Offices by Ace News

Designing for Connection: How Modern Workplaces Nurture Collaboration and Community Modern workplaces are evolving to foster collaboration and community, recognizing the importance of physical spaces in shaping how teams connect. Effective office designs create environments that promote both productivity and genuine relationships among employees. Three notable projects illustrate different approaches to enhancing workplace connection: SpaceInvader’s Manchester office emphasizes adaptability and human experience; Miro’s Berlin office celebrates local culture while offering diverse collaborative settings; and Creative Debuts transforms corporate spaces into galleries that encourage artistic expression and dialogue among staff. These initiatives highlight that successful workplace design must address both functional needs and emotional well-being, especially in the context of shifting work patterns post-pandemic.

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 global workforce prefers non-traditional work environments that are nature-connected and creative. Research indicates that a positive workplace experience is crucial for employee engagement, motivation, and talent retention. Moving forward, workplaces must adapt to evolving expectations, providing employees with a sense of purpose and agency to enhance their overall work experience. ***Disclaimer – This information/article above is just summaries of public industry topics and news.  Not necessarily the thoughts, opinions or beliefs of Offices by Ace. Thank you

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 integrated USB charging, and the eFloat Quattro sit/stand desk that promotes healthy movement. Other notable products are the Sedeo stool, the Freedom Headrest with a self-adjusting recline, and the Trea Task Lite, recognized for its design and sustainability. The collection aims to redefine home comfort and integrate workspace functionality seamlessly into home environments.

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 promising rebound in the commercial real estate market. Now, deals that were once steaming ahead are being iced, as companies rethink their office leasing strategies with a wary eye on potential recession signals. For office furniture makers, this uncertainty is more than just a mood killer — it’s a logistical nightmare. Tariffs on imported materials and components could mean higher production costs at a time when clients are already nervous about capital investments. That big office refresh? Might be scaled back. That new HQ? Maybe next fiscal year. Even though demand for top-tier office space is still very much alive, the spaces themselves often need significant upgrades to attract tenants — and if outfitting them suddenly gets more expensive, everyone starts to second-guess. There’s also a push to convert underused office buildings into housing, which sounds innovative but doesn’t exactly spell boom times for task chairs and meeting pods. The silver lining? While long-term plans may be stalling, short-term needs for quality furniture in hybrid setups and high-performance spaces still exist. The key for the industry will be navigating these tariff tremors while staying flexible — and maybe brushing up on domestic sourcing options, just in case the trade policy rollercoaster picks up speed. ***Disclaimer – This information/article above is just summaries of public industry topics and news. Not necessarily the thoughts, opinions or beliefs of Offices by Ace. Thank you

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 annual sales. A significant portion—90%—of those sales from the Ontario plant are exported back to the U.S., making the company particularly sensitive to any shifts in trade regulations between the two countries. Brian Krenke, CEO and president of KI, described the current trade environment as highly unpredictable, with new policies and adjustments being introduced every couple of weeks, making long-term planning difficult. Like many manufacturers, KI is grappling with rising costs due to tariffs on raw materials such as steel and other components, forcing the company to reconsider its pricing strategies. To offset these rising costs, KI is implementing a two-pronged approach. First, the company is raising prices across its product lines to account for increased expenses related to raw materials. Second, it is introducing a “tariff surcharge” for select products as part of its pricing strategy. This means that certain high-end product components, such as premium office chair mechanisms imported from Italy, will be offered at an additional cost, allowing customers to opt for the premium version at a higher price or select a more budget-friendly alternative. Krenke emphasized that these rapid changes in trade policies create a challenging environment for manufacturers, particularly those with international operations. The fluctuating landscape makes it difficult for businesses like KI to plan ahead or develop a consistent response strategy. Despite these challenges, the company is working to adapt, ensuring that it remains competitive while managing the financial impact of tariffs on its supply chain and pricing structure. ***Disclaimer – This information/article above is just summaries of public industry topics and news. Not necessarily the thoughts, opinions or beliefs of Offices by Ace. Thank you

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 obscure the origins and conditions of raw materials, and a linear production model that neglects the broader lifecycle impacts of furniture. The industry contributes notably to carbon emissions and environmental degradation, yet struggles with transparency in data reporting and accountability. There is a pressing need for industry stakeholders to collaborate in generating reliable data, improving supply chain transparency, and adopting circular design principles. A holistic approach is essential to address the interconnected nature of environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts, ultimately moving towards a more sustainable and responsible furniture industry. ***Disclaimer – This information/article above is just summaries of public industry topics and news. Not necessarily the thoughts, opinions or beliefs of Offices by Ace. Thank you

“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 with interior design, which he sees as exclusive to wealthier individuals. He raises concerns about sustainability in design trends, comparing the disposable nature of fashion to the ecological impact of large furniture items. Despite his occasional involvement in luxury projects, he prefers to focus on ecological and democratic principles in design. Starck predicts a division among designers into luxury-focused and environmentally-conscious groups and warns of the challenges young designers face in a changing industry influenced by artificial intelligence.

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, a sharp reversal from earlier dips that were mostly blamed on bad weather (and possibly some wishful thinking that remote work might be forever). Even better, the momentum isn’t just a fluke. Year-over-year numbers are improving, and companies — including government agencies — are turning up the pressure on employees to swap their sweatpants for real pants. That means more butts in seats, more wear and tear on old office setups, and more reason for companies to invest in updated workspaces. Translation: not bad news if you’re in the business of making desks, chairs, or anything that involves acoustics and adjustable arms. New York and Miami are currently leading the RTO charge, with NYC now just 11.4% below pre-pandemic levels. Cities like Atlanta and D.C. are also outpacing the national average, while others (ahem, San Francisco and Chicago) are still clinging to their Zoom links. But overall, most major metros are showing positive year-over-year growth — Boston, in particular, is flexing some serious RTO muscle. Of course, hybrid work is still very much a thing, and that’s not going away anytime soon. But for the contract furniture world, this uptick in office activity is something to lean into. It’s not a full-on comeback yet, but it’s definitely starting to look like a very solid refresh.

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 implications for client relationships. Panelists emphasize the importance of using the time saved by AI for creative tasks while navigating the complexities of implementing AI in larger firms. The conversation remains dynamic, with ongoing debates about the future role of AI in the industry and its implications for workforce structure and skill demands.

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 better office chairs for their home workspaces. The Greenville City Council has approved the sale of land for this expansion, which will accommodate future growth. With a workforce of 25, the company specializes in restoring high-end used office chairs, significantly extending their product life.