A 7.2 Million Square Foot Seating Plant Rises in China

Multipurpose, squared.Store Bixby two ways, both nesting and stacking, for the ultimate in seating versatility. Mix and match 4 frame, 8 plastic and 11 fabric colors, with or without arms, and your choice of glides or castors. Unparalleled comfort with flexible, perforated back design and optional cushion for seat and back.

Design yours at amqsolutions.com/bixby

Bixby multipurpose chair

AMQ_Revi_0919-final.indd 2 9/16/19 11:36 AM

The Business of Furniture | October 9, 2019

BoFThe Business of Furniture | January 6, 2016

oooo

The Business of Furniture

October 9, 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

10UPFRONT: Studio TK’s Cesto Receives

Bronze 2019 IDEA AwardsStudio TK’s Cesto seating and table elements collection was honored in the 2019 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) competition.

16 In a Co-Everything World, Standards

Become KingOne way clients can simplify the procurement of contract grade is through services like Curate from Level.

44Clear Design Sets Sights on Growth,

Fueled by Simple, Effective FormulaThe company, with a U.S. base in San Antonio, Texas, has made a name for itself not by being everything to everyone

< Clear Design BLADE benching p44

BoFoooo

5The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

7The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo The Business of FurnitureOctober 9, 2019

9|Hutch Industry Cartoon 10 |Upfront 11 |The Stream

COLUMNSStephen Says 22Training & Development 24

FINANCIALIndustry Shares/Graphs 20

CALENDAR & MORERegional News 18Upcoming Events 26Marketplace & Classifieds 66

12 |Knoll Sues Senator Over Alleged Patent Violations on Pixel TableAt issue is whether the Array tables by Senator, which Knoll said were on exhibit at Senator’s showroom at NeoCon in June, infringe on the PIXEL patent.

58 PULSE The latest industry happenings

28 PLACES AmorePacific F21 Offices – Seoul 54 FIRST LOOKS The latest product introductions

15 |International Contemporary Furniture Fair and WantedDesign Manhattan to Co-locate from May 2020The ICFF-WantedDesign Manhattan co-location brings together two unique brands under one roof, creating a not-to-be-missed North American design industry event.

44 |Clear Design Sets Sights on Growth, Fueled by Simple, Effective FormulaClear Design started out in 2003 by bringing in niche products from Europe, different styles of European furniture from various manufacturers. Over time they developed a relationship with dealers, most based in Texas.

30 |California Cool: Arcadia, a Company on a Roll, Proves Design, Innovation Drive SalesArcadia isn’t a new, upstart brand. It has been in business for 40 years. Yet in many ways, it is just hitting its stride.

9The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

The Business of FurnitureBoFoooo

BoFooooEditor-in-Chief, Bellow Press Rob Kirkbride

Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Publisher, Bellow Press Melissa SkolnickVice President, Content Production, Bellow Press Todd HardyStaff Writer, Marketing Manager, Bellow Press Emily Clingman

Workplace Guru, BoF Stephen ViscusiTraining & Development Columnist, BoF Sid Meadows

Contributing Writers, BoF:Bruce Buursma, John Q. Horn, Stef Schwalb,

Jennie Morton, Michael Dunlap, Carolyn Cirillo, Kevin Budelmann

Illustrator, BoF Jamie CosleyCopy Editor, BoF Linda Odette

Publishing Headquarters 382 NE 191st St, Suite 253Miami, Florida 33179877-BELLOW9 (877-235-5699) Email: info@bellow.press

Include us on your PR distribution list.Send To: news@bellow.pressPlease include high resolution photos along with your release; at least 300 dpi.https://bellow.press/SubmitNews

Business of Furniture and Workplaces magazine are the go-to sources for keeping you informed about every-thing that is happening in the industry. From trends that affect your bottom line, to new products that will help your customers work better, to stories that will help you run a better, more informed company.ROB KIRKBRIDE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Contents Copyright ©2019 Bellow Press Inc.

BoFoooo

58 The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

PEOPLE / MANUFACTURER

Global Furniture Group Announces the Passing of President Jon Abraham

Ɇ At just 64, Jon fought a courageous battle for the last 14 months until he succumbed to his ill-ness on Sept. 29. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Marissa and her husband Noah, and his

grandchildren Emma and Jacob.Jon joined the Global family 19 years ago as Executive Vice President, Finance after

being a trusted outside accounting consultant for many years. Jon streamlined credit and accounting processes as he learned the commercial furniture business and was later appointed President of Global USA in 2011. He immediately began focusing on building a stronger business through employee wellbeing, motivation and reward

while starting an internal campaign of ‘everybody counts.’ Jon would often walk through the of-fices simply to check on employees and see how they were doing. He made himself relatable by always having a story or joke ready to tell.

Prior to Jon’s time at Global, and after earning his degree at The Pennsylvania State University, he built a successful career in the accounting profession.

Donations in Jon’s memory can be made to Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center: http://www.med.upenn.edu/pcrc/donate.html

MANUFACTURERS

Architectural Systems and Spartan Surfaces Form Alliance Ɇ ASI | Architectural Systems, Inc., a global provider of branded wall surfaces and flooring prod-

ucts, has announced the appointment of Spartan Surfaces as an exclusive distributor for its East Coast and Midwest 30-state territory.

“We are pleased to enhance ASI’s unparalleled offering of interior finishes through Spartan Surfaces knowledgeable and formidable sales force,” said Nancy Jackson, ASI | Architectural Systems, Inc. chief creative officer. “This strategic alliance is a true industry disruptor, enabling the A&D community to have access to on-point surfacing materials with all the benefits of

having local representation in their region.”Kevin Jablon, Spartan Surfaces CEO, said the company was drawn to Architectural Systems for

its innovative products. “ASI has been a driving force in marketplace trends,” he said. “We could not be more excited to partner with them and represent ASI throughout our footprint.”

Ron Jackson, ASI’s chief executive officer, reaffirms the synergistic alliance between ASI and Spartan Surfaces. “They are a best-in-class company, and our shared commitment and passion for delivering excellence in a 360-degree branded experience at every touch point through design development to installation will be a win-win for all.”

Abraham

JacksonJablonJackson

INDUSTRY PULSE

Remember to include us on your company PR distribution list. Send To: news@bellow.pressPlease include high resolution photos along with your release; at least 8 megapixels. You can submit online at:https://bellow.press/SubmitNews

BoFoooo

ASI is also collaborating and educating them on its network of capabilities for creating custom-ized materials to meet the design intent, budget and project criteria.

MANUFACTURERS

ESI Pink Product Sales To Benefit The Common Thread For The Cure

Ɇ ESI’s Pops of Pink campaign to support Breast Cancer Awareness month will feature a limited edition of two pink products: the pink Pixie LED task light and the pink FlexCharge9 tabletop power pod. ESI, which designs office furniture and accessories, will donate 100 percent of its prof-its to The Common Thread for the Cure.

The pink Pixie offers powerful lighting in a compact space, and the pink FlexCharge9 charges up to nine devices at once with quick-charge USB ports and AC outlets.

The Common Thread for the Cure was established to unite the furnishings industry in the battle against breast cancer. It is dedicated to supporting individuals and their families affected by breast cancer who work in architecture, interior design, furniture, textiles, carpet and lighting.

To learn more about the Pops of Pink campaign, visit esiergo.com/pink.

59The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

2-year free replacement guarantee on all hires!

TVG is the leading recruitment expert. As the industry evolves, so has The Viscusi Group. We are the leaders in recruiting talent to place your products in the most vital U.S. markets. Our commitment to our customers

leverages the combined strength of an extensive global network, industry expertise, historic trends and predictive employment intelligence for our clients. In the next few months you will see our new brand on our website and social platforms. Stay tuned.

212.979.5700 www.tvgrecruiters.com 1185 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10036

TVG RECRUITERS excellence in executive search®

T H E V I S C U S I G R O U Pe x c e l l e n c e i n e x e c u t i v e s e a r c h ®

60 The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo INDUSTRY PULSE

COMPONENTS

LINAK US Celebrates 25 Years in Louisville, Kentucky Ɇ LINAK U.S. is celebrating 25 years of business in Louisville, Kentucky, at its North and South

American headquarters.What started in a garage in 1994 is

now one of the 25 largest manufactur-ers in Louisville.

With the market growing fast in the U.S., LINAK decided to build its first fa-cility outside of Denmark in 1999. Fast forward three expansions later, and it is still on track for growth and greater commitment to North America.

The company was established in 1984 in Denmark. Bent Jensen, CEO and owner, spent a year developing

the first electric linear actuator after a conversation with a disabled friend sparked an idea. The two friends envisioned a way to adjust the wheelchair — thus beginning the journey of LINAK improving lives. Helping improve ergonomics, safety and efficiency, the actuators bring quality movement to office, medical, agriculture, comfort furniture and other applications.

To commemorate the anniversary, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer proclaimed Aug. 21 as LINAK U.S. Day in Kentucky, and a grand opening was held for the new 75,000-square-foot manufactur-ing facility.

“The work of LINAK in advanced manufacturing, one of Louisville’s traditional strengths and a key component to our city’s economic success, is helping us be relevant today and in the future,” Fischer said. “LINAK is a great global company and its investment in a new facility will help them continue to compete and win around the world.”

The new facility gave LINAK U.S. the ability to move its off-site distribution center back in-house and accommodate several new production lines. Continuing to expand and improve manu-facturing in the U.S. is a goal of LINAK U.S. as it aims to make it easier for customers to use its products and services.

“For 25 years, LINAK U.S. has been honored to support the Louisville community,” said Soren Stig-Nielsen, president. “From sponsoring the Special Olympics and plane pulls almost 20 years ago to donating and handing out 50 backpacks filled with school supplies last month to students in need, we are proud to give back to the city we call home.”

Over the next few years the company hopes to expand again in Louisville, according to Stig-Nielsen, first with an addition to its recent manufacturing facility and second with a new main office. “There is a continued need for our manufacturing capacity to grow, and with over 350 employees in the U.S., we are also at a point where we need more space for our internal growth,” he said.

On top of adding more jobs, the additions will bring high-tech production equipment to the Louisville facilities, including advanced robotics. These improvements are designed not to re-place workers, but add opportunities for additional technical-skill level positions.

61The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo

MANUFACTURER

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Appears at KI Company Picnic in Celebration of Employee Ownership

Ɇ It was a trip back in time for KI employees as they climbed into a Wells Fargo stagecoach and snapped pho-tos on cell phones. But it was also a look into a promising future.

Displayed in front of the company’s Green Bay head-quarters, the stagecoach served as a reminder of the financial opportunities and security offered by 100-per-cent employee ownership of the company through an employee stock ownership program.

The program, which Wells Fargo and several other banks helped make a reality, provides employees the opportunity to share the benefits of stock ownership while laying out a long-term plan for the business. Full employee ownership encour-ages staff to think like an owner and encourages employee input to ensure the success and growth of the company.

The picnic and stock plan are examples of the many ways the company embraces its employee owners. From flexible work schedules and onsite wellness facilities to financial support of con-tinuing education, KI offers employees a strong work/life balance and rewarding career opportu-nities.

A&D

Interior Architects Opens its 23rd Location in Dublin Ɇ IA has announced it is opening an office in Dublin, Ireland. This strategic move, which marks

IA’s 23rd office, enables it to continue serving clients in the Irish market and throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The decision to establish an office in Dublin speaks to IA’s commitment to the design industry, its people and its current and future clients. Dublin, with its strong universities, produces archi-tectural and design talent which is critical to building a strong design practice.

Cornelia Murphy, an architect with more than 20 years of experience and a broad industry knowledge of commercial and residential design, will lead the office. Murphy has worked with an impressive range of clients, including Airbnb, Stripe, eBay, Dropbox and Squarespace.

“I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to spearhead IA’s growth in the Irish market,” said Murphy, account director. “Our Dublin office will provide expert design and strategy to IA’s existing global clients based in Ireland, building new relationships and continuing to strengthen IA’s position in Europe.”

Formally establishing IA in Dublin is an important step in geographic diversification, according to Tim Hardingham, co-managing director. “We’re looking forward to our London and Dublin of-fices working hand-in-hand to service existing clients and to create a distinctive and sustainable presence in the local market,” he said.

In a joint statement David Bourke and Tom Powers, co-CEOs and presidents of IA said: “We are thrilled to expand into Ireland and are confident in Cornelia’s abilities and leadership to grow a

INDUSTRY PULSE

62 The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo INDUSTRY PULSE

strong practice in Dublin. This new location represents our continued commitment to the Eu-ropean market and our confidence that with Dublin’s design and architectural talent pool, along with key clients, a firm like IA will thrive.”

EVENTS / HOSPITALITY

High Point Market Announces Educational and Social Programming for Hospitality At Market

Ɇ The High Point Market Authority, in partnership with its media partner, InspireDesign, has announced its programming for the 2019 Hospitality At Market.

The event, now in its fourth year, will greet hospitality buyers with a reception Oct. 20 and hold a panel discussion led by industry experts on Oct. 21.

The welcome reception is a breakfast event that offers guests an opportunity to meet and min-gle with buyers, designers, hotel brands, purchasing agents and management firms. The recep-tion will include networking time, brief remarks from the Hospitality at Market committee and a showroom tour.

Christina Trauthwein, editor-in-chief of InspireDesign magazine, will moderate a discussion on “The Intersection of Residential and Hospitality Design” on Oct. 21. Panelists will include Kelli Ellis of Kelli Ellis Designs, Mark Friesen of Beyer Brown Associates, Blanche Garcia of B-garcia Designs, Sonya Haffey of VStarr Interiors, Dina Lamanna of HOK and Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio.

“We’re excited to bring big names in the design industry to a panel discussion on the hot trend of blending residential and commercial design,” Trauthwein said.

The educational and social programming for Hospitality At Market offers guests an opportunity to meet more than 40 major hospitality suppliers, broaden their network and learn from industry leaders navigating similar business endeavors, said Tom Conley, High Point Market Authority president and CEO.

“These two events, in addition to the newly created guided showroom tours, will lead buy-ers directly to the designated hospitality showrooms — an opportunity unlike any other to fully experience the breadth of hospitality capabilities and product assortment available at High Point Market in just two days.”

A guided showroom tour led by hospitality industry leaders will be offered both days. Tour guides include Celia Barrett of Barrett Design Studio, Blanche Garcia of B-garcia Designs, Stacy Garcia of Stacy Garcia Brands and Life-Styled.net, Gary Inman of Baskervill, Jane Nichols of High Point University, Teri Schell of Overlees Contract Resources, Toby Schermerhorn of Cauhaus Design and Lynda Welte of Blueprints for GREEN Design.

“Hospitality at Market is unlike any event available to the hospitality industry, with an abun-dance of product in showroom settings,” said Allen Rolleri, InspireDesign publisher. “You really need to see it and feel it.”

Or as Trauthwein said, “Get ready to be inspired.”Admission to Hospitality At Market is free and open to all members of the hospitality and de-

sign trades. To register, interested buyers can complete an online request form at www.highpoint-market.org/hospitality.

63The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo

ASSOCIATIONS

ASID Announces 2020 Edition of SCALE: The ASID National Student Summit

Ɇ The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the dates and initial pro-gramming for the 2020 edition of SCALE: The ASID National Student Summit.

The event will be Feb. 21-23, 2020, in Seattle. SCALE brings the ASID mission of “Design Impacts Lives” to design students and educators through networking opportunities, speakers, roundtables and learning sessions.

“The future of our industry is in the hands of today’s students and aspiring designers,” said Randy Fiser, ASID CEO. “SCALE provides unparalleled professional insight, growth opportunities and inspiration so that the next generation of decision-makers and thought leaders are prepared to jumpstart their careers.”

Throughout SCALE, students have the opportunity to network with peers and industry profes-sionals, attend tours of interior design firms and projects, schedule one-on-one interviews at the ASID National Student Career Fair, engage with design professionals for a resume and portfolio review, connect with sponsors and speakers in the Learning Lounge and participate in a wide variety of panel discussions and workshops.

SCALE opens with the presentation of the ASID Student Portfolio Competition. Finalists will attend and winners will be named on opening day. The competition is the premier awards pro-gram in the nation for design students. The submission period for competition is Nov. 6 through Jan. 8, 2020. Winners will be announced live Feb. 21, 2020.

The SCALE 2020 program features a diverse collection of speakers who will share their person-al success stories, career paths and insights to help students. The 2020 SCALE keynote speakers are Caroline Robbie, Quadrangle principal; Jennifer Kolstad, The Ford Motor Company Global design director; and Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A co-founder.

Additional speakers include: Carolyn Ames Noble, Ames Design Studio; Molly Baker, Perkins&Will; Ngozi Brown, NBO A+D, PLC; John Cialone, Tom Stringer Design Partners; Mat-thew DeGeeter, ASID; Randy Fiser, ASID; Ellen Fisher, New York School of Interior Design; Suzanne Frasier, Morgan State University; Tamie Glass, The University of Texas at Austin; Ker-rie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab; Lida Lewis, Wingate Hughes Architects; Maria Martin, Design Appy; BJ Miller, The Vision Group; Brooks Morelock, Gensler; Tanya Paz, CAMA; Marylena Sevi-gney, Mindful Making and Design; Bryan Soukup, ASID; Elizabeth Von Lehe, HDR; Ken Wilson, Perkins&Will; Toni Wyre, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects; Xie Xin, Perkins&Will.

MANUFACTURERS

Springboard Working Surfaces Awarded a GSA Contract Ɇ The General Services Administration of the U.S. government has awarded Springboard Work-

ing Surfaces, a division of 3form, a GSA contract. Springboard’s adaptable working surfaces can now be purchased by agencies, contractors, entities and corporations which are part of the federal government.

INDUSTRY PULSE

64 The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo INDUSTRY PULSE

CAREERS

KAI Design Expands with Addition of Senior Project Architect, Project Architect and Interior Designer

Ɇ KAI Design has expanded its architectural and interior design department with the addition of three new team members — Terry Hanselman, Ken Hoernschemeyer and Renee Cohen.

Hanselman, of Creve Coeur, Missouri, will be a senior project architect. She has 30 years of industry experience, having previously worked as a senior project architect at Christner and Cannon Design, and as a project architect at Ross & Baruzzini.

Hanselman will be responsible for functional space planning, the development of design documents and the production of construction documents.She has a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in mathematics from Louisiana Tech

University.Hoernschemeyer, who has been named a project architect, is from St. Louis, Missouri, and has

27 years of industry experience. He will be responsible for overseeing construction documents, consultation and coordination on projects and construction administration.

Prior to KAI, Hoernschemeyer worked as a project architect for nine years at Christner and for five years at Hastings+Chivetta Architects, both in St. Louis. He has a Bachelor of Science in con-struction management with a minor in fine arts from Missouri State University.

Cohen of Fenton, Missouri, has been named as a new interior designer. She has five years of design experience and previously worked as an interior designer at VERVE Design Studio and Killeen Studio Architects, both in St. Louis. She will be responsible for selecting and presenting interior finishes, completing drawings and renderings for clients and coordinating design proj-ects with KAI’s architects and engineers.

Cohen has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design & Planning.

CAREERS

Unika Vaev Promotions of C. Wick Wolfe to President, Chief Operating Officer

Ɇ Unika Vaev, a leader in the contract textile and acoustic products market, has promoted C. Wick Wolfe to president, chief operating officer.

An industry veteran for 38 years, Wolfe most recently served as vice president, gen-eral manager. “I am very excited with this new opportunity to hold the stewardship for such an industry icon as Unika Vaev,” Wolfe said. “It is a wonderful company steeped in a rich design history and has been the starting point for many of today’s foremost

designers.”

CAREERS

FCA Celebrates Continued Growth with the Promotion of Several Team Members

Ɇ Francis Cauffman Architects (FCA), an architecture and design firm based in Philadelphia and New York, recently promoted two team members to senior associate positions and six team mem-

Hanselman

Wolfe

65The Business of Furniture | Subscribe at bof.press | October 9, 2019

BoFoooo

bers to associate positions.“Our newly promoted senior associates and associates will help support FCA’s mission of creat-

ing exceptional architecture across multiple sectors,” said John Campbell, FCA president.Elena Casacio-Kotsur and Steven Jouflas are the new senior associates.Casacio-Kotsur provides strategic vision for projects, overseeing the design process, managing

teams and reviewing the quality of design. Her background in architecture and interior design spans a broad range of project types and sizes, including corporate, hospitality, commercial and multi-family sectors.

Steven Jouflas places a strong emphasis on building working relationships with teams across all project phases. Using his experience in a wide range of building typologies, he is able to navigate diverse project teams.

New associates are Brian Kessler, Claudia Casey, Lisa Charleson, Shawna Frash, Gabrielle Ray-burn and Jessica Rotenberger.

Kessler has overseen the completion of an array of high profile projects in health care and research-based science and technology facilities. His comprehensive background spans over a decade of experience in architecture and design.

Casey has extensive architectural experience across health care, corporate interiors, multi-fam-ily and science and research technology sectors. His current focus is health care design.

Charleson is an expert in marketing in the architecture industry and works to maintain brand standards, manage social media and create materials for proposals and presentations.

Frash specializes in commercial and workplace interior design with a wide range of client types. She is an innovative thinker with an inclusive approach to problem solving.

Rayburn has extensive experience as an interior designer with a focus on health care and educa-tion projects. Her experiences span from enhancing the patient experience to meeting the re-quirements of highly specialized pharmacies.

Rotenberger has a wealth of experience with new construction and renovations in varied proj-ect types, including multi- and single-family residential and health care. She also has a passion for reducing negative impacts on the environment.

CAREERS

Emerald Expositions Announces New Team Leadership for ICFF

Ɇ Emerald Expositions has named Stacy Shoemaker Rauen and Phil Robinson to senior leader-ship positions for its International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), North America’s lead-ing platform for global design.

Robinson managed ICFF from 1994-2012 as show director. Shoemaker Rauen was promoted to senior vice president for the Design Group portfolio at Emerald Expositions, which includes ICFF, contract, hospitality design, boutique design, health care design and environments for the aging.

For the past 17 years, Shoemaker Rauen has been an integral part of the Hospitality Design Group, which includes Hospitality Design magazine,

Robinson joins Emerald from Hospitality Media Group where, for seven years, he oversaw an event portfolio that included three trade shows: Boutique Design New York, Boutique Design West and HX: The Hotel Experience.

INDUSTRY PULSE