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May 2025
Work Has Seismically Shifted, But the Workplace Has Not Kept Pace
Work Has Seismically Shifted, But the Workplace Has Not Kept Pace The workplace has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, transitioning from traditional office environments to more flexible and agile settings. Despite some improvements post-pandemic, many employees still feel that their workspaces do not meet their current needs, with persistent challenges such as meeting room availability and noise levels. A majority of the...
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May 2025Humanscale Living debuted at Salone del Mobile 2025
Humanscale Living debuted at Salone del Mobile 2025 Humanscale introduced Humanscale Living at Salone del Mobile Milano 2025, showcasing a collection of exclusive designs that emphasize ergonomic innovation and minimalist aesthetics for the home. The collection includes new product categories such as stools, tables, and lounge seating, designed for a flexible lifestyle. Key highlights include the Diffrient Lounge Chair, featuring a bespoke recline mechanism and...
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12
May 2025The Office Market’s Newest Foe: Tariffs and Trade Wars
The Office Market’s Newest Foe: Tariffs and Trade Wars The office furniture industry was just starting to exhale after a stretch of solid leasing activity and a nice boost in CEO confidence — but then tariffs entered stage left, and suddenly everyone’s holding their breath again. The introduction of new import duties has thrown a wet blanket over what was shaping up to be a...
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12
May 2025Trump’s tariffs create the ‘Wild West’ on Wisconsin’s factory floors
Trump’s tariffs create the ‘Wild West’ on Wisconsin’s factory floors KI, a contract furniture manufacturer based in Green Bay, is navigating the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade policy changes that are affecting U.S.-Canada commerce. The company produces the majority of its products in its five U.S. plants but also operates a factory in Ontario, which generates approximately $50 million of its total $800 million in...
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May 2025Is the Furniture Industry Failing to Connect the Dots?
Is the Furniture Industry Failing to Connect the Dots? The furniture industry is facing significant challenges in connecting the various impacts of its activities on social, environmental, and health fronts. Despite the presence of innovative solutions, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of how these factors are intertwined. Key issues include significant information gaps due to outdated and unreliable data, opaque supply chains that...
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28
Apr 2025“I was shocked” by dominance of luxury brands in Milan says Philippe Starck
“I was shocked” by dominance of luxury brands in Milan says Philippe Starck Philippe Starck expresses his shock at the increasing dominance of luxury brands in design, particularly at Milan Design Week. He laments the shift from democratic design accessible to all to a focus on luxury, which he believes lacks ethics and cultural depth. Starck emphasizes that design should be for everyone, contrasting it...
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28
Apr 2025Office Visit Data Points to Continued RTO Momentum
Office Visit Data Points to Continued RTO Momentum Some much-needed good news for the office furniture industry: recent data shows that return-to-office (RTO) trends are finally gaining traction. Office visits are up across the country — still 32.2% below the golden days of March 2019, sure, but moving in the right direction. March 2025 marked the second-busiest month for office foot traffic since the pandemic,...
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28
Apr 2025Everyone Agrees AI Is Transformative. Whether That’s A Plus Is A Debate For Architecture And Design Pros
Everyone Agrees AI Is Transformative. Whether That’s A Plus Is A Debate For Architecture And Design Pros The discussion highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on design, planning, and sustainability in the architecture and design fields. Many professionals acknowledge that AI speeds up the design process, allowing for more creativity and efficiency. However, concerns arise regarding overreliance on technology, potential job losses, and...
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Apr 2025Remote work boom drives furniture remanufacturer’s $1.2M expansion
Remote work boom drives furniture remanufacturer’s $1.2M expansion Crandall Office Furniture, based in Greenville, Mich. is experiencing significant growth due to the increased demand for home office furniture as more people work remotely. The company plans to expand its facility by 13,000 square feet with a $1.2 million investment. Previously focused on wholesale sales, Crandall has shifted to retail sales online, catering to customers seeking...
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Apr 2025Rethinking the office: Why organizations are turning to modular furniture
Organizations are increasingly adopting modular furniture to create adaptable and flexible workspaces that enhance connectivity and improve employee satisfaction. The transition away from traditional cubicles has led to environments that foster social interactions, which research shows are highly valued by employees. Flexible office designs accommodate diverse work styles and neurodivergent individuals, allowing for personalization and choice in workspace arrangements. Balancing openness and privacy is crucial;...
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