DIRTT Reports Third Quarter Sales Gain as Losses Continue / Workplace Install Network, Inc. Acquires Office Interiors of Virginia out of Bankruptcy / Hot Desking Is Next Risk to Office Property Market, Morgan Stanley Says / Workers to Spend Up to 25% Less Time in Office, CBRE CEO Says  / Class A Offices Moderated JLL’s Vacancy Increases / The fight over return-to-office is turning into a disability dispute / As New Work Patterns Emerge, the Workplace Must Respond / How office furniture changes in ‘flight to quality’ / Using Experience Strategy to Design What People Truly Want / Inclusive office design is essential if we want offices to be worth the commute / Adapting Mixed-Use Buildings for Remote Work / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, November 13. 2023

Industry News

DIRTT Reports Third Quarter Sales Gain as Losses Continue
DIRTT Environmental Solutions Ltd., no longer a publicy traded corporation, announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023. In their seasonally strongest quarter, they generated revenue of $49.5 million, an 11% increase from the second quarter and a 6% increase compared to the prior year period. Despite a net loss of $6.3 million, the company achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of $5.3 million, showing improvement in their financial performance. DIRTT also announced the closure of the Rock Hill facility, resulting in an $8.0 million impairment charge. The company remains focused on optimizing their cost structure and product mix while strengthening their commercial organization and partner network.

Third quarter 2023 revenues for DIRTT were $49.5 million, with a gross profit margin of 34.4%. This represents an increase of 6% from the third quarter of 2022. The company achieved an Adjusted Gross Profit of $18.3 million, with a margin of 36.9%, showing significant improvement from the prior year's third quarter. Sales and marketing expenses increased slightly, while general and administrative expenses decreased. Despite economic uncertainties, DIRTT says it is confident in its position for revenue growth and is closely monitoring the market conditions to navigate any challenges. 

Workplace Install Network, Inc. Acquires Office Interiors of Virginia out of Bankruptcy
Workplace Install Network, Inc. (WIN) has acquired Office Interiors of Virginia, a firm serving enterprise and government clients for over 35 years. OIVA sought bankruptcy protection on April 16, 2023 stating in court records that it took a financial hit from a combination of factors prompted by the pandemic.This acquisition allows WIN to offer a comprehensive suite of workplace solutions nationwide, including office furniture installations, decommissioning services, project management, and more. The acquisition strengthens WIN's commitment to providing top-tier workplace services and positions the company as an industry leader focused on sustainability and technology integration.
 
In May of this year, William Ray Miller, COO of the bankrupt Office Interiors of Virginia (OIVA), attempted to acquire the company for $1.37 million. The bid included taking on $1.25 million in debt and $150,000 in cash. Miller, at the time, was not the owner of OIVA, but was personally obligated on some of the company's debts. Ultimately however, Workplace Install Network, Inc. purchased the assets.
Hot desking, along with work from home, is seen as a significant risk to the office property market, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley. If hot desking becomes more widespread, it could lead to a considerable reduction in office space demand. The UK appears to have the highest prevalence of hot desking, followed by Germany and France. Despite this risk, Morgan Stanley still favors London-focused office stocks due to occupiers gravitating towards city-center locations. However, these stocks have experienced declines this year due to concerns about debt servicing costs and asset valuations.
According to the CEO of CBRE Group Inc., workers are expected to spend 20% to 25% less time in the office compared to pre-pandemic. This shift towards remote work has led to declining tenant demand and an increase in office vacancy rates. Additionally, rising borrowing costs have negatively impacted commercial real estate valuations.
JLL, a global real estate company, experienced a challenging quarter with decreased profits. However, they saw some positive news in the Class A office market, where vacancy rates were relatively stable. Despite the impact of the pandemic on property values, operating Class A office spaces still generated net operating income. Investment activity in the real estate market remained subdued, with office spaces being hit the hardest. JLL, along with other industry leaders, does not expect significant improvements until the second half of 2024, leading to an extension of their mid-term targets beyond 2025.
The fit-out market in London has faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, and an unstable domestic policy environment. Despite supply chain challenges, the market needs to focus on delivering best value, cost certainty, and quality. The construction industry is forecasted to contract before stabilizing and growing in the coming years. Rising costs, material availability, skilled labor shortages, and growing insolvencies are ongoing challenges. To deliver value, it is important to consider the bigger picture beyond just price, engage contractors early, and prioritize collaboration and partnerships. Traditional tendering methods are becoming less efficient, leading to a shift towards hybrid two-stage models. Greater collaboration, transparency, and trust are needed for the fit-out industry to evolve and improve.
The battle over return-to-office is leading to an increase in disability discrimination charges, particularly related to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Employers requiring workers to return to the workplace and denying accommodation requests are contributing to the rise in charges. The number of charges filed alleging discrimination against individuals with these conditions has increased by at least 16% from 2021 to 2022. While most accommodation requests are still approved, the approval rate has declined since the pandemic. Mental illness, exacerbated by Covid-19, and the return-to-office transition are key factors in this dispute.

Herman Miller and Design Within Reach (DWR) Bring 3D Product Visualization to Retail Sites
3D Cloud by Marxent, in collaboration with Herman Miller and Design Within Reach (DWR), has launched 3D product configurators on their retail websites. The configurators allow customers to visualize and customize products, download images, and share designs. The integration demonstrates the scalability of the 3D Cloud platform and enhances the online furniture shopping experience. In the future, augmented reality capabilities will be introduced. Herman Miller and DWR are committed to providing easy-to-use tools for customers and designers to create unique spaces.

Donati publishes new sustainability report

Despite a difficult macroeconomic scenario with a slowdown in demand for office furniture and a sharp rise in energy and raw material costs, Italian industrial supplier Donati was able to record double-digit growth in 2022 while continuing on its path towards social and environmental responsibility. We took a look at the company's new sustainability report and spoke to the President and CEO, Armando Donati, and the Sustainability Manager, Silvia Crescini, about the latest achievements and plans for the future.

As a supplier to the world's best-known office furniture brands, Donati develops chair components and complete chair solutions with focus on innovation, quality and sustainability. Armando Donati explains how environmental awareness relates to the entire life cycle of the products and how it includes the supplier and customer network: "We believe in things that last: durable products, lasting solutions and solid relationships. We also believe in collaborative networks of all kinds, and that includes responsibility towards our team, our partners, society and nature."

Based on these values, Donati’s sustainability agenda is broadly defined and integrates the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In addition to environmental topics such as energy consumption, waste management and materials, the new sustainability report provides detailed information on the Group's identity and strategy, infrastructure and economic capital. It also goes into detail about relationships with customers, suppliers and local communities, human capital, business ethics and governance.

"We have opted for a comprehensive approach to sustainability, as all our actions are systemically linked," says Silvia Crescini, whose team is responsible for promoting environmental awareness within the company and its network, managing environmental certifications for products and companies and, most importantly, implementing strategic improvement projects.

Longevity and Recycling

An example from Donati's component range illustrates how the company puts longevity at the centre. Epron, a synchronized tilting mechanism, was developed in the early 1990s and, after several rounds of updates, is still a bestseller in today's market. Over three decades, Donati has ensured that all generations of Epron are compatible with the same seat plates or armrests and are therefore interchangeable. In turn, this supplier strategy enables chair manufacturers to build service-friendly product platforms that can remain on the market for a very long time.

On the way to a circular economy, Donati is aiming for full recyclability of its components. Engineers are using eco-design models and investigating more efficient solutions for assembling and disassembling the product at the end of its life so that the materials are easy to separate and recycle. While the raw aluminium for Donati's die-casting process already comes from 100% recycled sources, the use of recycled material in Donati's plastic injection moulding has been continuously increased in recent years. Today, all black nylon feet produced by Donati are made entirely from recycled material. For upholstery, Donati offers its customers a selection of seat fabrics made from 100% post-consumer waste. The company recently joined the SEAQUAL initiative, that has launched programmes to clean up beaches, rivers and oceans. The plastic waste is taken from nature and transformed into new raw materials, which Donati purchases in the form of polyester yarns and fabrics.

Transparency and Collaboration

In recent decades, Donati has rapidly expanded its collaboration with the international furniture industry and opened its own factories in China and the USA in 2007 and 2008 respectively. As a supplier, Donati’s actions feed directly into the sustainability strategies of its customers. This is why Donati adopted UNI EN ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system early on, and in 2009 was the first manufacturer of office seating components to introduce product category rules and environmental product declarations. Today, Donati's sustainability report provides comprehensive information in a transparent and reliable form - in accordance with the GRI standards and audited in accordance with ISAE 3000.

As Armando Donati explains: "We feel a strong sense of responsibility for our environmental and social impact and have therefore defined an ambitious strategy, the progress of which is closely monitored and documented so that we can share it with our customers and other relevant stakeholders." Flicking through the pages of the new sustainability report, it is clear how serious Donati is about continuous improvement and that his company is willing to share much more information than many other private companies in the sector.

An abridged version of Donati’s Sustainability Report is available for download on www.donati-industries.com For the complete report please contact sustainability@donatiholding.it

Features

Over the past four years, work and workers have undergone permanent changes due to the global pandemic. A gap exists between what employees say and do regarding their office usage, with employees expressing a need for the office two-thirds of a typical work week for productivity. Factors such as generation, life stage, and commute impact how and where employees work. Distributed work and team types also influence office usage. The physical work environment, including access to different types of spaces and office vibe, affects the need to work in the office. Future office design should be people-centric, flexible, and tailored to diverse needs and behaviors to create an inclusive and productive work environment.

Workspace News

Companies are downsizing office spaces but signing leases for higher quality spaces in an effort to entice employees back to the office. This trend, known as the "flight to quality," includes investing in office furniture to create attractive and adaptable spaces. Furniture such as pods or huddle spaces, as well as nature-based environments, are becoming popular choices. However, companies should also focus on creating a clear message about the purpose of the workplace to rally employees together.
The article discusses the challenges and considerations for hybrid work models. It highlights the need for companies to focus on operational issues beyond just space, such as protocols for distributed work, health and safety, and team building. The lack of a structured playbook for hybrid work is a common challenge, and companies must ensure they have the right policies and strategies in place to make hybrid work successful. The article also emphasizes the importance of considering individual preferences and the collective community when determining work models. Failure to address these issues may lead to a bumpy transition to hybrid work.
According to Gallup's 2023 report, full-time UK employees are experiencing historically high levels of daily negative experiences, with a score of 32 on the Negative Experience Index. This is attributed to workplace disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, energy price-related cost-of-living crisis, and political upheaval due to Brexit. Additionally, UK workers have one of the lowest rates of engagement at work in Europe. Companies are urged to address employee engagement and wellbeing to improve productivity and performance.

Trends

AI is being used in office design to analyze data and make recommendations for improvements. However, AI's potential in designing entire offices depends on data access, clear design goals, and human oversight. AI faces limitations in interpreting subjective ideas and requires access to extensive data and highly detailed company information. Additionally, AI is commonly used as a tool for generative design, providing multiple design options for human decision-making.
The shift towards remote work has impacted the commercial real estate landscape, leading to high office vacancies. To adapt, mixed-use buildings are incorporating creative office spaces and co-working facilities. These workspaces offer plush furnishings, advanced technology, and seamless connectivity. Surrounding these workspaces with a vibrant ecosystem of stores, restaurants, and gyms creates a dynamic environment. Examples include The Q Variel and The Q Topanga in Los Angeles. These mixed-use buildings foster a sense of community, provide an economic boost, and enhance the overall satisfaction of residents. Architects play a crucial role in redefining the boundaries between work and leisure, creating flexible and enriching work experiences for remote workers.

Design

Experience Strategy plays a crucial role in designing spaces that meet people's needs and desires. By incorporating the perspective of end users and vividly depicting their experiences, the resulting design is more likely to be successful. Gensler's extensive research reveals trends such as the importance of satisfaction and comfort, a shift towards "we"-focused experiences, and the potential impact of AI in personalization. Gathering experiential data and involving diverse expertise in design decisions are also highlighted as essential factors in creating successful spaces.
Organizations recognize the importance of inclusive office design and people-centric real estate strategies to drive positive change and fuel growth. Inclusive design now encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a focus on mental health and neurodiversity. Innovative technology also plays a role in making spaces more inclusive and sustainable. Businesses are aiming to create workspaces that are attractive, reduce carbon footprint, and cater to DEI. Workplace design is being rethought to improve engagement, well-being, and attract top talent. A human-centric approach is crucial to understanding employee needs and creating spaces that support different journeys and interactions. The real estate sector is shifting towards purpose-driven spaces that foster collaboration and a sense of belonging.

Coworking

WeWork, the global network of shared office spaces, is on the verge of filing for bankruptcy just eight months after announcing a multibillion-dollar rescue package. The disruption caused by Covid-19 and a surge in telecommuting proved too much for the company, which had never posted a quarterly operating profit. WeWork's ability to discharge long-term leases will determine the recovery for bondholders. The anticipated bankruptcy filing will mark a high-profile fall from grace for a company once valued at $47 billion, highlighting the risks of prioritizing growth at all costs.
WeWork has filed for bankruptcy, marking the end of a tumultuous period that included a failed IPO, Covid-19 lockdowns, and a blank-check merger. The company listed $19 billion of liabilities and $15 billion of assets in its bankruptcy petition. WeWork reached a restructuring deal with SoftBank and existing creditors to reduce debt and eliminate most of its shares. The company plans to reject leases and renegotiate contracts through the court process. WeWork's bankruptcy is the result of a years-long saga that saw rapid growth, layoffs, and a multi-billion-dollar bailout. Other shared office-space firms, such as Knotel and IWG subsidiaries, have also faced bankruptcy due to the pandemic's impact on working habits.
WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is seeking to reject 69 leases in the US and Canada, with plans to potentially exit a total of 163 locations. The company aims to cut costs and become profitable by renegotiating leases and reducing its real estate portfolio. WeWork's restructuring plan involves converting about $3 billion of debt to equity, resulting in lenders becoming the majority owners of the company and existing shareholders likely being wiped out.
WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an attempt to restructure and shed underperforming locations. The bankruptcy filing allows WeWork to reject leases and reduce landlords' claims for back rent. The company aims to emerge as a leaner business and attract new investment. While some landlords may take back defunct spaces, others may negotiate new agreements with WeWork. The demise of WeWork is not expected to have a systemic impact on office markets, and rival operators are looking to acquire former WeWork locations. Potential buyers for WeWork include IWG and private equity firms.
WeWork's journey over the past year has been marked by highs and lows. After reaching a valuation of $47 billion in 2019, the company faced challenges following a failed IPO and leadership changes. Under new CEO Sandeep Mathrani, WeWork implemented cost-cutting measures and went public through an SPAC merger. However, the company recently filed for bankruptcy as it continues to grapple with profitability and market pressures. Despite its struggles, WeWork remains a significant player in the flexible office space industry.
WeWork's downfall can be attributed to a combination of factors, including unrealistic expansion plans, extravagant spending, and a market shift towards remote work. The company's value plummeted after failed attempts at an IPO, and it struggled with massive lease obligations and dwindling demand for its office spaces. Ultimately, WeWork's fate was sealed by its financial troubles and inability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
WeWork's bankruptcy filing adds pressure to an already precarious office sector undergoing structural change. The national office vacancy rate is close to a record high, and the massive reconsideration and restructuring of office spaces due to remote work and hybrid models further complicates the situation. WeWork's bankruptcy allows them to cancel leases and limits damages for landlords. While there may be demand for the space, it could come at the expense of Class B and C property owners. IWG has been in talks to acquire some of WeWork's locations, but the overall impact of WeWork's bankruptcy remains difficult to estimate.

Green / Sustainability

BEYOND, HLW's Integrated Sustainability Specialty Sector, Recenters Focus on Holistic Approach to Environmental Transparency and Responsibility
BEYOND, the sustainability-focused specialty partner of HLW, has redefined its service offering to promote human wellbeing and ecological health in the built environment. Led by Jonce Walker, the team prioritizes decarbonization, resilience, and immune-conscious certifications like WELL Health & Safety and Fitwel. They have certified over 50 million square feet of space and achieved an embodied carbon reduction of 30 percent. BEYOND's work integrates sustainability with human wellness, and their projects include Schrödinger headquarters and Eisai headquarters. The consultancy supports HLW as an integrated team while also serving as an independent partner. For more information, visit www.gobeyondwithus.com.

Allseating Receives Sustainability Seal-of-Approval Across All Product Lines
Allseating has received the Greenhealth Approved seal, making them the third furniture manufacturer and the first Canadian-based company to achieve this recognition. The seal indicates that Allseating's products meet specific sustainability criteria, allowing healthcare providers to easily identify environmentally preferred products. Allseating has also earned the LEVEL®3 certification, the highest sustainability achievement, across all product lines.

Andreu World Joins B Corp Community
International furniture manufacturer Andreu World has recently achieved B Corp certification, demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental performance. With a score of 103.7, surpassing the average of 50.9, Andreu World joins a community of businesses dedicated to making a positive impact. This certification aligns with the company's Circular Design® Challenge, aiming to achieve a circular economy by 2025.

Other News

A psychologist explains the meaning behind common work-related dreams. Dreams of being late or unprepared may reflect concerns about meeting expectations or fear of failure. Conflict dreams may indicate communication issues in the workplace. Dreams about job loss or demotion reveal anxieties about job security and performance. Repetitive tasks or mundane work dreams may signal dissatisfaction and a need for change. Dreams about doing a different job may reflect a desire for personal growth. Being chased at work can indicate feeling overwhelmed, while missing a deadline dreams may show stress about meeting expectations. Inability to communicate dreams may reveal challenges in expressing oneself. Positive work dreams, such as success and recognition, may signify a desire for achievement or validation.

Latest Products

Scandinavian Spaces introduces Central, an ergonomic dining chair that combines the comfort of a lounge chair with the functionality of a dining chair. Designed by bonpart studio, Central features clean lines, stylish angles, and a captivating frame. The chair's rectangular legs are available in solid ash, oak, or steel, with various finishes to choose from. With its unique upholstery and subtle stitching details, Central exudes sophistication. The designer aimed for timeless beauty and intelligent solutions, resulting in a lounge/dining combo that provides a sense of calmness and centering for its occupants. Central bridges the gap between dining and lounge furniture, offering versatility in various spaces within the modern workplace.

The shift in the workplace is happening, and Central supports this evolution by putting people at the heart of its design. This hybrid chair sits at dining height but feels like a lounge, allowing for flexibility and character-building in different environments. Its clear-lined shapes and soft landing provide a moment of arrival, rest, and relaxation. Central's design embodies the feeling of being centered in a place. With its ability to bridge the gap between dining and lounge, Central opens up a world of opportunities when navigating the interior landscape of today's workplace.

Conscious Power Solutions has introduced the MG Power Plus, a power tower that combines power, durability, and portability. Designed with the end user in mind, it offers an elegant and sturdy solution for powering devices in various work settings. The MG Power Plus features 8 tamper-resistant power outlets and a choice of 4 to 6 USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Made with industrial strength aluminum extrusions and castings coated in a tough powder coat finish, it ensures durability. The tower is available in two heights and two standard paint options, offering flexibility in design. It utilizes an integrated marine-grade bungee cord to securely hold phones and tablets in place while charging, eliminating the need for additional tables or shelves. The MG Power Plus is ETL listed to the UL 1363 standard, guaranteeing high quality and safety.

According to Paul Murphy, President of Conscious Power Solutions, the MG Power Plus fulfills a clear market need. It is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, portable, and capable of managing multiple power needs while withstanding the challenges of real-world environments. With its versatile features and reliable performance, the MG Power Plus is an ideal power solution for various work environments.

Herman Miller is expanding its OE1 Workspace Collection, designed by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility, to include new productivity-enhancing solutions. The collection features a range of flexible and minimalist furniture, including mobile tables, movable walls, and height-adjustable workstations. The new additions include a height-adjustable desk, a portable power solution, and various other products that enhance agility and adaptability in the workspace. These enhancements provide customers with more flexibility to adapt their floorplates as their needs change.
Hightower's in-house design team, Hightower Studio, has unveiled three new table collections: Draper, Posie, and Flux. Draper offers nesting side and coffee tables with adjustable height options and sustainable materials. Posie features artfully designed tables that can nest together, while Flux provides height-adjustable laptop tables with customizable fabric sleeves. These collections aim to meet the varying needs of users in commercial environments while prioritizing sustainability. For more information about Hightower, visit hightower.design.
The Mitchell Group has introduced three new high-performance products to the commercial market: Toulouse, Paris, and Iberia. Toulouse offers a tri-tone pattern with superior performance, Paris features a bold linear print, and Iberia is a stain-resistant vinyl pattern with a raised pebble-shaped surface. All three products are available in a variety of colors.
Arper's Roopa table collection combines simplicity and sophistication, offering a refined aesthetic with a playful touch. Available in various colorways and shapes, the tables feature a striking contrast between the matte frame and high-gloss semi-translucent glass top. Designed to integrate with other Arper collections, Roopa is made of sustainable materials and can be easily disassembled for recycling or reuse.
Shaw Contract is launching ROAM, a new line of broadloom and carpet tile designed for the hospitality market. The first collection, ROAM | Painted Desert, is inspired by the desert landscape of the North American Southwest. It offers a variety of patterns, scales, and constructions to bring the feel of the desert to life. The collection can be customized and used in different spaces, and additional colorways are available. ROAM | Painted Desert will debut at BDNY in November. shawcontract.com.
Concertex expands its Tekloom® product offerings with the introduction of Hopscotch, a digitally printed fabric with a multi-color geometric pattern. The new offerings also include two woven patterns, Maze and Recess. Tekloom® textiles are environmentally friendly, free of harmful chemicals, and comply with various safety standards.
NaughtOne introduces Percy, a versatile lounge chair that combines a striking design with adaptability for modern spaces. Inspired by mid-century waiting room chairs, Percy features a bold frame and plush upholstery. It can be customized with a choice of colors and upholstery options. Percy won the award for Best Prototype at the 2020 Interior Design Show and is NaughtOne's third new product of 2023. 
BuzziSpace has introduced the BuzziTube Square and BuzziJet Square, modern square designs that combine powerful lighting with acoustic panels to reduce noise and improve focus. Square shapes enhance sound absorption, and the designs offer compositional versatility with multiple sizes and fabric colors. These suspended acoustic panels are suitable for commercial and residential spaces, including restaurants, offices, and educational settings.
The Fold table, designed by Jouni Leino, is a rolling, folding, and vertically nesting table for institutions. Its unique leg design was inspired by modelmaking and mock-ups during the design phase. The legs are made of powder-coated steel and come in seven colors. The table is produced by Flötotto, a contract furniture manufacturer.
The Mono auditorium seating, designed by Philip Kronqvist, is a versatile chair that opens up into a back, seat, and armrests in one movement. The chair is compact when closed and features a spring-loaded seat. It is available in various finishes and is produced by Hamari, an auditorium furniture manufacturer.
Carnegie has expanded its Outdoor Biobased Xorel line with the Al Fresco Collection, offering eco-friendly and durable fabrics for upholstery, wallcoverings, and acoustical panels. Made from sustainably sourced sugarcane, these textiles provide exceptional sustainability and performance for high-traffic commercial environments. The Al Fresco Collection features 26 nature-inspired hues and textures, and the Xorel yarn is available in woven, knitted, or crocheted patterns. The expansion showcases Carnegie's commitment to sustainable design and performance, with the Outdoor Biobased Xorel line already earning prestigious awards and certifications.
British furniture company Bisley, known for its steel office storage solutions, has launched its first collection of storage furniture for the home. The Rowan collection features five storage designs with a minimal aesthetic and oak-framed structure. Customization options include 15 different color options for doors and drawer fronts, as well as two leg options. The collection emphasizes functionality and quality, with soft-close doors and drawers. Bisley aims to offer sustainably sourced, long-lasting furniture at an affordable price point. The launch follows the success of the brand's Fern collection and showcases its attention to detail and manufacturing excellence.

Chemetal and Treefrog to highlight new materials, honor milestone at BDNY
Chemetal, Treefrog, and InteriorArts will showcase their latest products at BDNY in 2023, including Treefrog's new greener wood backer and 11 new prefinished veneers. Chemetal will feature Transparency, a collection of colorful laser-cut metal designs on aluminum panels. Both companies offer customizable options for designers. Visit booth #1769 at BDNY to learn more.
The SecretAir is a concept for a sideboard that transforms into an office desk. While there is no working prototype yet, the design aims to provide a minimalist solution for those who work from home and want their office space to disappear at the end of the day.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Game development studio Tripledot Studios hired workplace design firm Oktra to design their new office in London. The office reflects Tripledot's spirit and playfulness, with brand colors, custom-designed furniture, and vibrant artwork. The space includes diverse workstations, dedicated broadcast rooms, and amenities like vintage arcade games and a pool table to encourage informal interaction and foster team connections.
GoCity's new office in London, designed by Peldon Rose, is located in a refurbished warehouse in Covent Garden. The office features a strong emphasis on sustainability and employee well-being, with amenities like a cycle storage room and a landscaped roof garden. The space incorporates the company's brand identity and offers plenty of natural light, with large windows and open-plan desk areas. Reused furniture and collaborative spaces, such as joinery touchdown booths and a culture wall, reflect GoCity's commitment to inspiring travel and creating memories. The office also includes meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology and named after cities where the company operates.
Brainium Studios hired Hacker Architects to design their new office in Portland, Oregon. The office features a generous reception lounge, a minimal palette with white and blue tones, and a focus on natural light and plants. Conference rooms and enclosed offices are strategically placed to preserve daylight, and acoustic panels are installed to mitigate noise. The office also includes phone booths, multiple kitchens, and modern amenities like a ping-pong table and a fully furnished deck.

Upcoming Industry Events

Clerkenwell Design Week 2024
May 21-23, 2024 | London

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a showcase of leading UK and international brands and companies presented in a series of showroom events, exhibitions and special installations that take place across the area.

NeoCon 2024
June 10-12, 2024 | 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.  

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

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

Industry Briefing

Via Seating to Raise Prices
Via Seating will be implementing a 3% price increase on all products, excluding new 2023 releases, effective December 6th, 2023. The company has made efforts to minimize the impact on customers. This increase is necessary, according to the company, to maintain the quality of seating solutions and customer service.

Landscape Forms Appoints Brittany Conroy as Business Development Associate for Ohio Team
Landscape Forms has appointed Brittany Conroy as Business Development Associate for the Ohio Team, covering the Northern Ohio and Dayton regions. With her experience and knowledge of the company's solutions, Conroy aims to help clients achieve their project goals. She is passionate about building relationships and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University.

Kimball International Wins Two Nightingale Awards for Kolo Pod Solution
Kimball International's Kolo Pod solution received a Silver Nightingale Award and an Innovation Award in the Furniture Collections category at the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo. The Kolo Pods offer flexibility and privacy in healthcare spaces, with features such as sound reduction, visual privacy options, and ADA-compliant design. Kimball International believes that pods can address various challenges in healthcare and support caregivers and patients alike.

Kimball International Wins Best in Show Product Innovation Award for Chaddy Seating Solution
Kimball International's Chaddy seating solution has been awarded the Best in Show Product Innovation Award at EDspaces, Designing the Future of Education Show. The Chaddy chair offers versatility, flexibility, and exceptional comfort, with features such as flip, nest, stack capabilities, optional tablet arm, and a sleek profile. It is designed to create dynamic and practical learning environments while maintaining style and performance.

Bisley Consolidate Position in Middle East with Launch of Dubai Showroom
Bisley, the office furniture manufacturer based in south Wales, UK, is expanding its presence in the Middle East with the launch of a new showroom in Dubai. The 8,000 sq ft showroom is located in the central business district and aims to meet the increasing demand for commercial office space in the region. Bisley already has a strong presence in the Middle East, having worked on office projects for companies such as Bank of America and PWC. The new showroom will serve as Bisley's regional head office for clients in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, and marks the beginning of a larger expansion plan in the Middle East.
Interface, Inc. has released its Fall/Winter 2023 Design Trend Index, showcasing the latest design trends in commercial and residential spaces. The index includes a focus on enduring essentials, insights from the NeoCon 2023 event, and predictions for future design trends. The report highlights the importance of design in shaping our environments and evoking emotions. Interface partnered with trend spotters at NeoCon to provide industry insights and identified ombre as a major trend for workplace design.

Steelcase Recognized for Advancing and Supporting Women
Steelcase has been recognized by the Women's Forum of New York and the Grand Rapids Chamber for its commitment to advancing and supporting women. Steelcase received the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award for its board composition, with over half of its seats held by women. The company was also honored for creating a culture that encourages women leaders. Steelcase strives to foster inclusion and create a sense of community where all people feel seen, heard, and valued.
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Pivot creates workplace environments to enable people to do their best work and as a Sales Executive, you are responsible for improving Pivot’s market position and achieving financial growth. You will promote our solutions and services to prospective leads and convert them into new clients.
Innovations is looking for a Digital Marketing Coordinator to join our Marketing Department to assist in the development and execution of marketing plans for our website, social media, and email campaigns.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
RT London is seeking a Regional Sales Manager to cover the Pacific Northwest. They will be responsible for developing new business, managing the sales process and providing excellent customer service to our customers.
Intelligent Office Furniture is seeking experienced individuals and established groups within the Eastern USA, Midwest, and Southern Markets who are looking to grow and diversify their portfolio.
As an On-Site Client Design Specialist, you will play a key role in partnering directly with our clients in the field at their facilities to achieve seamless moves, adds, and reconfigurations of their existing workspaces.
OED, one of the industry’s leading Independent Manufacturer’s Rep organizations, is looking for a Representative to enhance our Georgia coverage. Position is based in our premier Midtown Atlanta showroom.
Rightsize Facility is excited to invite a charismatic and strategic sales leader to join our vibrant team.
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