their footprints by over 100,000 square feet." - JLL said in its Q2 2024 Market Dynamics report. 

 

Industry Stocks at Friday's Close

World Container Index - August 1, 2024
Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 1% to $5,736 per 40ft container this week.rewry’s World Container Index decreased 1% to $5,736 per 40ft container this week.

Kastle Back to Work Barometer

The weekly average peak dropped half a point to 60.5% on Tuesday last week. Chicago led all cities with a 71.7% occupancy rate on Tuesday. Austin peaked a day later on Wednesday, reporting 69.5%, compared to the 59% national average that day. The weekly average low across all cities was once again Friday at 32.8% occupancy.

Chicago and New York continue to have the most significant gaps between their highest occupancy days and Fridays. This past week, Chicago dropped 42.4 percentage points between Tuesday and Friday, while New York decreased 39.8 percentage points.

Across all cities, the weekly average occupancy was 51.1%, according to Kastle’s 10-city Back to Work Barometer, a small uptick from the previous week’s 50.8%.

QB's Aeron Chair Index

The Aeron Used Chair Index
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the SF Bay Area as computed by Craigslist on August 2, 2024 - US $547 (-1.1%)  Last week: US $553
 
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the Chicago Area as computed by Craigslist on August 2, 2024 - US $425 (+8.6%)  Last week: US $391
 
The price of a used Aeron Chair in the NYC Area as computed by Craigslist on August 2, 2024 - US $381 (+0.7%)  Last week: US $378

Industry News

Humanscale Pioneers Refurbished Furniture with Unique 'Refreshed' Program

In an industry where leading office furniture manufacturers have traditionally focused on producing new, single-use products, Humanscale is breaking new ground with the introduction of its 'Refreshed' program. Much like Apple's Certified Refurbished initiative, Humanscale's program offers expertly restored ergonomic products, providing customers with high-quality, sustainable options at a fraction of the cost of new items, all backed by standard warranties.

Starting today, consumers can purchase refurbished Humanscale products, including seating and height-adjustable desks, as part of the company's first-of-its-kind circularity program. This initiative marks a significant departure from the norm in the office furniture industry, where the concept of refurbished products has largely been left to third-party resellers and smaller enterprises. By embracing a circular model, Humanscale aims to extend the life cycle of its products, offering a second (and potentially third) life to items that might otherwise contribute to the growing problem of furniture waste.

"Overcoming systemic obstacles in sustainability requires substantial changes in manufacturing, consumer behavior, and waste management," said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. "With the Refreshed program, Humanscale continues to innovate by shaping new processes for our industry and bridging the gap to a circular economy. This responsible and planet-positive program allows our customers to breathe new life into products designed to be used repeatedly."

Humanscale's approach to circularity is built around four key pillars: longevity, serviceability, material health, and simplicity. The company's products are renowned for exceeding durability standards, featuring modular designs for easy disassembly and component refreshment. By eliminating harmful Red-List chemicals, Humanscale ensures that its products do not contribute to environmental toxicity. Moreover, the company's focus on simplicity results in products with significantly fewer parts, reducing their overall environmental footprint and minimizing maintenance issues.

"Humanscale is proud to pioneer an initiative that will give our products a second life and implement the circular economy in practice," said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. "Circularity is essential in our fight against climate change, and we hope to inspire other companies to follow suit as we make a positive impact on our planet with the Refreshed program."

With furniture waste accounting for 17 billion pounds of landfill waste each year, the Refreshed program offers a practical solution for companies and individuals looking to embrace sustainability. By providing high-quality refurbished products, Humanscale sets a new standard in the office furniture market, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable consumption and production practices.

N9NE Furniture Group Expands with New Warehouse in Baltimore
N9NE Furniture Group announced the opening of their spacious new warehouse in Baltimore, the largest facility in their network. This significant addition strengthens their national distribution capabilities, allowing N9NE to better serve customers and end users across the United States. Ready to enhance service delivery across the North Eastern Seaboard, ensuring quicker and more efficient delivery of their office furniture products.
 
"We’re excited about the opportunities this new facility in Baltimore presents," said David Perez, co-owner of N9NE. "This strategic location enables us to provide improved service to our customers in the North East, ensuring they receive the products they need, when they need them."
 
N9NE brings extensive distribution experience from several major US markets. Their experienced sales team in Baltimore consists of industry veterans Cal Weirich and Yale Silon (Cal and Yale Associates) and Josh Phillips (Phillips Contract), who possess deep knowledge of the region and a proven track record, ensuring customers receive the best service possible. Beyond their distribution capabilities, N9NE offers a suite of tools and services designed to help their customers thrive. These offerings include online ordering, inventory checks, national drawing services, a custom re-upholstery program, and more. N9NE values their committed relationship with Performance Furnishings.
 
Recently, N9NE has introduced exciting new colors to their PL laminate offering, Silver Birch and Coastal Gray, providing customers with even more choices when it comes to desking and storage solutions.
 
"Our goal is to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers," added Dave Baker, another co-owner of N9NE. "The opening of this new warehouse is a testament to our relentless drive to provide superior service and cutting-edge solutions."
 
N9NE Furniture Group's new Baltimore warehouse marks a significant step in their journey to becoming a leading office furniture provider in the nation.  N9NEFG.com
Recaro Automotive, a well-known automotive seat manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy on July 29, 2024, surprising employees who were unaware of the situation. Founded in 1906, the company shifted focus to seats in the 1960s and has supplied high-performance models for various automakers. The bankruptcy allows operations to continue under an administrator while the separate Recaro Group remains unaffected.
Demand for office space in the U.S. has been increasing since late 2022, indicating that the market has bottomed out. The VTS Office Demand Index shows a 17% year-over-year increase in demand, with a notable stabilization in office-using employment and a decline in work-from-home rates. While markets like Los Angeles and New York City are experiencing growth, others like San Francisco and Washington, D.C. remain stagnant, particularly due to the tech sector's reliance on remote work.
Microsoft is significantly increasing its investment in data centers, focusing on cloud and AI infrastructure, while reducing its office space occupancy. The company expects a 54% decrease in annual operating lease liabilities, translating to about $2.2 billion, due to moving out of office spaces. In the second quarter of 2024, Microsoft invested $19 billion in data centers, nearly double from the previous year. Other tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta are also ramping up their data center investments, despite concerns about a potential AI bubble.
In July 2024, Midtown Manhattan dominated NYC office leasing, capturing over 75% of the market with 3.9 million square feet leased, a significant increase from previous months. The overall Manhattan office market showed signs of recovery, with a decrease in availability to 17.6% and a drop in sublease supply. However, Lower Manhattan lagged behind, with only 180,000 square feet leased, reflecting a 40% decline month-over-month. Major leases included Blackstone's expansion at 345 Park Ave., indicating strong demand from finance firms.
Chicago's commercial real estate (CRE) sector faces significant challenges due to high taxes, stringent regulations, and an unclear political agenda, making new projects difficult to finance. Despite some optimism about the market's potential, many developers express frustration over the lack of predictability in tax liabilities and the city's political environment. However, initiatives like Mayor Brandon Johnson's "Cut The Tape" aim to streamline development processes and address these hurdles.
Colliers reported a 32% increase in office leasing in the Americas last quarter, contributing to a 6% revenue growth overall. The company experienced strong leasing activity across all service lines, with net earnings up over 50% year-over-year. Additionally, Colliers completed a $475M acquisition of Englobe, enhancing its engineering services. Executives anticipate a rebound in capital markets and continued growth in leasing revenues as market conditions improve.
Austin's office leasing activity declined in Q2 2024, dropping from one million to 900,000 square feet, despite a 32% year-over-year increase in the first half. Most leases were under 100,000 square feet, with Visa being a notable exception. The office market faces high vacancy rates at 28.1%, with ongoing construction potentially increasing availability. While average asking rates rose slightly, Savills anticipates downward pressure on prices due to high vacancies and a slowdown in the technology sector's demand, although short-term leasing activity may improve with increased tours.

Workplace News

Post-COVID, office leases on higher floors have shown strong performance, with higher effective rents, particularly in Manhattan, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Law firms and investment banks dominate high-rise leases, with significant deals reported. While Manhattan's rents rose, San Francisco experienced a decline compared to pre-COVID levels. Despite a preference for higher floors, concession ratios for these leases were similar to or exceeded those of lower floors, indicating a complex market dynamic.
Post-pandemic, coworking spaces have become essential amenities for office landlords to attract tenants, offering flexibility and a hospitality-driven experience. With a national office vacancy rate at 20.1%, landlords are incorporating coworking options to meet evolving tenant needs and maintain occupancy, despite some landlords preferring long-term commitments over flexible arrangements.
A study by economists from the University of Essex and the University of Chicago indicates that remote and hybrid work models may hinder innovation. Employees in hybrid settings generated fewer innovative ideas and those working from home produced lower quality ideas compared to in-office workers. The research highlights the importance of spontaneous interactions for innovation, suggesting that companies should coordinate in-office days to enhance creativity, despite the benefits of work-life balance offered by flexible work arrangements.

Dealers

Forward Space - Celebrating 5 years of Winning Culture!
Forward Space's Milwaukee office has won the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Award for five consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to a people-first culture. The office design emphasizes employee well-being with features like natural light, wellness corners, and flexible benefits. Leadership from Tim Geier and Elizabeth Lewis fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, contributing to high employee morale and satisfaction.

Trends

Workplace management vendors are exploring new methods to track worker occupancy in buildings, which is crucial for efficient space management and energy use. Techniques include sensors, IoT devices, and badge data, each with limitations. Tango has introduced a product that combines traditional occupancy data with information from computer networks, providing a comprehensive view of space utilization while adhering to privacy regulations. This system can help companies analyze team behaviors, optimize space usage, and adjust strategies based on hybrid work policies and occupancy trends.

Design

Modern employees seek office environments that enhance productivity and accommodate diverse workstyles, similar to the user-friendly experience of an iPhone. To attract workers back to the office, organizations must integrate advanced technologies, create adaptive spaces, and implement smart hybrid solutions that cater to individual needs. Intentional design and thoughtful use of space are essential for fostering a positive work experience and ensuring employees see tangible benefits from returning to the office.
Web 2.0 has transformed the modern workplace by fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment where purpose, value, and community are essential. Organizations must articulate a clear purpose to engage employees, provide growth opportunities, and create spaces that promote collaboration and celebrate community. The shift from Work 1.0 to Work 2.0 emphasizes the importance of thoughtful workspace design and the cultivation of loyal employee relationships, aligning with the principles of the creator economy.
Creating inclusive workspaces for neurodivergent individuals is essential for fostering creativity and high performance. Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact their work experience, necessitating supportive design that addresses the eight sensory systems. Employers should implement changes that allow for user control and choice, ensuring that physical and emotional needs are met. Additionally, promoting general awareness, flexible work schedules, and self-advocacy can further enhance the work environment for neurodivergent employees.
Human-led design is increasingly vital for successful hybrid workplaces, focusing on employee needs and productivity. Despite a rise in office attendance, many workers still prefer remote work for focused tasks. Effective hybrid design requires a balance of various workspace types, informed by data on employee preferences and productivity. Challenges remain in optimizing office utilization, with organizations needing to consider costs and return on investment while enhancing workplace experiences through strategic investments in technology and flexible furniture.

Coworking

IWG is expanding its coworking presence in California by opening 17 new locations by mid-2025, increasing its total to 196. This expansion comes amid a surge in demand for flexible workspaces, with IWG reporting record revenues of over $3 billion in 2023. The new locations will primarily operate under managed partnership agreements and will cater to the growing preference for flexible work environments.

Latest Product News

Allsteel has introduced 15 new modern colors for its poly shell seating, enhancing the Lyric, Vicinity, and Inspire lines to suit contemporary office environments. The colors are designed to complement existing Allsteel paint colors, featuring a mix of neutrals and vibrant hues for cohesive office design.
Arcadia has launched the Lineup series, a versatile collection of lounge and modular seating, semi-private booths, tables, and planters designed for collaborative environments. Created by IDA Design, Lineup features customizable components that cater to various work styles and settings, promoting human interaction and collaboration. The collection includes diverse seating options, meeting tables, and planters, all designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind, making it suitable for corporate, educational, healthcare, and hospitality spaces.
Carnegie has launched new silicone hybrid coated upholsteries, Embellish Print and Botanic Print, as part of its Conscious Collection. These PVC-free fabrics combine sustainability with design, featuring digital prints that mimic woven textures while ensuring durability and cleanability. Both prints are suitable for high-traffic environments and can be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants, making them ideal for various applications in healthcare, hospitality, and education.

Kirei Launches the Breeze Cloud, Cypher Panel, and Contour Tile, a Part of the First Collection From Carnegie Acoustic Solutions
Kirei has launched the Breeze Cloud, Cypher Panel, and Contour Tile as part of the Hyper Sonic Collection from Carnegie Acoustic Solutions, offering innovative acoustic design elements for walls and ceilings. These products are made from 60% recycled materials, meet environmental standards, and provide aesthetic appeal while enhancing sound absorption. The collection allows for customization in colors and prints, and Kirei offers design support services for tailored project needs.
Carl Hansen & Son has released a new paper cord variant of Børge Mogensen’s Table Bench, originally part of his multifunctional furniture concept. The Table Bench, relaunched in 2020 in rattan, is available in long and short versions and can be used independently or combined with other pieces in the collection for various interior design needs.
Reed, from Armadillo's New Icons collection, features a tight, flat weave reminiscent of Japanese tatami mats, combining hand and mill-spun jute with a subtle wool weft. This full-coverage rug is designed for spaces meant for relaxation, dining, or play, and is part of the brand's 15th-anniversary celebration.
The Infinity Collection by Rachael H. Grochowski for Jamie Stern Furniture features nature-inspired seating designed to enhance connection and creativity. It includes two chairs and two sofas, emphasizing comfort and beauty. The collection arose from Grochowski's desire to create a furniture line that reflects her vision of comfort and connection, leading to a collaboration with Jamie Stern. Each piece can be customized with various fabrics and leathers, catering to diverse interior styles. Jamie Stern has over 40 years of experience in the design industry, while RHG Architecture + Design focuses on creating immersive, holistic spaces.
Jamie Stern Furniture, Carpet, Leather & Fabric has expanded its Verona and Metro II leather collections with 15 new colorways, adding seven shades to Verona and eight to Metro II. The Verona collection features aniline-dyed leather with a high-gloss finish, now totaling 34 colors, while Metro II offers classic aesthetics with a two-tone effect. Both collections balance elegance and durability, are in-stock, and ready to ship within a week. Jamie Stern has over 40 years of experience in the interior design industry, providing resources for various high-end projects.
The Emilio Velvet Collection by Jeannene Doub for Jamie Stern Fabric features playful upholstery textiles inspired by mid-century design, offering four patterns and 19 colorways. The collection combines vibrant graphics with durability, suitable for hospitality and residential projects. It reflects a strategic expansion of Jamie Stern's fabric division, emphasizing beauty and sustainability while providing unique options for designers.
Jamie Stern Furniture has introduced the Trilogy and Peek tables and stools, designed for versatility in various settings such as corporate and residential spaces. These lightweight, customizable pieces feature a blend of straight and curved lines, making them easy to move and group for seating. The Trilogy Table and Stool have a round top and upholstered seat, while the Peek variants feature rectangular tops with curved sides. Both collections offer multiple finishes and upholstery options, emphasizing clean lines and thoughtful design details.

Industrial Design

Polaroid has collaborated with the Eames Office to create the limited-edition Polaroid Now Generation 2 Eames Edition camera, reflecting a blend of design history and functionality. The camera features a subdued Elephant Hide Gray color, double-exposure mode, and is made with 40% recycled materials. This partnership honors the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, who integrated photography into their design process, making the camera a tribute to their innovative spirit.

Industry Marketing Watch

The latest email marketing messages hitting the INBOX

Vintage Advertising from the Archives

Office designed with EFFICIENCY in mind...

the furniture, of course, by All-Steel ASE 4000 Line, the furniture as flexible ax your imagination... to create distinguished offices for every type of business and to meet all needs in office furniture. See your ASE dealer or write for brochure.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Graham Baba Architects revitalized a 1920s building in Seattle for Vitus, transforming it into a mixed-use space with retail, office areas, and a penthouse. The design emphasizes the building's historical character while incorporating modern elements like a feature stair and art display areas. The penthouse serves dual purposes for business meetings and entertainment, featuring multiple decks with views of Puget Sound. The project highlights sustainability and community involvement in the design process.
Samsen Technology's new office, designed by Note Design Studio, merges the aesthetics of an aspirational apartment with a functional workspace, emphasizing comfort and individuality. The design features warm textiles, custom furniture, and a cozy atmosphere, promoting a human-centric approach to work. By embracing hybrid work styles, the office reflects a blend of home and office environments, creating inviting spaces for collaboration and creativity.
The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) has opened its first permanent headquarters in NYC, designed by M Moser Associates, to serve the community of low-income, immigrant, and Chinese American New Yorkers. The 40,000 sq ft space emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and accessibility, featuring flexible areas for various programs, gender-neutral bathrooms, wellness rooms, and a central staircase for interaction. The design incorporates community input and reflects CPC's mission, with artistic contributions from Asian-American artists. The headquarters aims to enhance the lives of the 60,000 individuals served annually through education, family support, and economic development programs.
Studio Rhonda transformed Omlet's new HQ in a historic malt house into an inviting workspace by incorporating biophilic design principles, bold colors, and natural materials. The design emphasizes open spaces with acoustic considerations, playful kitchen areas, and a cohesive visual language using cork and ash, reflecting the company's identity and fostering a comfortable environment for employees.

Latest In Real Life WFH

Dinesh Dave, Co-founder and Creative Director at Work is Play, has over 15 years of experience in design, having worked with major brands. His workspace features a mix of functional and playful items, including a mini basketball hoop that fosters creativity and team bonding. His daily routine includes enjoying espresso, solving puzzles, and collaborating on design projects, all while maintaining a joyful and engaging environment.
Adam Noffsinger, a Product Designer and founder of Found, has a workspace equipped with Apple products and furniture like a Jarvis standing desk and EQ3 chair. He utilizes tools such as Arc, Notion, and Figma, and recently added an Inventery Bolt Action Pen to his workspace. His daily routine is evolving as he starts a new company.

Upcoming Industry Events

Orgatec 2024
October 22-26, 2024 | Cologne, Germany

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.

NeoCon 2025 / DesignDays 2025
June 9-11, 2025 | Chicago, IL
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. A launch pad for innovation—NeoCon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.  Joining at the same time, in Fulton Market is DesignDays, a compatible show that now hosts more than half of the largest office furniture manufacturers. Hint: See both.

As seen on Chairish

Vintage Office Chair by Alberto Meda for Vitra, 2005

The office chair was designed by Alberto Meda in 1996 and produced by Vitra in 2005. It has a synchronised mechanism, a tiltable and lockable backrest and sling-style seat cushions.

The seat cover and armrests are made of leather, the backrest of black mesh fabric. This piece has an attribution mark,

Condition: Good Condition, Unknown, Some Imperfections. Patina Consistent with Age and Use.

Seller Location: Reichertshausen, Germany

$598 + shipping

MMQB Expert Advice: Consider. This chair is the real thing. However, it's more of a side chair version since it lacks castors. This is an example of modern design that Vitra helps to foster through all of their products. Meda himself, is an industrial designer with an engineering background, has collaborated with numerous companies, including Vitra, resulting in notable designs like the MedaPro and MedaPal chairs. He has lectured at institutions such as Domus Academy and Politecnico of Milan and has conducted seminars worldwide. His works are featured in major museums like MoMA, and in 2023, the Triennale di Milano held a retrospective of his work. So, yeah, worth collecting, especially if you live in German where shipping won't cost more than the product itself.

Industry Briefing

Groupe Lacasse - Nomination of Laura Brown, Healthcare Sales Manager for East US
Groupe Lacasse has promoted Laura Brown to Healthcare Sales Manager for the Eastern US, where she will lead sales for the Neocase brand and healthcare portfolio. With extensive experience and strong relationships in the industry, her leadership is expected to enhance the company's market presence and drive growth.

MiEN Appoints Avron Levin as Senior Director of Furniture Innovation
MiEN Company has appointed Avron Levin as Senior Director of Furniture Innovation, where he will lead the creative team in designing agile learning spaces. Levin, with over 20 years of experience, previously founded NorvaNivel and is committed to delivering innovative designs tailored to educational needs. CEO Remco Bergsma expressed confidence in Levin's ability to enhance MiEN's reputation and product offerings in the education sector.

Empire Office Adds to New York Sales Team
Empire Office has appointed Michael Gerla as Executive Vice President of Sales in New York to enhance business development and client relationships. With over 20 years of experience, he will focus on innovative sales initiatives and achieving sales targets. Empire Office, a leading provider of commercial furniture and interior solutions, has a 78-year history and serves many top Fortune 500 companies.

Spectorgroup Welcomes Senior Designer to New York City Office
Spectorgroup has welcomed Senior Designer Gergana Tzolova to its New York City office, bringing ten years of experience in hospitality and commercial design. Gergana will focus on creative solutions for various sectors and aims to foster deep client relationships. Spectorgroup, celebrating its sixtieth anniversary, emphasizes research-backed design to enhance the built environment.

Camira launches the ‘Colour Manifesto’ in collaboration with world-leading colour consultancy
Camira has launched the ‘Colour Manifesto’ in collaboration with Luminary Colour to assist interior design professionals in fabric specification. This resource features four distinct colour palettes and lifestyle photography, aiming to inspire architects and designers while reflecting Camira's approach to colour as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The manifesto emphasizes timeless colour schemes and sustainable interior design, moving away from trends to create enduring aesthetics.

Whitney Brothers Furniture Earns Antimicrobial Certification
Whitney Brothers Furniture has announced that its entire product portfolio now features a natural UV finish certified as 99.99% antimicrobial, effectively preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This certification, achieved through independent testing, underscores the company's commitment to safety and health for young children, who frequently interact with furniture surfaces. Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers is known for its high-quality early learning furniture and has a long-standing reputation for safety and innovation.

MMQB Help Wanted Ads

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Indoff is expanding and needs experienced outside sales professionals in your area. If you’re tired of missing out on money due to low commission rates or you’re sick of quotas, then Indoff is the perfect solution for you.
We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and maintaining relationships with key clients, identifying new business opportunities and driving sales growth for the company.
The Healthcare Account Manager will be responsible for representing Wieland products to the healthcare market inIndiana and Kentucky.
JSI, a design-driven furniture brand focused on building a strong, thriving business for the next generation is seeking a Vice President of Sales. 
OFS is excited to announce that we are actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team as Healthcare Sales Specialists.
Exemplis, manufacturer of SitOnIt and IDEON seating, is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated sales representative for our Northern California Sales Team. 

Industry Leading Partners + MMQB
 
Times are changing and navigating the uncertainty of business isn’t for the meek. AIS is here to help you every single day.
 
At Allsteel, we design furnishings and architectural products for a wide range of environments. But our “why” is about something much deeper. It’s about connection, learning, shaping an experience, and enabling companies and employees to become the best versions of themselves. It’s about blending what’s pragmatic with what’s possible—for better comfort, productivity, efficiency, and collaboration. 
 

A family-owned company that has developed into a market-leading manufacturer of high-quality components for the office chair, lounge furniture and automotive industry since 1969. Bock supports their customers as a holistic specialist partner and manufacture both standardized and individual solutions made of polyurethane, various plastics and aluminum according to your requirements.

 
COE Distributing is a national office furniture distributor with a passion for creating inspiring work environments. A family-owned business since 1947, COE sources high-quality office furniture with forward-thinking, well-planned design from around the globe. Based in southwestern Pennsylvania with distribution centers in North Carolina and Texas, COE boasts an enthusiastic team dedicated to delivering the right solutions for our customers.
 
Colecraft
Colecraft Commercial Furnishings has been creating and building one-of-a-kind commercial furniture and architectural casework solutions since 2003.
 
Corp Design understand the importance of creating a comfortable and functional workspace. That's why we offer a wide range of office furniture solutions that cater to the needs of modern businesses. Our products are designed to enhance productivity, promote collaboration, and create a professional image for your company.
 
Donati is dedicated to manufacturing for the world’s best furniture brands.
We enable our industry clients to develop and distribute outstanding product in terms of innovation, quality and sustainability.
 
Groupe Lacasse is a North American leader in the design, manufacture and service of a broad range of high-quality furniture solutions for all types of business and institutional environments. Headquartered in Saint-Pie, Québec, Canada, the company employs over 561 members.
 
At KiSP we create, develop and provide client-facing solutions to manufacturers, dealers, interior designers and customers in the office furniture industry. During our 30 years in the industry, our solutions have created revenues where they never existed, added value to the services you provide and established greater loyalty between you and your customers.
 
Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated solutions of high-design site furniture, advanced LED lighting, structure, and custom environments.
 
Maverick Desk specializes in the manufacturing of office furniture. Established in 1992, the company operates state-of-the-art facilities in both California and Ohio, with distribution channels throughout North America. The company offers over 9 product lines of office furniture, providing solutions for traditional wooden office furniture needs. They emphasize an expedited response to meet the demands of today's fast-paced work environment.
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry since 1969.
 
N9NE Furniture Group is a leading office furniture distributor with a nationwide presence covering the entire US. Our commitment lies in providing comprehensive office furniture solutions that prioritize customer service, affordability, sustainability and ergonomic design without compromising on style. At N9NE, we believe in creating workspaces that inspire productivity and comfort while reflecting the latest trends and industry standards. 
 
At Office Star Products, we measure success by each relationship our business builds. Together, we make lifelong industry friends through respect, trust, loyalty and a handshake. We think these values are essential to expanding our customer base and growing meaningful product lines.
 
For more than 20 years, Special-T has delivered Grade A tables at Grade C prices, thanks to a fierce commitment to innovation in technology, and a “whatever it takes” approach to customer service.
 
Office chairs that feel as good as they look.
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