SkB Architects Make Life One Long Weekend at Tommy Bahama...

04.30.18 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

CITED:“VERY OFTEN, A CHANGE OF SELF IS NEEDED MORE THAN A CHANGE OF SCENE.” — A.C. BENSON

SkB Architects Make Life One Long Weekend at Tommy Bahama HQ in Seattle

When Seattle-based SkB Architects began work on the new Tommy Bahama headquarters, their client was already in the process of evolving its identity and branding language. The original “Tommy Bahama” persona was that of “grandma’s closet” – a pleasant swirl of bohemian, vintage, sugar plantation vibes. Today, that persona has expanded to embody island, lake, or any form of nautical life – and the casual sophistication that comes with it. Tommy Bahama’s new 120,000 square foot workspace is a warm embrace most people find in a beach house in Bali, a coastal resort off the Atlantic, a lazy island stay in St. Thomas – or whatever nautical paradise metaphor best suits you. In addition to the light wells running through the center of the floor plate, workspaces are thoughtfully tucked around a common beach structure – a grand processional “boardwalk.”

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3…

Tecno: Redesigning the Future of Future Work

At the Milan Design Week this year, Tecno used its prime location to herald its 2017 acquisition of Zanotta. Just as Tecno is a highly regarded brand in the contract and office markets, so Zanotta is a unique and highly credible brand in the modernist residential and hospitality markets. The combination of the two brands gives Tecno a highly competitive offering as a platform for growth in international markets. officeinsight Publisher Bob Beck revisits how Tecno formed, and what its future might hold.


Form and Function: nendo Reimagines the Zipper Concept

At Milan Design Week, nendo introduced a series of five zippers it designed for YKK Fastening Products Group. YKK came to nendo with a design brief that would turn the concept of a zipper inside out and upside down – reimagining what it is, what it can do, and what it looks like. Each of the five new “zippppper” designs is a study in form and function, and a testament to disruptive design.


04.30.18 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 2 OF 41

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The lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama first moved to the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle in 2005, with almost 200 employees and 78,000 square feet of workspace. Now, with a headcount twice that, Tommy Bahama needed a new headquarters space that could house a bigger team, and also communicate with an expanding, shape-shifting audience.

When Seattle-based SkB Architects began work on the new headquarters, their client was already in the process of evolving its identity and branding language.

The original “Tommy Bahama” persona was that of “grandma’s closet” – a pleasant swirl of bohemian, vintage, sugar plantation vibes. Today, that persona has expanded to embody island, lake, or any form of nautical life – and the

casual sophistication that comes with it. Tommy Bahama’s new 120,000 square foot workspace is a warm embrace most people find in a beach house in Bali, a coastal resort off the Atlantic, a lazy island stay in St. Thomas – or what-ever nautical paradise metaphor best suits you.

“They’re consciously saying two things,” said Shannon Gaffney, co-managing partner, chief creative director and a founding principal at SkB Architects. “‘We don’t want to turn our back on our clientele, but we also want to speak to a new client – a new audience.’ They’re targeting a younger demographic and needed their imagery and public and private point of view to shift to reflect that. It was a bigger switch than they’d ever done before, and their language was

SkB Architects “Make Life One Long Weekend” at Tommy Bahama HQ in Seattleby Mallory Jindra

Entrance from elevator lobby. Photo: Spencer Lowell


a&dstill evolving when we started on the new headquarters.”

“This project was really refreshing and surprising for its open-endedness,” said Ms. Gaffney. “A lot of hospitality and retail projects have a strong point of view already in place, in their stores and hotels. Stores are one thing – their story is their product, too. The stores are a chance to create an immersive lifestyle experience for their custom-ers; there are even bars in some of the Tommy Bahama stores. But the com-pany’s own workspace doesn’t always have a prescriptive number of pieces.”

“One of the great things about Tommy Bahama is that they have a strong point of a view, but they’re

Boardwalk passageway. Photo: Magda Biernat

Open gathering space near reception. Photo: Spencer Lowell


a&dcomfortable enough in their own skin that they don’t want to be a slave to it. With Tommy Bahama, it’s not a crystal-clear aesthetic. It’s not one thing – it’s everything. There’s a diverse appeal speaking to diverse groups of people.”

In a brand new 13 story building, Tommy Bahama occupies floors 2 through 5. Anchor tenants typically take the top floors of a building. But Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood wanted to be closer to the action on the ground floor. Levels 2 through 5 serve as the building’s podium, with huge light wells piercing through each of those floors to provide floods of natural light as well as a vital connection to the public spaces below – sense of community.

“These are absolutely killer spaces that buck the trend of a huge uninter-rupted floor plate,” said Ms. Gaffney. “The light wells visually connect you to the action going on at the ground level and each floor above. By taking these floors, you have a relationship between the public and private. It connects people to action. Tommy Bahama gets all of the best benefits. The space is evocative and interesting, and the structure gives movement and life to their space.”

SkB designed the new workspace to be inspired by the Tommy Ba-hama ethos to “Make Life One Long Weekend.” In addition to the light wells running through the center of the

Glass enclosed conference. Photo: Spencer Lowell

Shannon Gaffney, SkB


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Hallway nook around the corner from open office. Photo: Magda Biernat

Reception. Photo: Magda Biernat


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floor plate, workspaces are thought-fully tucked around a common beach structure – a grand processional “boardwalk.”

“The open, casual setting fosters a relaxing environment in which to work, a place not unlike a modern beach house,” reads the project notes. “The design is focused on the user experience and reflects the attributes found throughout the brand and its products. A grand “boardwalk” serves to organize the space, drawing guests from the main lobby and reception to the showroom and mock store, and collaborative workspaces. Casual seat-ing areas along the boardwalk, provide opportunities for informal gathering.”

“Once the boardwalk was in place, it was about figuring out how to pull off nooks and crannies,” said Ms. Gaffney.

Stairway. Photo: Magda Biernat

Open gathering space near reception. Photo: Spencer Lowell


a&dOff the boardwalk and away from

their height-adjustable, storage-orient-ed desks, employees can huddle up in traditional meeting rooms, flexible project work rooms, and semi-en-closed and open collaborative spaces. Reception and larger amenities are located on an intermediate level of the company’s four floors, encourag-ing social interaction among everyone entering the space.

A 1,000 square foot café on the main level opens out to a 1,500 square foot roof deck, tricked out with Tommy Bahama furnishings and views to the South Lake Union neighborhood and the city. Employees can enjoy the con-venience of a coffee bar on each floor, but their visual and physical proximity to the public ground level plane gives

them an added layer of space.The boardwalk eventually runs into

a fashion catwalk; in addition to the business-oriented functions carried out at Tommy Bahama, the new HQ space also includes a fashion and design studio.

“The studio, where they’re actually designing Tommy Bahama apparel and merchandising, needed to be practical for their work,” said Ms. Gaff-ney. “We wanted to evoke and allude to all of those ‘Make Life One Long Weekend’ qualities, but it’s also a stu-dio for the work that goes into design-ing and developing those products.

“The rest of the office has this casual calm vibe, but the studio is over-the-top chaotic. There’s stuff fly-ing everywhere, presentation supplies,

materials all over the place. The duality and contrast of the calming resort feel of the office versus the super creative smart chaos of the fashion industry that you get in the studio – it was really cool to see take it all shape once they moved in.”

“They continue to expand and bring in new audiences, and it was funny because they themselves even get wigged out about all the chaos being too much in the studio space. But as designers we thought, “No, keep it that way because it’s fabulous.’ We really embraced that side of the project.”

Furnishings and aesthetic choices bridge a contemporary style of furniture to more traditional pieces softly evoking the south; modern and streamlined, but with a soul.

Atrium through to ground level. Photo: Spencer Lowell Open collaborative space. Photo: Spencer Lowell


a&dA natural material palette comple-

mented by rich textures fill each floor – picture woven fabric wall coverings, rough-honed stone, and rope cleat for cabinet pulls in a café.

“We used so many different woods – mixed tones, different shades, a little worn, a little weathered, new teak, old teak,” said Ms. Gaffney. “There’s a nau-tical element to the space, with a lake, resort, Hyannis Port vibe. It’s a nod to a tropical feel, but then it can shift seamlessly to a boat party on a lake. We wanted to create a space where every-where you look, there are small things that are clever and make you smile.

“Soft lighting was absolutely key. We wanted to create an environment where, as you look up, you have this experience of hanging elements in the trees. In one instance we used a muslin cloth lighting design. It gives off a little more casual, undulating feel.”

And, you can’t have the beach life without the beach.

Atrium through to ground level. Photo: Magda Biernat

Lounge seating at light well. Photo: Magda Biernat


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Open office off of boardwalk. Photo: Spencer Lowell

Roof deck. Photo: Magda Biernat Stairway. Photo: Spencer Lowell


a&d“When we were in planning meet-

ings with them, they would say they needed sand; they needed the grit, the softness, the luxury that goes with

sand and a beach,” said Ms. Gaffney. “Then, whenever we met with them through the rest of the project, we would ask them, ‘Do you have enough

sand?’ It was very fun, and at the end of the project, I really think they got enough ‘sand.’” n

Cafe and third space. Photo: Spencer Lowell


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companies

In 2010 Giuliano Mosconi left his position as CEO of the Poltrona Frau Group and invested in a majority share of Tecno s.p.a. It was a watershed moment for the vaunted Italian brand with its long history of award winning products and projects.

Companies can get caught in a trap of their own past success, and Tecno may have been guilty of falling into that trap. Having been a leader of the “Italian Design Move-ment” since the 50s, by 2110 it had not only stopped grow-ing, but the company was in a slow, steady decline.

“To face the new challenges of the market,” stated Mr. Mosconi, “you need the ability to interpret the needs of the client, with activity involving much more than experi-ence with respect to the past. This awareness has led us to change our philosophy, teaming the traditional physical factory where the product is made with a ‘design factory’, with people who deal with engineering and project manage-ment, navigating the market with attention of a completely new kind.”

Tecno: Redesigning the Future of Future Workby Bob Beck

The Tecno stand at the Milan Fair in 2015 announcing Io.T, Tecno’s connectivity system of sensors and software for smart workplace management and feedback. Photography: Courtesy of Tecno.


companies

As much as for its individual prod-ucts, Tecno is renowned for its skill in collaborating with architects and designers on major projects to develop new solutions that solve the often-complex technical issues associated with the nexus between the designer’s vision for the overall architecture and the needs of the future users of the space. The “Centro Progetti Tecno” was the vehicle within the company to tackle these large custom projects, and Mr. Mosconi recognized that re-energizing that function was key to revitalizing the company.

Company literature states, “Tecno’s experience is directed towards collec-tive and work environments in which there is a constant encounter with complex design issues concerning technological, typological and formal

Tecno’s Milan offices in the Porta Garibaldi Excise Buildings in Piazza XXV Aprile, (built in 1826). The complex consists of two identical buildings facing one another across the piazza.

Having the two buildings provided Tecno a perfect opportunity to showcase its acquisition of Zanotta at Milan Design Week 2018.


companiesdefinition.” The European Parlia-ment headquarters in Brussels, the new international airport in Doha, the renewed Queen Elizabeth Court of the British Museum by architect Norman Foster, the offices of the online jobsite, Indeed.com and shared workplaces by Commongrounds are just some of the special projects in which the company has been involved.

Under Mr. Mosconi’s direction the company has also renewed its global outlook. Accordingly in 2014 he asked Andrea Perroni to move to New York and establish Tecno in North America. Mr. Perroni, Vice President of Tecno International NA, was well known to Mr. Mosconi. As a veteran of 8 years with Poltrona Frau Mr. Perroni had built a track record of success with

Inside the Tecno Showroom at Milan Design Week 2018.

W80 configurable wall system launched in 2014 earned 5 patents to protect the IP that makes it one of the most versatile on the market.


companies

the contract division of Cassina in the Middle East. So Mr. Mosconi had great confidence that he would succeed in the world’s largest market.

Since getting the assignment, Mr. Perroni has been a busy man. He has established a showroom and staff in New York at 1201 Broadway. And he has been very active building relation-ships with the likes of Indeed.com and Commongrounds. He has recruited dealers and reps and with Tecno’s acquisition of Zanotta in 2017, he has inherited an extensive network of high-end retailers across North America.

Tecno s.p.a. was founded in 1953 by Osvaldo and Fulgenzio Borsani. When Osvaldo graduated from the Polytechnic of Milan with an architec-ture degree he saw an opportunity to transform the family furniture manufac-turing business from its traditional craft production methods to true industrial

W40 was designed as a simpler single pane system that is completely compatible with W80.

Two Compasso d’Oro winners: Lievore Altherr Molina’s Vela Chair (2014) shown with Norman Foster’s Nomos Table (1986).


companiesscale manufacturing. But his father, who was still the boss, disagreed.

So Osvaldo convinced his brother Fulgenzio, who happened to have a degree in economics, that they would make a great team and could strike out on their own, forming a new company dedicated to technological innovation, engineering and industrial production methods. The name they chose for their new company clearly articulated Osvaldo’s vision: Tecno.

They didn’t waste time. Only a year later Tecno made its first big public splash with the introduction of D70. Presented as a “patented divan-bed” at the Exhibition of Individual Furniture items at the 10th Triennale Exhibition in 1954. D70, designed by Osvaldo Borsani, announced a fresh direction to furniture design taken by the newly formed Tecno.

Given the successful reception D70 received, Borsani began work on the idea of a mechanical joint that could allow an armchair the freedom of movement necessary to assume dif-ferent positions. He was aware of the designs of Eames and Saarinen but felt an adjustable lounge chair could offer

even greater comfort and relaxation.Both D70 and P40 are still sell-

ing, these 64 years on. The current product literature states, “Almost as a manifesto statement, the highly visible mechanical joint expressed Osvaldo Borsani’s determination to design and make items of furniture that were original, autonomous and elegant in form, but technical and industrial in production.”

From that beginning in 1954 Tecno played an important and highly visible role in the emerging “modern Italian design” movement. A movement is not made by one person or one company, and in fact the Borsanis were certainly not the only ones to see an opportu-nity to modernize both the design and furniture manufacturing approach pre-sented by the rebuilding of the Italian economy that had been devastated by

The Modus Chair, launched in 1972 was the first product designed and developed by the Tecno Design Center and an early example of using Polyamide as a material for seat-ing.

The D70 sofa-bed was Tecno’s first product. Launched in 1954 it is still selling today.

The P40 Lounge Chair. Designed to utilize the patented mechanics of D70, the P40 added adjustability to an iconic lounge chair.


companies

World War II. But fueled by Osvaldo Borsani’s design talent and dedication to technology, engineering, and mass production the company grew in both prestige and sales throughout the decades ahead – always with a clearly technical emphasis that was evident in both the form and the function of its products.

The 60s saw Tecno collaborating with Mario Bellini, Eduardo Vittoria, Robin Day, Albert Leclerc, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Borachia and Carlo Santi to produce a raft of commercially suc-cessful and award winning products. But it is the Series 142 designed by Eugenio Gerli that has stood the test of time and become a Tecno clas-

sic as well as a design influence on generations of club chairs.

The late 60s, early 70s saw the establishment of the Techno Design Center conceived to collaborate with outside designers as well as create original designs. Among the first products delivered by the Tecno Design Center was Graphis (1968) one of the first open office systems in the world and still part of the Tecno product portfolio.

Graphis was followed in 1972 by Mo-dus Chair. In keeping with the Tecno will to innovate it was an early adopter of polyamide (nylon) for a chair. Modus was designed to fill a broad range of needs with stacking and swivel ver-

sions. It is still in the catalog.The 1980s saw the beginning of an

important partnership with Norman Foster, leading to the design of Nomos, an office system that would go on to become a design icon, boosting Tecno’s worldwide reputation and further wed-ding it to a high-tech image. Introduced in 1986 Nomos was awarded Italy’s highest design award, the Compasso d’Oro (Gold Compass) in 1987.

1991 brought Tecno another Compasso d’Oro for the Qualis Chair designed by Emilio Ambasz. In the design of the Qualis chairs Ambasz combined exquisite upholstery detail-ing with highly functional and ergo-nomic features, including a patented

Norman Foster’s Nomos shown with Series 142 lowback.


companiesbackrest pivot mechanism that was purpose-designed to integrate with the rest of the armchair.

In 2009 Tecno moved its headquar-ters to the historic excise (tax collec-tion) buildings facing one another across the Piazza XXV Aprile at the Porta Garibaldi in Milan. After complete renovations of those buildings, Tecno now occupies an amazing position at a key entry to Brera – the important hub of furniture and fashion design.

At the Milan Design Week this year Tecno used its prime location to herald its 2017 acquisition of Zanotta. Just as Tecno is a highly regarded brand in the contract and office markets, so Zanotta is a unique and highly credible brand in the modern-ist residential and hospitality markets. The combination of the two brands gives Tecno a highly competitive offering as a platform for growth in international markets.

“The acquisition of Zanotta,” explains Giuliano Mosconi, “will allow us to present ourselves on the market with a more extensive offering and to compete internationally with renewed tools for growth in supply for public spaces and in the world of contract, where Zanotta can really express itself. Zanotta must also permit the in-terpretation of a more aesthetic spirit in bringing out the best in shared office areas where the new qualities of workspaces are showcased.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Tecno or Zanotta or both you may contact Mr. Perroni at [email protected] or you may learn much more about the company at its extensive website: www.tecno-spa.com n

Series 142 lowback, a Tecno classic.

The sartorial upholstery work on Emilio Ambasz’ Copasso d’Oro winner, Qualis.

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product design

Sketches of each of the five Zippppper designs, created by nendo for YKK Fastening Products Group

At Milan Design Week, nendo introduced a series of five zippers it designed for YKK Fastening Products Group.

YKK develops and sells all different types of fastening products, including zippers, hook and loop fasteners, plas-tic hardware, and snaps and buttons. They came to nendo with a design brief that would turn the concept of a zipper inside out and upside down – reimagining what it is, what it can do, and what it looks like.

“In lieu of focusing on superficial finishings or decora-tion, it was important to take a step back and delve into the fundamental question, “What exactly is a zipper?” Fastening elements aligned together on a straight line are interlocked together or separated depending on the movement of the slider.

The basic concept of a zipper is to open and close the

opening between two pieces of material without any gaps, but by thoroughly assessing each component individually and further reassessment – five new zippers were created.”

Just as the contract furnishings and interior design fields are experiencing unprecedented diversification in con-sumer needs and faster, shorter product cycles, so too are the world’s textile and sewing product industries. There’s an intersection between all of these fields, and disruptive innovation is occurring at every level. nendo’s “zippppper” project for YKK is evidence of this disruption at a concep-tual level that could trickle down to legitimate innovation in product development.

Below, explore each of the five “zippppper” designs. And be sure to check out the zippy video nendo created to introduce the new project.

Form and Function: nendo Reimagines the Zipper Conceptby Mallory Jindra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNPvFk4Stv0


product design01: Zipper that crosses

“In contrast to ordinary zippers which can only be opened or closed in one direction, one zipper is crossed with an-other one at a right angle enabling them to be opened and closed “lengthwise” and “widthwise.” The intersection part of the zipper is fixed by using four small elements that snap on to each other.”

Zippppper Project 01


product design02: Zipper with gaps

“While still keeping the typical usability of a zipper, new functions were intended with the creation of gaps, such as breathability, flexibility and the means to pass cords or cables, by fastening at “points” rather than in a “line”. Ele-ments are fastened on top of each other like a button and not side by side.”



product design03: Zipper to fasten three elements

“By moving a three pronged shaped slider, three sets of elements are twisted together, making it possible to go beyond the” flat “dimension and bind fabrics “three dimen-sionally.” In a single space, three compartments can be simultaneously separated or connected together.”



product design04: Zipper to seamlessly fasten around

“Originally zippers have a “start point” and an “end point” but by connecting the two, 360 degrees accessibility from any direction was achieved. Moreover, it became possible to successively add circular parts one after the other.”



product design05: Zipper with a rotating motion

“While pulling a slider with one hand, the other hand should hold the bottom of the material so that the zipper stretches linearly making it open and close smoothly. This may be “stressful” to some people, and resolved it by re-placing the “linear motion” with a “rotating motion”. When the disc-like slider is rotated, the internal gear clamps the elements and they open and close simultaneously with the movement.

This enabled the zipper to be operated with one hand, without needing to hold the material. In this way, since it was made up of five different approaches and products, the project name is not “Zipper” with 2 “p’s,” but instead we presumed to spell it with “5”, as “Zippppper”.” n



r-d connectionRESEARCH-DESIGN CONNECTIONTemperature at Workby Sally Augustin, Ph.D.

Syndicus, Wiese and van Treeck stud-ied the implications of workplace tem-peratures. The researchers collected information “in an office-like environ-ment in one of the three temperature conditions. The comfort condition…featured an average air temperature of 24 °C [75 degrees Fahrenheit]. The el-evated ambient temperature condition

was 28 °C [82 degrees Fahrenheit]…Condition three employed an air-stream of approximately 0.8 m[eters]/s[econd], intended to compensate for performance decrements at the elevated air temperature (28 °C)…Participants in the warm condition were significantly less persistent [on the cognitive task they’d been asked to work on] compared with participants in the control [comfort] and compensa-tion conditions…the airstream seemed to compensate for the higher tempera-ture. Participants’ persistence in the compensation and comfort conditions did not differ.” n

Marc Syndicus, Bettina Wiese, and Christoph van Treeck. “Too Hot to Carry On? Disinclination to Persist at a Task in a Warm Office Environment.” Ergonomics, vol. 61, no. 4, pp. 476-481, doi: 10.1080/00140139.2017

Sally Augustin, PhD, a cognitive sci-entist, is the editor of Research Design Connections (www.researchdesigncon-nections.com), a monthly subscription newsletter and free daily blog, where recent and classic research in the social, design, and physical sciences that can inform designers’ work are presented in straightforward language. Readers learn about the latest research findings immediately, before they’re available elsewhere. Sally, who is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, is also the author of Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Archi-tecture (Wiley, 2009) and, with Cindy Coleman, The Designer’s Guide to Doing Research: Applying Knowledge to Inform Design (Wiley, 2012). She is a principal at Design With Science (www.design-withscience.com) and can be reached at [email protected].

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PRODUCT INTROS>International Contract Fur-nishings, Inc. (ICF) executed an exclusive distribution agreement with Magnus Ole-sen A/S for North America. Magnus Olesen, which was founded in 1937, continues to be well recognized as one of Denmark’s premiere contract furniture companies. By means of example, its But-terfly Series is an extensive collection of side, stacking, conference and light task seating that shares a common platform that was designed by

Niels Gammelgaard of IKEA notoriety. Magnus Olesen’s Flow Series is a range of modular sectional lounge seating designed by Busk + Hertzog. “Quality of design and manufacture have long been the hallmarks of our portfolio of product,” said James Kasschau, CEO of the ICF Group. “Magnus Olesen’s attention to aesthetic, pur-pose and function fit squarely within our philosophy of what defines modern classics.” “ICF’s legacy of providing innovative European design to the American design commu-

nity makes me very confident that we have made a good match and I look forward to our cooperation,” said Nils Knudsen, CEO of Magnus Olesen. Read More

>Kirei USA launched EchoScreen Rolling Track. A modular solution for visual and acoustic space division, EchoScreen may be hung from the ceiling or mounted to nearly any wall surface in-dividually or in groups to seg-ment space and help reduce sonic and visual overstimula-tion. EchoScreen’s Rolling Track hardware was launched this month and allows for panels to run on a moveable track. It can be installed in continuous runs or side-by-side for bypass or overlapping screen panels. Beyond the standard designs, Echo-Screen panels can be custom printed and cut in a variety of 20 neutral and vibrant colors. Panels measure 94” tall by 46” wide and are made from a combination of recycled PET and aluminum by Woven Image, the maker of Echo-Panel products distributed

exclusively in North America by Kirei. Components can be reused or recycled at the end of life, contributing to LEED green building credits. Read More

>Knoll introduced the Newson Aluminum Chair by Marc Newson. Honoring the cantilevered chairs of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the new chair’s design, 90 years later, is a forward-looking expres-sion that synthesizes simplic-ity, material and precision, in the Modernist tradition. Defined by a single uninter-rupted line, the design brings Marc Newson’s signature combination of organic forms and precision engineering to the Knoll seating portfolio. Mr. Newson and Benjamin Pardo, Knoll Design Direc-tor, agreed that a new side chair for Knoll would honor the aesthetic principles that inform the existing portfolio of Knoll Seating, specifically the cantilevered designs. They re-visited several Knoll designs, starting with Mies van der Rohe’s Brno Chair. Celebrated for its lean profile and simple ICF distribution agreement with Magnus Olesen: Butterfly by Niels

Gammelgaard, Flow by Busk+Hertzog, 8002 Series by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen

Kirei USA: EchoScreen Rolling Track

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details, the Brno Chair reflects the groundbreaking simplic-ity of its original locale – the Tugendhat House in Brno, Czech Republic, designed by Mies. While the Brno Chair served as a catalyst for the ex-ploration, it was ultimately the 1928 Tugendhat Chair that most inspired the final design. “This reverse cantilever evokes a visual weightless-ness and renders an incred-ibly simple profile, where the seat floats effortlessly and is joined to the back via the legs of the chair,” Mr. Pardo ex-plained. Mr. Newson forwent tubular steel in favor of cast aluminum, a material he felt allowed for a more dynamic form. The chair consists of three high-pressure castings–a main frame and two end caps–which connect to create a simple, yet structurally sound frame. The mesh seat and back integrate seam-lessly with the frame, further emphasizing the chair’s visual purity. To evoke a more residential feel, Mr. Newson selected a mesh that is tightly knit and is softer to the touch. The Newson Aluminum Chair

is offered in combinations of three frame colors: black, warm white, and metallic silver; and six mesh colors: black, medium grey, blue, or-ange, yellow, and warm white. In addition, the stacking chair has two versions: arm and armless. Read More

>OFM launched the Edge Series, a new furniture line for today’s home and of-fice boasting an industrial design with a minimalist style. Including stools and conference tables at launch, the new series features an angular style with sculpted legs and two finishes in an

elm wood and walnut stain. Edge tables, which come in 62- and 78-inch widths, are built with 10-gauge steel legs, a full steel frame and a two-inch thick wood edge for maximum durability. They also feature adjustable level-ing guides on all four legs to ensure stability. The stools, available in 24- and 30-inch heights, come in walnut and antique brown finishes and include a durable metal seat, a welded steel foot ring for stability and posture sup-port, and height-adjustable positioning. Read More

NOTEWORTHY>The BIFMA Subcommit-tee for Seating Standards published its revised safety and performance standard: ANSI/BIFMA X6.1-2018, Educational Seating. This updated standard has been in development for the past year and a half. Revisions include: test forces and loads increas-ing given heavier adults and children, modifying proof load

durations, adding an informa-tive simultaneous side legs strength test, and several har-monizations with ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 General-Purpose Office Chairs. Reviews of draft proposals were conducted to ensure the tests were sound. This national consensus standard was finalized and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on Apr. 10. It defines the specific tests, laboratory equipment, conditions of test, and recommended minimum levels to be used in the testing and evaluation of the safety, durability, and structural ad-equacy of Educational Seating products. Read More

>Dwell on Design returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center Apr. 5-7 for its 13th year. This innovative four day LA design experience welcomed attendees and participants from around the world for a celebration and exploration of modern design through on-stage content, educational opportunities, exhibitions, pre-fab homes, a design trail through LA show-rooms, exclusive Home Tours and appearances from iconic influencers and educators of design. Featured speakers on the mainstage included pro-lific designer Jonathan Adler who discussed his career in design and involvement with charity Project Red. Founder of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Paula Wallace covered her vision for the highly regarded institu-tion. Design disruptor Karim Rashid presented about the Future of Design in the digital

Knoll: Newson Aluminum Chair by Marc Newson

OFM: Edge Series


https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/knoll-introduces-marc-newsons-aluminum-chair-at-salone-del-mobile-2018/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/new-industrial-furniture-line-by-ofm-designed-for-todays-home-and-office/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/bifma-releases-educational-seating-standard/


officenewswire

age. Photographer Seph Law-less discussed his series The Autopsy of America. Artist Janet Echelman discussed her ongoing Public Realm Through Art project. Some of the brightest joined Dwell on Design to raise the level of discourse with Studio Ses-sions including The Micro Boutique Hotel; Social Impact Design; The Science of Sell-ing; The Immerging Design Discipline of Bioclimatic Architecture; Tough Terrain, Peculiar Lots; and 2018 Global Color & Design Fore-cast. Read More

>FLOS shared photos of its “Jewels after Jewels after Jewels” lighting installation for Fuorisalone. Designed by London-based, Cypriot-born designer Michael Anas-tassiades, the installation celebrated the launch of his new collection of chande-lier Arrangements. Midway between a light sculpture and an industrial design object, Arrangements is a modular system of geometric LED ele-ments that can be combined in multiple compositions as single or even connected chandeliers. The modules are easily fixed together electrical-ly and mechanically, balanc-

ing perfectly on each other to create the dramatic effect of a big chain of light. Each com-bination can be changed any time, with a different order, type or quantity of elements, with no need of technical as-sistance. Read More

>IIDA and the American Li-brary Association named the winners of the 2018 Library Interior Design Awards. This biennial competition recog-nizes achievement in library interior design aesthetics, creativity, and function. Win-ning firms included Sasaki in Watertown, MA for Tec-nológico de Monterrey New Main Library in Mexico in the Academic Libraries category;

Tabanlioglu Architects in Istanbul for Beyazit State Library in the Outstanding Historic Renovation category; and Shepley Bulfinch in Bos-ton which won in two catego-ries - Academic Libraries for the Alfred R. Goldstein Library in Sarasota, FL; and Public Libraries Over 30,000sf for Austin Central Library in Aus-tin, TX (pictured), which was a joint venture project with Lake | Flato Architects. Please see the officenewswire post for the complete list. The Best of Competition winner will be announced at the ALA Annual Conference held in New Or-leans on Jun. 23, where all of the competition winners will be celebrated. Read More

Dwell on Design

FLOS: “Jewels after Jewels after Jewels” lighting installation for Fuorisalone

IIDA and ALA 2018 Library Interior Design Awards: Austin Central Library by Shepley Bulfinch and Lake Flato Architects


https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/dwell-on-design-celebrates-13th-year-at-the-los-angeles-convention-center/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/flos-presents-jewels-after-jewels-after-jewels-lighting-installation-for-fuorisalone/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/iida-announces-2018-ala-iida-library-interior-design-award-winners/


officenewswire

>Salone del Mobile.Milano organizers, in their official post-show recap, reported a total of 434,509 attend-ees, in six days, from 188 different countries. This represents a 17% increase compared to the 2016 edi-tion, which featured the bien-nial kitchen and bathroom exhibitions, and a robust increase of 26% compared with the 2017 edition. The three winners for 2018 of the prestigious Salone del Mobile.Milano awards were CC-Tapis, Magis, and Sanwa; and Maurizio Riva of Riva 1920 was the winner of a Special Jury Prize. Read More

ENVIRONMENT>Canon U.S.A., Inc., in support of the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Replant-ing Our Forests” program, has contributed to the planting or distribution of 460,000 trees in the U.S. since 2009. The Arbor Day Foundation implements reforestation initiatives across the country to rebuild forests that are in desperate need of

regrowth. Through this pro-gram, Canon is contributing to the distribution and planting of one tree for every eligible imageRUNNER ADVANCE multifunction system sold from Apr. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018, up to a maximum of 50,000

trees. With the company’s support, the foundation plans to plant and distribute trees this year in Bastrop Lost Pines Forest in Texas to support wildlife habitat improvement, Superior National Forest in Minnesota to help climate

resiliency, and Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida for wa-tershed restoration purposes. Read More

>Keilhauer celebrated Earth Day with a renewed commit-ment to sustainability and transparency – and publica-tion of its second annual Corporate Sustainability Report. Highlights include: -Successful diversion of 90% of waste through the com-pany’s extensive recycling programs; -Achieved zero waste to landfill; -Near-zero water usage was reduced another 4% from 2017; -Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 15.8% vs. 2017; -Expanded product certifica-tions by Forest Stewardship Council®; -Introduced new recycling streams to improve waste diversion; -Helped bees to thrive by planting a native pollinator garden on-site at the com-pany’s corporate headquar-ters; and -Reduced energy usage through an exterior lighting retro-fit and the installation of high-efficiency HVAC units. “From material sourcing and product take back programs to water reservation – much of Keilhauer’s environmental advances are owed to the fact that our sustainability pro-gram is continuously fed from both directions,” said Keil-hauer Sustainability Officer Josephine Abate. “Our execu-tive team is deeply commit-ted to eco-responsibility and our employees are incredibly

Salone del Mobile: Milano 2018 Awards Ceremony


https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/salone-del-mobile-recap-show-growth-award-winners-more/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/canon-u-s-a-supports-the-arbor-day-foundations-replanting-our-forests-program/


officenewswireengaged, participating each day and even helping us to identify new opportunities for improvement.” President Mike Keilhauer commented, “Since founding Keilhauer in 1981, we’ve al-ways held firmly to our belief that responsible, sustainable manufacturing was crucial to our success. In the interests of increasing our account-ability to these beliefs, we are very proud to share today our second annual CSR. It is only through transparent business practices that we can be held responsible to follow through with our goals, pushed to achieve more, and to inspire others to learn from our suc-cesses and make more sus-tainable choices themselves.” Read More

EVENTS>The HD Expo, a Hospitality Design event, takes place this week in Las Vegas, May 2-4. Exhibitors submitting press releases to officenews-wire included Duravit and Fil Doux Textiles: -Duravit will pair long-stand-ing brand classics with fresh collections in Booth #5068. Exhibiting signature series like ME by Starck, L-Cube, and 2017’s DuraSquare, Dura-vit’s 200+ years of bathroom innovation will be highlighted

through the brand’s thought-fully balanced showcase of previous releases and new, innovative series. New for 2018, the XSquare collection represents an invigorated and sleek aesthetic, with modern finishes, colors, and a geometric, savvy design language. In conjunction with designer Kurt Merki Jr., Du-ravit’s XSquare is a bathroom furniture range specially–at-tuned to the design of the contemporary DuraSquare washbasins. Read More -Fil Doux Textiles is set to make a big splash at HD Expo 2018. From the launch of a new upholstery collec-tion, Dialogue, to its recent partnership with RH Contract, collaboration with chic de-signer Liubasha Rose of Rose Ink Workshop, showcased fabrics in the active Social

Hub by Meyer Davis, and sponsorship of the Party by the Pool, this year promises to be a hit for the mill-direct textile company. Party by the Pool guests will be treated to a synchronized swimming show with swimmers clad in the company’s branded

swimwear. Fil Doux Textiles’ will be giving away a limited edition tote bag by Liubasha Rose at its booth (#2341), and its proprietary Vinylife™ leather alternative will be on display at RH Contract’s booth (#3421). Read More

HD Expo: Duravit XSquare with DuraSquare

HD Expo: Fil Doux Textiles to present synchronized swimming at Party by the Pool


https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/keilhauer-honors-earth-day-with-renewed-commitment-to-sustainability-transparency/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/duravit-heads-to-hd-expo-with-stunning-new-collections-timeless-classics/

https://officeinsight.com/officenewswire/fil-doux-textiles-set-to-energize-hd-expo-2018-with-las-vegas-pizzazz/


businessRAYMOND JAMES BRIEF 4.25.18HNI 1Q18: Reaffirm Market Perform; EPS Guide Trimmed; Steel Inflation Cited

Analysts: Budd Bugatch, Katherine West, Bobby Griffin

>Recommendation: We reaffirm our Market Perform in HNI in the wake of HNI Corp’s early release of 1Q18 earnings. Congruent with announcing the planned retirement of CEO Stan Askren (by 12/31/18) and the appointment/promotion of Jeffrey Lorenger as CEO, management opted to release 1Q18 results (previously scheduled April 30). Its call date remains unchanged at May 1 at 10:00 a.m. ET. While sales and EPS beat our and management’s expectations, incremental inflation caused management to trim the top end of its full year 2018 EPS outlook. Specifically, 2Q18 will be most impacted, with the result that its new $2.40 to $2.70 adjusted EPS outlook is now heavily back-end weighted. Accordingly, despite the expected benefit from HNI’s BST (business system transformation) and price increases, we are reluctant to become more constructive until we gain more confidence that the strong back-half projec-tions will become reality. For now, we remain on the sidelines.

>Event: Friday after the market close, HNI Corporation reported 1Q18 results. Total sales increased 5.7% (+8.6% organically GAAP) y/y to $505.1 million, above our $495.7

million estimate and the $495.5 million consensus. The net impact of divesting small office furniture companies decreased sales $12.4 million versus the prior year. Excluding $1.3 million of restructuring charges and another $1.3 million in transition costs, HNI’s normalized (non-GAAP) EPS was $0.10, above our $0.02 estimate, the $0.02 consensus, and management’s $0.01-0.06 guidance.

>Variance Analysis: Above the operating line, results beat our estimates as a result of a lower-than-forecasted SGA expenses (~$0.13 benefit), offset by lower than forecasted gross margin ($0.06 drag). Below the line, a lower income tax rate was a ~$0.02 benefit.

>Guidance: Management affirmed its full-year sales guid-ance of +1% y/y to +4% y/y (+5% y/y to +8% y/y, organically); However, increased inflationary pressures lead management to reduce FY2018 EPS guidance range to $2.40 to $2.70, from the prior guidance of $2.40 to $2.80. For 2Q18, management expects sales of +1% y/y to +4%y/y (+4% y/y to +7% y/y, organically) and non-GAAP EPS of $0.28 to $0.38.

>Estimates: We have lowered our 2Q17 non-GAAP EPS esti-mate to $0.34 from our prior in-print estimate of $0.65, pri-marily due to steel inflation headwinds. However, our FY2018 non-GAAP estimate rises to $2.57 from our previous estimate for $2.40, as result of expected cost savings benefits.

4.27.18 3.29.18 12.29.17 9.29.17 6.30.17 3.31.17 %frYrHi%fr50-DayMA

HMiller 31.3 32.0 40.1 35.9 30.4 31.6 -25.2% -8.2%

HNI 34.3 36.1 38.6 41.5 39.9 46.1 -29.1% -7.4%

Inscape 1.9 2.2 3.1 3.6 3.7 4.3 -52.6% -6.8%

Interface 22.3 25.2 25.2 21.9 19.7 19.1 -15.1% -11.4%

Kimball 16.5 17.0 18.7 19.8 16.7 16.5 -21.5% -4.2%

Knoll 19.6 20.2 23.0 20.0 20.1 23.8 -20.1% -6.7%

Leggett 41.1 44.4 47.7 47.7 52.5 50.3 -23.9% -7.6%

Mohawk 217.4 232.2 275.9 247.5 241.7 229.5 -24.2% -8.6%

Steelcase 13.5 13.6 15.2 15.4 14.0 16.8 -25.6% -3.7%

USG 40.5 40.4 38.6 32.7 29.0 31.8 -2.5% 5.3%

Virco 4.2 4.1 5.1 5.5 5.4 4.0 -31.4% -2.9%

SUM 442.3 467.3 531.0 491.4 472.9 473.6

DJIndust 24,311 24,103 24,719 22,405 21,350 20,663 -8.7% -0.4%

Industry Stock Prices


businessNon-GAAP EPS 2017A: Q1 $0.27; Q2 $0.42; Q3 $0.82; Q4 $0.47; Full Year $1.96

GAAP EPS 2017A: 2.00; Revenues (mil.) $2,176

Non-GAAP EPS 2018E: Q1 $0.10A: Q2 $0.34; Q3 $1.12; Q4 $1.00; Full Year $2.57

GAAP EPS 2018E: $2.53; Revenues (mil.) $2,242

Non-GAAP EPS 2019E: Q1 $0.22: Q2 $0.40; Q3 $1.19; Q4 $1.08; Full Year $2.89



>Valuation: HNI now trades at 13.1x our NTM non-GAAP EPS estimate of $2.69. Risk/reward remains in balance with a ~$44 upside scenario and ~$30 downside scenario (+18% up/ -20% down).

RAYMOND JAMES BRIEF 4.25.18Knoll 1Q18: EPS and Sales Beat; Reorganizing Company Segments

Analysts: Budd Bugatch, Katherine West, Bobby Griffin

>After Wednesday’s market close, Knoll released 1Q18 results. After adjusting for a loss on extinguishment of debt (~$1.4 million), acquisition expenses ($1.0 million), and re-structuring (~$0.5 million), 1Q18 non-GAAP EPS was $0.35, thereby meeting our $0.35 estimate and beating the $0.33 consensus estimate. Total sales, though increasing 15.5% y/y to ~$296.6 million, missed our ~$304.4 million estimate but beat the ~$294.4 million consensus estimate.

>New Segment Reporting: In its release, Knoll reported results in two segments: Office and Lifestyle versus three reported previously. Essentially, Lifestyle aggregates the previ-ous Studio and Coverings segments plus acquired Muuto. The Office segment includes previously reported Office results with the addition of European office that was previously reported in the Studio segment.

>Revenues: As noted, total revenues grew by 15.5% year-over-year. For the Office Segment, as recalibrated, revenues grew to $181.6 million versus $158.0 million, a y/y improve-ment of 15.0%. Management cited strong growth in commer-cial sales for both North America and Europe with sales growth coming from newer workplace platforms and complimentary products while legacy products were essentially flat y/y. The Lifestyle segment revenues were reported at $115.0 million, a 16% growth versus $98.8 million for 1Q17. The growth was attributed “primarily” to the inclusion of Muuto in the segment this year. Muuto was acquired effective January 25, 2018, which means its results were included for ~2 months months of 1Q18. Management noted that it was on track to roll out Muuto product in North America during 2Q18.

>Variance Analysis: Non-GAAP (adjusted) EPS missed our es-timate by ~$0.01 at the operating line. A better-than-forecasted gross margin provided a ~$0.04 benefit, offset by lower sales (~$0.01 drag) and higher operating expense ratio (~$0.02 drag). Below the operating profit line, other income was a ~$0.03 ben-efit versus our model, offset by a higher-than-modeled interest expense (~$0.01 drag) and adjusted tax rate (~$0.01 drag).

>Margin Commentary: Gross margin declined ~93 bp y/y to 36.3% primarily due to the Office segment. In the quarter, the positive impact of higher volumes and favorable shift mix were offset by unfavorable commodity and transportation inflation versus the prior year. After adjusting for ~$1.0 million in expenses related to the Muuto acquisition and ~$0.5 in restructuring expenses related to organizational realignment, adjusted operating expenses were ~$83.7 million, thereby increasing ~15% y/y. The incremental operating expenses are attributed to the inclusion of Muuto and to the expansion of the sales force. Despite the increase, adjusted operating expense ratio fell ~5 bp to 28.2% of sales.

>Management will hold its conference call Thursday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. ET. The release was notably devoid on commentary about the impact of inflation on results and specificity as to the impact of Muuto on earnings. Clearly, these are current areas of interest for investors, and we shall be attentive as to how much color and detail management is willing to add for investors, given its new reporting structure. We fear it may use a less-is-more approach, which would be disappointing. We will back with refreshed estimates and further commentary after the call.


businessBUSINESS AFFAIRS>Interface, Inc.’s Board of Directors declared a regular quar-terly cash dividend of $0.065 per share. It is payable May 25 to shareholders of record as of May 11. http://www.interface.com/US/en-US/about/investor-relations

>Interface, Inc. on Apr. 25 announced its first-quarter fiscal 2018 results (dollars in thousands except EPS):

3 Mos. Ended 4.1.18 4.2.17 %Ch.Net Sales $240,563 $221,102 8.8%Gross Profit $93,582 $87,802 6.6%SG&A $70,594 $64,714 9.1%Op. Inc. $22,988 $15,789 45.6%Net Inc. $15,084 $8,547 76,5%EPS (dil) $0.25 $0.13 92.3%Organic Orders $249,900 $223,000 12.1%

6 Mos. Ended 6.29.13 6.30.12 %Ch.Net Sales $953.0 $925.6 3.0%Gross Profit $322.4 $311.9 3.4%SG&A $299.1 $295.2 1.3%Op. Income $23.2 $15.6 48.7%Net Inc. $12.8 $6.9 85.5%EPS (dil.) $0.28 $0.15 86.7%

“We are continuing to deliver against our value creation strategy, starting off the year with solid performance in line with our expectations,” said Interface CEO Jay Gould. “We’re seeing posi-tive momentum in the business with organic sales up 6.6% over the prior year period and organic orders up 12% year over year. Our customers are responding favorably to our new LVT offerings and we will continue to expand that portfolio over the course of the year. As anticipated, our gross margin was down slightly year over year due to higher input prices as well as exiting the FLOR specialty retail stores. As planned, SG&A expenses were flat as a percent of sales over the prior year while the dollars were up as we executed on our planned investments to accelerate growth.”

The sales increase over the prior year period was attributed to broad-based growth and positive currency impacts, offset partially by the company’s exit from FLOR specialty retail. Organic sales growth, which adjusts for the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and exiting FLOR specialty retail, was up 6.6% year over year. Organic orders also exclude the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and exiting FLOR specialty retail. The company continued to see growth in its core carpet tile as well as LVT, as both product categories continued to drive solid sales and order growth.

First quarter operating income was 9.6% of sales compared with 7.1% of sales in the prior year period. Excluding last year’s restructuring and asset impairment charges, adjusted operating income was $23 million, or 10.4% of sales, in the first quarter of last year.

Gross margin was 38.9% for the first quarter, a decrease of 80 basis points over the prior year period, driven by higher input costs as well as exiting of the FLOR specialty retail stores.

First quarter SG&A expenses, 29.3% of sales, remained flat as a percentage of sales in the first quarter of 2017. The dollar investments in the first quarter and the pace of SG&A spend are in line with the company’s targeted annual SG&A plan and targeted run rate.

Adjusted prior year period net income was $13.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, which excludes the restructuring and asset impairment charge reported last year.

The company completed an additional $14.5 million of stock repurchases in the first quarter, executing on the previously announced $100 million share repurchase program.

Fiscal Year 2018 Outlook

Looking at the full year of 2018, Interface reaffirms it is target-ing to achieve 3% to 5% organic sales growth, gross profit mar-gin of 39% to 39.5%, SG&A expenses that are relatively flat to 2017 as a percentage of net sales, an effective tax rate of 26% to 27%, interest and other expenses that are projected to be $2 million to $3 million higher than 2017, and capital expenditures of $50 million to $60 million. Based on historic seasonality, current forecasts, and prior year comparables, the company continues to expect its strongest operating income growth in the second and third quarters of 2018, with softer growth in the first and fourth quarters.

The full text of Interface’s 1Q18 earnings release, including all tables, and an archived replay of the company’s Apr. 26 conference call are available at www.interface.com/US/en-US/about/investor-relations.

>Knoll, Inc. released its first-quarter 2018 financial results on Apr. 25 (dollars in millions except EPS):

3 Mos Ended 3.31.18 3.31.17 %Ch.Net Sales $296.6 $256.8 15.5%Gross Profit $107.7 $95.7 12.6%SG&A $84.7 $75.0 12.9%Op. Profit $22.5 $20.6 8.8%Net Inc. $15.3 $15.4 -0.9%EPS (dil.) $0.31 $0.31 0.0%Organic Orders $249,900 $223,000 12.1%

Adjusted operating profit was $24.0 million, an increase of 16.3% when compared to the first quarter of 2017. Excluding the impact of acquisition expenses, restructuring charges, and the loss on extinguishment of debt, adjusted net earnings for the quarter were $17.4 million, an increase of 13.2% when compared to the first quarter of 2017. Diluted EPS was nega-tively impacted by a loss on extinguishment of debt, acquisition

http://www.interface.com/US/en-US/about/investor-relations





businessexpenses and restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2018. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.35 and $0.31 for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

“We are very pleased with our strong start to 2018,” com-mented Knoll President and CEO Andrew Cogan. “Our efforts to diversify our sources of revenue, expand our selling capac-ity, respond to the changing design trends and allocation of space within the workplace as well as improve our margins are beginning to come together. Furthermore, with an increasing mix of revenue and profits coming from the international and high design residentially oriented businesses in our Lifestyle segment we are building a stronger, differentiated and more sustainably profitable enterprise. Looking ahead to the balance of the year we would expect these initiatives to continue to drive top line growth and margin expansion.”

During the first quarter of 2018, gross margin decreased to 36.3% from 37.3% in the first quarter of 2017. This decrease was driven mainly by the Office segment, where higher volume and a favorable shift of mix towards new product platforms were offset by unfavorable commodity and transportation infla-tion when compared to the first quarter of 2017.

Operating expenses were $85.2 million for the first quarter of 2018, or 28.7% of net sales, compared to $75.1 million, or 29.2% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2017. Operat-ing expenses in the first quarter of 2018 included acquisition expenses of $1.0 million related to the Muuto acquisition, and restructuring charges of $0.5 million. The restructuring charges were related to an organizational realignment expected to result in greater operational efficiency and control. Excluding these items, adjusted operating expenses were $83.7 million for the first quarter of 2018, or 28.2% of net sales compared to $75.1 million for the first quarter of 2017. The increase in adjusted operating expenses was related primarily to incremental op-erating expenses from Muuto as well as the expansion of the company’s sales force.

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $8.5 million compared to $10.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $7.4 million, or $0.15 per share, and payment of accrued dividends on vested shares of $0.3 million, compared to payment of a quarterly dividend of $7.3 million, or $0.15 per share, and the payment of accrued dividends on vested shares of $1.1 million during the first quarter of 2017.

Business Segment Results

In 2018, Knoll revised its segment presentation and now has two reportable segments: Office and Lifestyle. The former Studio and Coverings segments were aggregated with Muuto in Lifesyle. Additionally, the Office segment now includes Knoll’s

office business in Europe which was historically reported in Studio. All unallocated expenses are included within Corporate. The tables below present the company’s segment information with Corporate costs excluded from operating segment results. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current presentation (in thousands).

3 Mos Ended 3.31.18 3.31.17 %Ch.Office Net Sales $181,619 $157,997 15.0% Op. Profit $8,866 $8,828 0.4%Lifestyle Net Sales $114,940 $98,823 16.3% Op. Profit $20,176 $12,411 62.6%

(The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms in North America and Europe. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® ac-cessories as well as the international sales of Office products. The Lifestyle segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, DatesWeiser, Muuto, KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. KnollStudio products, which are distributed in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, cafe and dining chairs as well as conference, training and dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT® is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In addition, HOLLY HUNT® also includes Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. DatesWeiser, known for its so-phisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration. The KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edel-man® Leather businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. The acquisition of Muuto rounds out the Lifestyle segment with its ancillary products and affordable luxury furnishings to make the Lifestyle segment an all-encompassing “resimercial”, high-performance workplace, from uber-luxury living spaces to affordable luxury residential living.)

The increase in Office segment net sales was attributed to strong growth in commercial sales in both North America and Europe. Newer workplace platforms and complimentary products drove sales growth, while legacy system sales were consistent with the first quarter of 2017.

The sales increase in the Lifestyle segment was primarily driven by the inclusion of two months of sales from Muuto, which was acquired on Jan. 25, 2018, as well as higher sales at Dates-Weiser.

The full text of Knoll’s 1Q18 earnings release, including all tables, and a webcast replay of its Apr. 26 conference call,


businessincluding presentation slides, are available at the Knoll Investor Relations web page. In addition, an audio replay of the call will be available through May 3 at (855) 859-2056 (North America) or (404) 537-3406 (International); Passcode 956 5766. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=66169&p=irol-irhome

>Mohawk Industries, Inc. on Apr. 26 announced its first-quarter 2018 results (dollars in thousands except EPS):

3 Mos. Ended 3.31.18 4.1.17 %Ch.Net Sales $2,412,202 $2,220,645 8.6%Gross Profit $704,692 $680,353 3.6%SG&A $436,293 $405,569 7.6%Op. Inc. $268,399 $274,784 -2.3%Net Earn. $208,766 $200,554 4.1%EPS (dil.) $2.78 $2.68 3.7%

Adjusted net earnings were $225 million and EPS was $3.01, excluding restructuring, acquisition and other charges, an 11% increase over last year.

“Mohawk is benefiting from its diverse geographical footprint and product portfolio,” said Chairman and CEO Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum. “Our performance in the first quarter accentu-ated this strength as we realized significant growth in LVT in our largest markets and sales and profits grew strongly in our ceramic business outside the U.S. We are leveraging our global organization’s strength to initiate manufacturing in new markets and extend our development of innovative products. Our global decentralized structure enables us to simultaneously man-age numerous internal investments while also executing new acquisitions.

“For the quarter, our operating income grew at a greater rate when adjusted for the loss of income from expired patents and higher start-up costs of new facilities and sales initiatives. In the first quarter, material and freight inflation increased more than we anticipated and impacted our costs. We are initiating selective pricing actions by product and region that, combined with improving mix and cost reductions, will offset expected inflation.”

Results by Segment (dollars in thousands):

3 Mos. Ended 3.31.18 4.1.17 %Ch.Global Ceramic Net Sales $876,548 $784,969 11.7% Op. Inc. $113,417 $116,036 -2.3%Flooring NA Net Sales $950,358 $939,496 1.2% Op. Inc. $74,748 $92,142 -18.9%Flooring ROW Net Sales $585,296 $496,180 18.0% Op. Inc. $89,060 $76,095 17.0%

“For the quarter, our Global Ceramic Segment sales increased 12% as reported and 8% on a constant currency basis,” said

Mr. Lorberbaum. “Our sales in Russia and Mexico grew the fastest, and our European acquisitions added approximately 6% to our sales. Operating margin was approximately 13% both as reported and on an adjusted basis, decreasing year over year due to inflation, product mix and start-up cost. First quarter segment sales sequentially improved, and we anticipate increased growth throughout the balance of the year, supported by greater capacity and new product introductions. We are implementing sales actions to increase our customer base and market share in both the residential and commercial sectors. In the U.S., we are launching innovative slip resistant tile, intro-ducing higher styled designs in all price points and marketing ceramic’s durability and ease of care to consumers. Our new service centers and countertop distribution are ramping up and will enhance our results as sales increase. The building for our new quartz plant is nearing completion, and equipment instal-lation should begin this quarter. In Mexico, the increased ca-pacity and new capabilities of our Salamanca plant are allowing us to expand our customer base domestically and grow exports to Central and South America. In Europe, our product mix is improving as we capture a larger share of the premium market, and our new product launches increase our average price. Our two acquisitions in Italy and Poland are progressing as planned as we integrate their operations and expand their product offer-ing. In Russia, we continue to grow our leading market position in a challenging economic environment.

“During the quarter, our Flooring North America Segment sales increased 1%. The segment’s operating margin was 8% as reported, absorbing increased inflation, restructuring and LVT start-up costs. On an adjusted basis, the operating margin was approximately 10% including the higher inflation and start-up costs. Our residential carpet sales increased during the quarter, led by the retail replacement channel. Our sales ben-efited from the strength of our innovative products, including super soft SmartStrand Silk Reserve, luxury Karastan collec-tions, patented Continuum polyester offerings and propriety, hypoallergenic Air.o unified soft flooring. In the first quarter, we implemented the carpet price increase we announced last fall. In addition, our raw material and freight costs escalated more than we anticipated, and we announced another carpet price increase of 6% to 7% to cover these costs. We have realigned our commercial sales structure, so that we can provide greater expertise with complete flooring solutions for each end-use market. LVT sales continue to expand in both residential and commercial. To support our increasing manufacturing capa-bilities, we are expanding our collections of both flexible and rigid LVT. Our new laminate production line is working well and has unique capabilities to make products indistinguishable from natural wood with superior visuals and performance. Our revolutionary RevWood Plus, a new water-proof wood product,

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businessis rapidly gaining acceptance with longer planks and con-temporary finishes. Our investments in new technologies and hundreds of productivity projects are enhancing our service levels, quality and cost structures.

“For the quarter, our Flooring Rest of the World Segment sales increased 18% as reported and 4% on a constant currency basis, as local economies improved and the Euro strengthened. As reported, our operating income increased 17% as a result of improved price and mix, productivity and the strengthening Euro, overcoming inflation, start-up costs and expired patents. On an adjusted basis, the operating margin was approximately 16%, a slight improvement even with higher start-up costs and lower patent income. We are starting new LVT and laminate production in Belgium, and we are launching new carpet tile and rigid LVT products. The price increases we implemented last fall are covering raw material increases from 2017, and we are selectively increasing prices to offset further inflation. LVT in Europe is growing in acceptance, and we are the market leader. Our new LVT production line is ramping up, and we are expanding our product offering to fully utilize its capacity. Our sheet vinyl assets in Europe are running at capacity, and we are seeding the Russian market to build demand for our new plant, which should initiate production by the end of this year. To expand our sales across Europe, we are assembling an experienced commercial sales force for our LVT, sheet vinyl and carpet tile. Our laminate business continues to perform well, and we lead the premium market in realistic design and water-resistant products. Our new laminate press is operating, and we are introducing additional premium products to extend our market leadership. Our wood panel sales are performing well as a result of investments that expanded capacity and improved our costs. Our insulation business is recovering as raw material supply increases and costs moderate.”

Outlook

“Around the globe, we are starting up a number of large invest-ments that will significantly enhance our long-term results by expanding existing sales, adding product categories and entering new markets. Many of these operations are currently initiating new production, including Mexican, Italian and Rus-sian ceramic; U.S. and European premium laminate; U.S. and European LVT; Italian porcelain slabs; and European carpet tile. In addition, by the end of this year, we anticipate commencing production of quartz countertops in the U.S. and sheet vinyl in Russia, as well as expanding polyester carpet in the U.S.; ceramic tile in Poland; and laminate and ceramic wall tile in Russia. We anticipate finalizing the acquisition of Godfrey Hirst as early as the end of May, adding the largest flooring producer in Australia and New Zealand to our global portfolio. To prepare

for the integration, we are assessing the sales, product and raw material strategies for both companies to optimize perfor-mance.

“As anticipated this year, we will have a non-recurring reduc-tion of operating income of $70-75 million, comprised of $30-35 million from higher start-up costs and $40 million from patents that expired in 2017. In 2018, incremental deprecia-tion of $75 million will curtail our operating margins until our sales reach a level to fully absorb these investments. Changes in the U.S. tax law will reduce our adjusted tax rate from 26% last year to an estimated 21% this year. Taking all of this into account, our EPS guidance for the second quarter is $3.89 to $3.98, excluding any one-time charges.

“During the balance of 2018, our sales growth should improve as we increase the use of our new production, introduce ad-ditional products and complete the acquisition of Godfrey Hirst. This year, the Godfrey Hirst acquisition is estimated to increase revenue by $180 million and EPS by $0.25. In the third quar-ter, higher prices, mix and productivity should increase our adjusted operating income above last year, even with a lower operating margin. In the fourth quarter, our adjusted operating income and margin should exceed 2017, as the impact from start-ups and patents decline. Next year, with higher utilization and lower start-up costs, we will see further enhancements of our sales and profitability. With the strength of our organization, we can execute additional acquisitions if appropriate risk and return can be achieved.”

The full text of Mohawk’s 1Q18 earnings release, including all tables, plus an archived webcast replay of the company’s Apr. 27 conference call, may be accessed at the Investor Informa-tion section of Mohawk’s website. A telephone replay will be available until May 27 at 855-859-2056 for U.S./Local calls and 404-537-3406 for International/Local calls; Conference ID # 6659539. www.mohawkind.com/CorporateIRNewsReleases.aspx

>USG Corp. on Apr. 25 reported its 2018 first-quarter results (dollars in millions except EPS):

3 Mos. Ended 3.31.18 3.31.17 %Ch.Net Sales $786 $767 2.5%Gross Profit $139 $159 -12.6%SG&A $93 $75 24.0%Op. Profit $46 $84 -45.2%Net Income $37 $55 -32.7%EPS (dil.) $0.25 $0.37 -32.4%

Adjusted net sales for the quarter were $796 million, a 4% in-crease over the prior year, attributed primarily to price improve-ment across the company’s businesses. Adjusted net income for the quarter was $46 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.

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business“It is encouraging to see increased sales and strategic progress in the first quarter that are necessary to enable us to meet our 2020 financial targets,” said USG President and CEO Jennifer Scanlon. “As we previously indicated, our wallboard volumes were impacted by the timing of our U.S. wallboard price increase and the frequent storms that affected many regions of the country. However, we are encouraged to see shipping volumes increase over the last six weeks, as our Sheetrock® brand and industry leading technology continue to be preferred by contractors. This reinforces our confidence in our strategy, which includes organic growth from our logical portfolio of products. Our relentless focus on serving our customers, lower-ing our cost position and expanding our margins will continue to guide us through the rest of the year. We remain confident in our 2018 outlook for all of our segments and continue to be-lieve that 2019 will be the breakout profit year of our strategy.”

Ms. Scanlon continued, “We undertook significant actions over the last two years which completely transformed our company and laid the foundation for continued improvements in our cost position, profitability, capital structure and portfolio. This is an exciting time for USG because, now, as a pure manufac-turer, we have the opportunity and available capital to focus on growth and shareholder value creation with a balance sheet that supports our plan.”

The lower operating profit in the first quarter of 2018 was attrib-uted primarily to lower volumes in the company’s U.S. Wall-board & Surfaces segment, resulting from the timing of pre-buy and adverse weather conditions, higher labor costs due to retained staffing levels with lower Q1 wallboard volumes in ad-vance of expected increase in demand through the remainder of 2018, and investments across all of the company’s business to drive future growth.

The company remains on track with Advanced Manufacturing, which delivered $4 million of incremental EBITDA this quarter. The program is expected to deliver incremental $25 million of EBITDA in 2018. In addition, the company deployed strategic capital to lower its cost position and to fuel future growth. Its 2018 SG&A target has not changed.

During the first quarter of 2018, USG repurchased 1.8 million shares of its common stock for approximately $62 million. Since the program began in 2017 through the first quarter of 2018, the Company has repurchased $246 million USG shares of up to $500 million approved by the Board.

The U.S. Wallboard & Surfaces segment generated $49 million of operating profit in the first quarter of 2018. On an ad-justed basis, operating profit of $51 million decreased by $28 million over the first quarter of 2017. Wallboard price increased 9% from the fourth quarter of 2017 and 1% from the first quar-ter of 2017, due primarily to a January 2018 price increase. As noted above, the first quarter 2018 results were affected by wallboard volumes decreasing by approximately 12%. Addition-ally, wallboard costs were $14 million higher than the prior year as the company retained staffing levels, incurred costs to start-up a lower-cost line and saw modest input cost inflation.

The U.S. Performance Materials segment net sales increased by $6 million and adjusted net sales increased by $7 million year over year due to a higher average realized selling price. The segment generated $1 million of operating profit in the first quarter of 2018. On an adjusted basis, operating profit of $1 million in the U.S. Performance Materials segment declined by $5 million over the first quarter of 2017 due to investments to increase capacity, lower the cost position and accelerate the adoption of new products. These investments are necessary to meet the company’s 2020 financial targets for this segment.

The U.S. Ceilings segment generated $19 million of operating profit in the first quarter of 2018. On an adjusted basis, operat-ing profit of $23 million increased by $3 million from the first quarter of 2017 due to improved pricing and volumes across tile and grid products, and an incremental $2 million from the Specialty product category.

The USG Boral business generated $9 million of equity income in the first quarter of 2018. Equity income decreased $4 million compared to the first quarter of 2017. USG Boral recorded a 4% increase in net sales compared to the first quarter of 2017, although higher input costs resulted in a decrease in equity income.

The full text of USG’s 1Q18 earnings release, including all tables, along with a replay of the company’s Apr. 25 confer-ence call webcast, is available on the USG website, www.usg.com, in the Investor Relations section. In addition, a telephonic replay of the call will be available until Friday, May 25, at 1-888-843-7419 (1-630-652-3042 for international callers); pass code 46755508. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=115117&p=irol-news&nyo=0

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JOB SITETo place ads or to get a price quote contact Bob Beck [email protected] 972 293 9186

Find all our ads all the time at www.officeinsight.com/careers.

PO Box 967Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Robert [email protected] 972 293 9186

Mallory [email protected] 219 263 9006

www.officeinsight.com© 2018 officeinsight,LLC

Bradford J. Powell, Hon. [email protected] T 203 966 5008

Independent Rep Group - SoCal

Sales Assistant - Parsippany, NJ

Trendway Corp. is seeking an aggressive, multi-line independent rep group to serve its customers in the Southern California region.

Trendway is a 50 year old manufacturer of high quality workplace solutions including panel-based workstations, benching, task

and collaborative seating and architectural wall products all available through its dedicated dealer network.

Interested independent rep groups should represent complementary manufacturers with a similar business culture to Trendway.

Interested sales teams should send contact information to Jim Ford, National Director of Market Development, at [email protected]

Business Furniture, Inc. (bfi) is seeking a full time Sales Assistant for our Parsippany, NJ office.

Essential duties and responsibilities

> Insure all orders have been properly entered and placed. Create and main-tain all necessary files to insure a complete record. Communicate as required to insure successful furni-ture orders.

> Review, process, correct and maintain quotes, registers, and vendor ac-knowledgments to ensure accuracy.

> Track, expedite and sched-ule product shipments, deliveries and installations to ensure timely completion of job with manufacturers and vendors.

> Investigate and respond to vendor, customer and ac-counting inquiries to insure order is shipped on time and correctly to provide customer satisfaction.

> Create and maintain quote, order files and other paper-work from accounting and outside mail to maintain order and complete files for Sales Representative.

> Other duties may be as-signed.

Internal Contacts

> Frequent contact with Sales Representative to verify and/or provide necessary information to process quotes, orders and to ar-range for deliveries.

> As needed contact with Branch Manager for gross profit approvals, outside vendor/installer use, sales problems and advice on handling accounts.

> Frequent contact with Cus-tomer Satisfaction to clarify status on services.

> Frequent contact with Order Entry and Billing to clarify orders, change orders and not authorized invoices.

> Frequent contact with Ac-counts Payable to check payable vouchers, clarify status and to hold pay-ments.

> Frequent contact with Proj-ect Coordination regarding customer satisfaction and not authorized invoices.

Experience:

> Furniture industry: 1 year (Required)

Send resume:

[email protected]

http://www.officeinsight.com/careers

http://www.officeinsight.com/careers

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