“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.

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; while open spaces are appealing, many employees prefer areas that provide some level of privacy to avoid distractions. Innovative designs, such as partial walls and sound-buffering furniture, help achieve this balance. Additionally, there is a movement towards reducing hierarchical barriers in office design, with leaders opting for more approachable and less formal workspaces. Overall, these changes reflect a growing understanding of the importance of workplace culture and employee well-being. ***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

Herman Miller Expands European Retail Offering to Four New Markets Herman Miller is expanding its online retail presence in Europe by launching e-commerce websites for Denmark, Finland, Spain, and Sweden this spring. The online stores will feature the brand’s ergonomic office chairs and workspace products, including desks, lighting, and accessories. This expansion reflects Herman Miller’s commitment to modern living and aims to serve both consumers and designers by providing resources for research and shopping tools. The new online storefronts will join the existing retail locations in several other European countries and will utilize location-detection technology for convenience. The launch dates for each country are set between March and May 2025.   ***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

By Aidan Taylor A few months into President Trump’s presidency, tariffs are top of mind in the design industry. This week, we asked seven designers—Anu Jain, Kevie Murphy, Nick Nichols, Komall Sheth, Fatima Silva, Izabela Tokarski and Alexander Wilson—what they expect the impact of these tariffs to be on their business and the industry as a whole. How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Kevie Murphy Rayon Richards Put It in Writing “Tariffs can have a real impact on my business as a high-end luxury interior designer, especially since we source many materials and furnishings internationally. If new tariffs are imposed on imported goods—like European fabrics, Asian stone or South American wood—costs can increase unexpectedly, which directly affects pricing and project budgets. Since many of these items have long lead times, sudden price hikes from tariffs create uncertainty and can lead to supply chain delays or the need to source alternatives. It’s important to be upfront with clients about these possibilities. To address this, I include a clause in my contracts that accounts for unexpected tariffs, similar to how businesses handled Covid-related disruptions. It states that if new tariffs or surcharges are introduced after a project begins, those additional costs will be passed along to the client. This keeps things fair and transparent while ensuring we can still deliver the level of quality and craftsmanship our projects demand.” —Kevie Murphy, K.A. Murphy Interiors, New York and Manhasset, New York How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Komall Sheth Courtesy of Spaces Designed Wide-Reaching Effects “Tariffs can impact my interior design business in several ways, primarily by influencing the cost and availability of materials, furniture, and decor. If tariffs are imposed on imported materials like wood, stone or textiles, sourcing high-quality materials could become more expensive, affecting project budgets and client pricing. Additionally, many luxury and custom furniture pieces are imported, and tariffs on these goods could lead to price increases, making it more challenging to maintain competitive pricing. Beyond cost, tariffs may also disrupt the supply chain, causing shipment delays and longer lead times, which would require better planning and alternative sourcing strategies. On the other hand, higher tariffs on imports could encourage a shift toward locally sourced and American-made products, promoting sustainability and supporting domestic artisans—an approach that aligns with my eco-friendly design principles. Furthermore, if tariffs significantly impact high-end brands, clients may reconsider their investments in imported designer pieces, leading to a growing interest in locally available or custom-made alternatives. While tariffs pose certain challenges, they also offer opportunities to refine sourcing strategies, emphasize sustainability and support local craftsmanship.” —Komall Sheth, Spaces Designed, Austin How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Alexander D. Wilson Courtesy of Alexander D. Wilson Go Domestic “Tariffs are going to affect most design firms because there is going to be an item sourced from a vendor that manufactures their products overseas. I think it’s an inevitable part of our business, and something we will have to deal with, but it is a great motivation to source not only from American brands that manufacture locally but also from antique and vintage galleries.” —Alexander D. Wilson, New York How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Fatima Silva Christopher Stark Straight from the Source “The new tariffs could have a significant impact on my business, particularly when it comes to sourcing high-end furnishings, materials and bespoke finishes from international vendors. With a [potential] 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20 percent tariff on imports from China, I expect increased costs for luxury textiles, specialty lighting, custom millwork and artisan-crafted furniture. If I pass these costs on to my clients, it could affect their overall budgets and decision-making. Alternatively, I may need to explore new suppliers, which could compromise the exclusivity and quality that my projects demand. Beyond material costs, these tariffs could also disrupt lead times, making it harder to meet tight project deadlines—especially for turnkey installations and curated spaces where every detail matters. The broader economic effects, like inflation and slowed consumer spending, could also impact clients’ willingness to invest in high-end interiors. To navigate this, I’ll need to be more strategic with procurement, explore domestic alternatives that align with my design standards and fine-tune pricing structures to maintain both profitability and the level of excellence my clients expect.” —Fatima Silva, FDG Design Group, San Francisco and Miami How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Nick Nichols Courtesy of Imparfait Design Studio Wait and See “We are concerned that the lack of clear policy in our country will create instability and inflate prices. This instability, in addition to yet another media drumbeat of recession, will likely have a material impact on our business. With that being said, demand is quite strong at present. This will, however, influence our plans for growing the team in the near term while we wait for clarity.” —Nick Nichols, Imparfait Design Studio, Chicago How do you foresee tariffs affecting your business? Izabela Tokarski Courtesy of Kabela & Co Pros and Cons “Tariffs on imported furniture and construction materials can significantly impact both the design and build aspects of our business. On the design side, tariffs may limit access to distinctive, globally sourced pieces that contribute to the unique style we’re known for. On the construction side, increased material costs can accumulate quickly, posing challenges as we maintain our commitment to quality craftsmanship. This could make it more difficult to secure projects, as clients may delay renovations or wait for more favorable market conditions, which could be a critical factor for our business. However, there is a potential upside. In the long run, tariffs may encourage more domestic production, boosting the local economy and reducing lead times for materials that would otherwise be delayed by overseas shipping. This shift could foster growth in American manufacturing and open up new opportunities for local sourcing, ultimately strengthening the industry as a whole.” —Izabela Tokarski, Kabela & Co, Dobbs Ferry, New York How

Designing an Office for an AI-Enabled Workforce The design of office spaces is evolving to accommodate an AI-enabled workforce, as AI increasingly influences productivity and collaboration. With concerns about job displacement from intelligent AI, there is optimism that workers can leverage AI to enhance their efficiency. To facilitate this transition, offices need to provide the necessary technology and infrastructure that support human and AI collaboration. The rapid pace of technological change presents challenges in adapting office environments. Organizations must prioritize maximizing synergy between employees and AI, collecting and analyzing data on workplace performance to improve interactions. Landlords also have an opportunity to play an advisory role by supplying infrastructure that supports data collection and performance benchmarks. Intelligent offices will utilize AI not only for operational efficiency but also to predict future office demands and enhance employee experiences. As hybrid work becomes more common, fostering a sense of belonging through meaningful human interactions is essential. AI can facilitate these connections by identifying potential collaborators and optimizing schedules for interaction. Ultimately, the future of office design will involve a partnership between humans and AI, with a focus on creating spaces that enhance collaboration and performance while embracing the capabilities of AI. The relationship between workers and their environments will continue to evolve, emphasizing the need for offices to adapt to these changes. faviconpropmodo.com Only 6% of architects are using AI regularly A recent report from the American Institute of Architects reveals that only 6% of architects regularly use AI in their work, with just 8% of firms implementing AI solutions. Despite the initial excitement surrounding AI tools for design, many architects remain hesitant, with a significant portion uninterested in exploring AI’s potential benefits. However, there is growing interest, particularly among younger architects, in integrating AI into their practices for tasks beyond image generation, such as marketing and project management. The report highlights opportunities for AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve project design, and speed up the product delivery process, potentially making smaller firms more competitive in the market.

COE: A New Era of Ownership, Innovation, and Excellence Guided by tradition. Driven by innovation. Powered by people. At COE, these are more than just words—they are the foundation of our success. In 2024, we embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning to 100% employee ownership. This milestone is more than a change in structure; it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to our people, our customers, and the future of workspace solutions. As an employee-owned company, every member of our team has a vested interest in delivering the highest quality office furniture and workplace solutions. In the words of COE’s founder, J.D. Ewing, “For me, office furniture isn’t just about products. It’s about connecting people to spaces that drive productivity, collaboration, and success. At COE, we’re committed to listening, adapting, and providing solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We take immense pride in building long-term relationships and striving for excellence every day.” The heart of our success lies in our team of more than 125 owners who embody our Core Values: Customer Service, Respect, Teamwork, Quality, Safety, Innovation, and Transparency. By investing in our people, we cultivate an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and every voice matters. This philosophy drives us to create products that redefine the modern workplace. Innovating for the Future As we continue to grow, we remain committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s workspaces. Our latest product innovations reflect this dedication: Starlight Collection: The Starlight Collection offers stylish, ergonomic office chairs designed for ultimate comfort and adjustability. Featuring a textured mesh back, contoured cushioning, premium upholstery options and a variety of modern ergonomic functions, Starlight delivers personalized all-day comfort with a sophisticated touch. Explore the collection. Saxon Collection: The ultimate modular lounge collection, Saxon lets you design your space your way, from cozy club chairs to expansive sofas and more, the only limit is your imagination. Built on a solid hardwood frame with sleek metal legs, it offers lasting durability, plush comfort, and luxurious upholstery in soft fabric or textured PU leather. Discover more. Lucca Collection: Flexibility meets impeccable style with expertly crafted desks, storage, and conference solutions from the Lucca collection. Choose from two trend-forward two-toned finishes and elevate your workspace with sophistication and versatility. Learn more. These innovative products, offered as part of our exclusive OfficeSource brand, are a testament to our ability to blend tradition with forward-thinking design. By embracing new technologies and workplace trends, we ensure that our customers receive solutions that not only meet their current needs but also anticipate the future of work. As we move forward as an employee-owned company, our dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. Together, as owners, we are building something greater than ourselves—a company that stands the test of time, adapts to change, and continuously sets the standard in the industry. At COE, the future is bright, and the journey has only just begun.