Mike Wagner Named VP & General Manager of Kimball Office

10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Mike Wagner Named VP & General Manager of Kimball Office It’s been a long wait, but the company has come up with an amazing catch, hiring and appointing Mike Wagner to the position of Vice President, General Manager for Kimball Office. Mr. Wagner will assume responsibility for the entire Kimball Office organization. He is just the kind of visionary and veteran contract furniture executive that Kimball Office needs for its breakthrough.

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Steelcase Toronto Showroom To call the space a showroom, implying a static display of attractive office furniture, doesn’t do justice to the more ambitious mandate implied in the name of the space: WorkLife Toronto. The Steelcase launch-party invitation describes this as a place that “brings technology and the future of the workplace to the forefront with its expansive digital and virtual experiences.”

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Blurred Lines: Configura’s User Conference Explores Designers’ Changing Roles Configura opened its sold-out sixth annual CET Designer User Conference, Oct. 9-10, dancing to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” – with far less provocative lyrics and, well, choreography – but the song proved prophetic. At many dealerships, the work of the interior designer is merging with that of the salesperson.

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CITED: Project Focus | RIT – Francis Cauffman “We cannot solve our problems with Great interior design, of necessity, goes hand-in-hand with ap- the same thinking propriate architecture, that is architecture that is informed by the we used when we interior purposes. This is well exhibited by the new Institute Hall created them.” at Rochester Institute of Technology. —Albert Einstein Full story on page 19… Make a statement. Make it new. Allround, from Stylex. Designed by Iskos-Berlin. Clean, timeless, endlessly essential. Built to make a statement, naturally.

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Mike Wagner Named VP & General Manager of Kimball Office by Brad Powell

You have to love Kimball International, Inc., a com- ber that this is the company that lost virtually all of the pany that, frankly, is not given enough attention. This is revenue from its previous prosperous piano division not a small company that could. In fact it is a $1.2 bil- within a six-month period and yet survived to compete lion publicly-traded company, even though its furniture in various markets afterwards. revenue is about 42% of that and is generated by three Last October, the very astute and likable General divisions: Kimball Office, National Office and Hospitality. Manager of Kimball Office,Jeff Fenwick, left the com- Long a leader in wood casegoods, Kimball Office pany for personal reasons and moved his family from has been on a treacherous journey – which included the Jasper area. Since then, Don Van Winkle, President, two very large recessions – during the past decade or Office Furniture Group and Vice President, Kimball so to become a strong competitor with a full catalog of International, has held the reins of Kimball Office, in ad- products for the workplace. But this space has strong dition to his other duties. competitors such as Steelcase, Herman Miller, Knoll, It’s been a long wait, but the company has come up and most recently Haworth and Allsteel. And, even as with an amazing catch, hiring and appointing Mike the competition is daunting, the general economy has Wagner to the position of Vice President, General been fickle. Manager for Kimball Office. Mr. Wagner will assume But Kimball International has weathered many very responsibility for the entire Kimball Office organization, difficult storms. (Maybe it has something to do with the including support and oversight of strategic direction, folks in this tornado country.) We can’t help but remem- goals and growth objectives. He was formerly Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for OFS Brands. According to the company, “the appointment follows an exhaustive national search that generated consider- able interest in the position by leading industry execu- tives. Wagner’s appointment reflects Kimball’s desire to strengthen its leadership ranks with the addition of individuals with shared values while also offering diverse perspectives.” It seems to me that Mr. Wagner is just the kind of visionary and veteran contract furniture executive that Kimball Office needs for its breakthrough. I have watched closely as Kimball Office has tried to take its place among the majors. While not fully succeeding, it has made very substantial progress, establishing a stronger distribution chain, including its own “Select” dealership team. And, over the years, its leadership has created a fine, diverse array of competitive products. While much of the Kimball Office spade work has been done, its supporting foot is still firmly planted in its historic role as a wood casegoods provider. The company needs someone who has the imagination and industry experience to go beyond traditional thinking and take it into a new era. Senior management at Kimball Inter- national has shown its willingness to support innovation. We need only cite the desking offering of “Hum! Minds at Work,” and the terrific related literature. Kimball Office, working with 20-20 Technologies, was also the first contract furniture manufacturer to try to leverage its Mike Wagner position using electronic catalogs and specification fea- 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 4 OF 34

people tures. Most recently, Kimball Office Under the guidance and support will challenge conventional think- formed an alliance with Interstuhl of the founding Menke family, Mr. ing.” Exactly so. to complete its seating vocabulary Wagner has been able to take this Kimball International President and worked with Eva Maddox and solid wood casegoods company and CEO, Jim Thyen, noted his Perkins + Will to create a new pallet into a new era, including acquiring confidence in Wagner’s appoint- for its surfacing materials. Carolina healthcare products and ment, saying, “I’ve been impressed Despite all of these and other fine the refined designs ofLowenstein . by Mike’s views on strategic thinking efforts, Kimball Office has yet to find OFS’s NeoCon 13 focus was Eleven, and leadership. He possesses an the magic that will place it firmly on whose design was certainly world ability to engage people and build the next plateau. Mr. Wagner seems class and aimed at the A&D mar- relationships, partnerships for mu- poised to take the company there. ket. Even more interesting was the tual success. I am confident that he Commenting on his new position, company’s goal of diverse offerings, will leverage his market knowledge, Mr. Wagner said, “For many years ready-made for the latest ideas in his leadership skills and his passion I’ve had respect and admiration for workplace design. to win for the Kimball Office team.” Kimball International. It’s an honor Mr. Van Winkle announced the Without in any way disparaging to join the team and to be given this appointment, saying, “I am pleased the fine efforts of past management, opportunity to lead Kimball Office that Mike has joined the Kimball including that of Dan Miller and Mr. into the future.” Office team. His leadership abilities Fenwick, we look forward to seeing Those who have been reading extend beyond sales and marketing. Mr. Wagner capitalize on their ef- officeinsight will remember the Mike is a thought leader and very forts and realize their aspirations for coming-of-age, so to speak, of OFS. passionate about our industry. He Kimball Office.  BLEND Blend was developed as a solution for creating environments where seamless connectivity between technology and furniture is essential. Look to Dauphin for an optimal selection of tables and accessories that provide generous work surface space and storage, as well as power integration technology to enable functionality for today’s changing office.

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Steelcase Toronto: Customer Oasis Steelcase Toronto Showroom by David Lasker

‘Twas the night before IIDEX, last month, when all through at King Street West (one streetcar stop from the big bank Steelcase’s new, 9,600 sq.-ft. house, hundreds of creatures towers at King and Bay) and University Avenue, the city’s were stirring at the showroom’s opening-night party. main processional axis. The big gold numbers on the travertine-clad lobby stop To call the space a showroom, implying a static display of at “23,” but by special arrangement with building man- attractive office furniture, doesn’t do justice to the more am- agement at Toronto’s Sun Life Centre, two elevators now bitious mandate implied in the name of the space: WorkLife go a storey higher to access a new address: Suite 2400. Toronto. The launch-party invitation describes this as a place Steelcase occupies what was formerly wasted mechanical that “brings technology and the future of the workplace to the penthouse space, with a fabulous view, on prime real estate forefront with its expansive digital and virtual experiences.”

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The space does double duty as a tory brand video running in an endless OI: How does your Toronto show- working Steelcase office, showing that loop, and numerous Twitter feeds. room link to the brand message the company walks the talk. In this We pause to enjoy the breakfast buf- Steelcase wants to share? way, visitors from the A&D community fet of mini-quiches and fresh fruit as SK: The messaging happens on dif- can learn about and get fired up by we’re greeted by Steelcase Canada’s ferent levels, from product differentia- Steelcase’s latest ideas on the work- Stav Kontis, Manager, Brand Commu- tion and personal use by our own staff, place, its furnishings and technology. nications; and Lisa Snucins, Regional to creating a place that the design A feeling of eager anticipation Sales Manager; Architecture, Design community can visit and leverage for mounts in the elevator lobby as one and Real Estate Community. They their own purposes to help shape their walks toward its focal point, a dra- paint the big picture of what Steelcase clients thinking. We think of this as matic a cut-out in a tall, sculptural wall sees as its mandate, then lead us on a an inspirational space that designers segment, exploiting the floor’s 23-foot tour of the premises. can bring people to, but also one that height, framing a preview of the showroom floor. The showroom design is by Toronto’s Superkül Architect working in conjunction with Steelcase’s Global Design Team. Rounding the entry corner, we encounter the hospitality lounge-like Customer Oasis, a showcase for Steel- case’s media:scape with HD videocon- ferencing. Clearly, we’re not in office- furniture Kansas anymore, Toto. Banquettes – pardon me, media:scape TeamTheater setting units with ledges – are arrayed around a lounge-height coffee table. The table has a media well with power and easy-to- use, hockey-puck-like data connectors that link your personal device (laptop, tablet, smart phone) to the pair of monitors on the facing wall. Right now, the monitors crawl with a three-ring circus of images, including Steelcase’s introduc- Node Chair With Video conferencing Area Beyond

Entrance Customer Oasis Lucent Guest Collection Designed by Qdesign

Luminous at every turn, Lucent guest chairs perform brilliantly in any environment. Highlighted by a metal arm and frame, its subtle elegance is found among the details: the delicate curve of the arm, a slender leg profile that transitions from rectangular to square, and a passive-flex back that delivers an elevated level of comfort. Poised and polished, Lucent is seating, enlightened.

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companies supports what we are trying to do from in. People work best when they’re OI: We’re in the Customer Oasis a research perspective. interacting with other people, so if the now, and it feels more like sitting in As much or more than anyone in workplace attracts people and draws someone’s living room than an office the industry, we invest in research in them into the building, you will get a meeting room. understanding how people work. In the better outcome. SK: Every space here is a desti- product development cycle, we look at nation that someone will go to for a how that product supports work, not OI: What you’re saying jibes with specific reason. In this one, we are just how beautiful the product is. This is Yahoo’s famous 2012 memo telling leveraging video conferencing and how a point of differentiation for Steelcase. all its remote employees that they you connect with teammates over the We offer customers a series of tools needed to work in company offices or world. This is as close as you can be, to ensure workplace satisfaction. quit. [Yahoo HR head Jackie Reses face to face, without being there. We’re leveraging the work environ- wrote, “Being a Yahoo isn’t just about LS: The media:scape provides a ment to help customers attract, retain your day-to-day job, it is about the much better experience of connecting and develop the right talent to their interactions and experiences that are virtually with a team member on the organization. only possible in our offices.”] other side of the world than you can People can work anywhere, from SK: You can work at home in your get at home. We have a bigger and home, hotel room or airport, but we pajamas all day, but without sharing higher-resolution screen and great want them to come to the office. The your ideas, you won’t get the best bandwidth, so your face-time meetings work environment should draw them ideas. won’t drop off in the middle of a call. Building brand and culture is another workplace issue. This space supports that. The screens show Twitter and Facebook feeds with news about what’s happening with Steelcase around the world. Toronto may be a small office compared to Grand Rap- ids, but we all share the same values. Sitting here and watching those feeds is a passive way to get information on the company culture. We have internal blogs and sites to get this information, but people don’t have time to do that. So just by having a coffee, you will say: “Oh, I see, it’s sunny in DC, Gensler did something with our Washington office”; or events in Toronto, “We opened our showroom.” People outside Toronto can see what’s happening here.

OI: How do the various display areas in this showroom interrelate? LS: This is as much a working environment as a showroom. It helps our customers envision how they can work in the space while supporting the way that we as a global organization work. In an interconnected workplace, we may share many spaces throughout the day, whether in space for indi- Customer Oasis viduals, such as workstations or a 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 9 OF 34

companies private office, or in shared spaces like a café, training room or lounge. We want to offer users control and choice throughout the day about where and how they work. For instance, in a workstation in an open area, I might not be able to focus on writing a report or making a phone call, so we need to provide a touch- down space or a focus room.

OI: “Focus room?” That’s new to me. It’s a good term. Very expressive. LS: I just made it up. People need to be supported through four different modes of work: focus, learning, collaborating and socializing. We will show you examples from each of these quadrants that offer users a palette of spaces throughout their day. [Ed. Actually, those are the work nodes identified by Gensler in its Workplace studies.] Heads down FOcus Area HYBRID RESILIENT : SHOWN IN • STRING THEORY :

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For instance, for “focus,” maybe connections. We don’t want to plug our groups of three to six. The giant table they need an enclave, or a door, or devices [laptop, tablet, smart phone] doesn’t lend itself to this kind of col- somewhere with no visual access, for into the wall because stretched-out laboration. It’s mostly good just for doing heads-down work. cords inhibit people from walking informative meetings, such as when SK: You won’t put the focus area around the table and sharing. the board of directors meets. right next to the customer hospitality SK: Our research has found that LS: The boardroom is usually not area right at the beginning of our tour; most collaboration takes place in intimate enough for us to do our work. rather, you want it at the perimeter, where people go away to stay away but still be in close proximity to other people. “Collaboration” means many things. We put it into three categories: supportive, evaluative and generative. “Supportive” may be leader-led by someone who has more information than the others, and who is sharing that information. In “evaluative,” people have to make a decision. The tools vary depending on whether the group is leader led. For example, I can plug my laptop into a media:scape and show everyone what I’m typing, or a video. The person sitting next to me can do so, too, simultaneously [on the adjacent screen]. Our group can compare and contrast those presentations and make decisions faster, or Benching, Sample & Conference Areas make better decisions, by seeing both screens concurrently. The third category is “generative,” when a group comes together to create information. The types of tools and behavior are different. Everyone in the group needs the ability to share and toggle between digital and analogue. For instance, people will sketch and scribble, then, look up something on Google. SK: We have smart whiteboards for brainstorming, which then capture the information digitally.

OI: Why do companies need new collaborative spaces? They already have boardrooms with nice big tables that everyone can gather ‘round. LS: Many boardrooms don’t have whiteboards or the ability to project images, or have tabletop power and data Seminar room 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 11 OF 34

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OI: Now we’re touring some of LS: This is an example of what we ing. Going between the two, they want the highlights of the showroom might share with a customer to help some of the comforts of home because floor. Here is a meeting room with a them envision a different kind of meet- they’re spending a longer time at the spectacular view of the towers lining ing space. Here we feature Coalesse, office. This could be a really cool din- University Avenue, culminating at the which brings residential sensibilities to ing room or meeting room, or the office Richardsonian Romanesque sprawl of the office. People work at home, they of an executive who’s not always here. Queen’s Park, the Ontario capitol. work at the office, you see a blend- The idea is to bring products that you could see in your home into the work environment. Although this setting is somewhat formal, it doesn’t elicit formal behavior when you’re here. I mean, how formal can you be? Just scooch over, right, to get into the banquette that you might have at your kitchen table.

OI: Those big, comfy Bob lounge chairs are certainly Fifties retro-looking, a tad Saarinen Womb chair-like. That’s informal. LS: We had 16 designers in here last week, quite comfortably, and it was better than putting them into a training room or a more formal environment. This space speaks to a palette of pos- tures: If you choose to perch [on Enea Coalesse Area café stools], you can still participate in the meeting. Other people choose to scooch on the couch or sit in an individual chair: you can choose how you want to participate in a meeting. This space also shows a palette of scale. We want to share things large, to make the experience more immer- sive. This Coalesse piece can be used as a space division and, using our media:scape technology, to share information digitally. The other side has a whiteboard. So this is an architectural piece that brings people together, but also divides space.

OI: Now we’re standing in front of a one-person workstation with tall panels. SK: This is a quiet reflective space or a quiet collaborative area. We talk to customers about how they allocate space on their floor plan to support the interconnected conversation. An area could be an I-owned space,

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space, depending on your real estate option of seeing who’s coming and OI: This office display here is eye- strategy. Regarding the palette of of being inspired by the view. At catching because of its perpendicular spaces, depending on where you standing height, I would see someone orientation. want to work, the farther you go from approaching, so I wouldn’t be startled SK: The idea on this particular the hub, the more private a space when they arrive. layout is what we call parallel planning. can be; we don’t have walls to the SK: The glass also signals to people We’re facing the walls parallel instead ceiling back here, but it’s actually that she’s in there and probably of facing out. quite private in this space. doesn’t want to be bothered. People There’s research that says facing This is a non-dedicated individual here know that this is a focus area. I this parallel wall to the aisle helps me location. As a mobile worker, I have wouldn’t necessarily have two people to focus a little more. If I’m facing out a place to put my bag, my keys, my meeting in there. and people walk by in front of me, phone, and I can plug in here. This is the tendency is to look up. It’s more a Details Airtouch height-adjustable OI: I can see a whole wall of small distracting if it’s straight in your line of table with Sotto tools with a bag caddy offices of varying size and configura- vision. But from your peripheral vision, and a canopy light at the back, sur- tion with sliding glass doors. What’s it’s less distracting. Especially if you’re rounded by Anthro panels. the story there? on camera [during a video confer- But the collection is really about the SK: The showroom not only shows ence]. This side wall enables you to application and what behavior we’re settings around research, but around engage your team members [at other supporting. This would be an exam- sizing. Designers visit and ask, “What locations of the video conference] ple of an I-shared space that some- does a six-by-six office feel like?” more effectively. one could come to and feel that they “What does a six-by-seven feel like?” And, talking about choice of could do some head’s-down work, “How big is a six-by-eight?” So we’ve posture, perhaps I want to stand for but not have to go away in order to also, from a strategy perspective, done awhile. Within this small space, I get that done. different sizes so they can envision have a choice of whether I want to how that might feel for them. And we be seated or standing. I could have OI: So it functions like a private give them different levels of privacy another person join me in a meeting. office? with heights, and different materiality, This could be an informal meeting LS: A just-in-time private office. so they can envision how the same space. Again, this is an example of And by adding some glass, from 54 product would look with a variety of how we can support all those different to 66 inches high, here, I have the finishes and feels. business issues.

Private Office With Coalesse Bob Chair Private Office Scenaros 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 13 OF 34

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OI: Moving along the showroom SK: This addresses a small but Hosu speaks to some of the re- floor, here is the new Hosu chair from growing niche within the workplace. search on them. The Gen Y’s or Mil- Coalesse by Patricia Urquiola. This We have a new generation entering the lennials like being a little more on the must be the most residential-themed workforce and if you want to attract and floor. They want to sit in a more natural item Steelcase has ever offered – retain them, you need to start thinking position, as they would at home. Hose where’s the macramé plant hanger? differently about the kind of spaces supports a posture that they are very – especially in its chaise longue you’re offering them. This is a seating comfortable in. configuration. product for that new generation. OI: Well, Hosu exemplifies how one hardly knows what to expect from Steelcase anymore. You have broad- ened out so far from desks and cube farms. SK: Yes, we’re the new Steelcase. We just celebrated our hundredth anniversary, but we think of ourselves as a five- or 20-year-old company because we’re always thinking about what’s that next workplace issue we need to address. That’s why we are a hundred, because we’re constantly reinventing ourselves.  David Lasker is President of David Lasker Communications in Toronto. He can be reached at david@davidlasker- communications.com.

Lateral Facing Private Office

Gesture Chair Display Coalesse Hosu Lounge Chair 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 14 OF 34

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Blurred Lines: Configura’s User Conference Explores Designers’ Changing Roles

Configura opened its sold-out sixth annual CET Designer Driving the change is technology such as Configura’s, User Conference, Oct. 9-10, dancing to Robin Thicke’s coupled with a critical need to simplify in an industry about “Blurred Lines” – with far less provocative lyrics and, well, to “OD” on complexity. But technology isn’t just driving choreography – but the song proved prophetic. changing roles; it’s accelerating the rate of the change, ac- At many dealerships, the work of the interior designer is cording to leaders who presented at the conference. merging with that of the salesperson. Lines are blurring, and “A decade from now, the most important people in our roles are blending, into a hybrid “designer/salesperson,” or industry are going to be people like you,” said izzy+ CEO “salesperson/designer.” Neither is going away; they’re just Chuck Saylor, gesturing to the 200-plus dealer interior coming together. designers crowding into the space at DeVos Place Conven- tion Center in Grand Rapids, MI, site of the conference after five years in Las Vegas. “You will be the front lines of our industry.” Mr. Saylor, from nearby Spring Lake, MI, offered a State of the Design and Furniture Industry as the current president of the Business & Institutional Furniture Manu-

Chuck Saylor Innovation Cycle 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 15 OF 34

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facturers Association (BIFMA), and as 100%, and I’m a perfect example,” Configura saw the hybrid role on the a product designer and businessman said conference attendee Jenny-Lynn horizon when it first started making whose career has spanned 40 years Georgiades, who started 16 years design and specification software in in contract furniture. “You are part of ago as an interior designer at the its native Sweden in 1990. The idea one of the most complex industries dealership where her role evolved into behind the software: to simplify the on the planet,” he told the audience. director of sales. “Most of my suc- selling of complex, configurable prod- “Billions of permutations, infinitely cess can be attributed to the design ucts. “Designers should not have to configurable [products] … just think knowledge and consultative services deal with complexity – with parts and about the complexities … and the un- that I provide to my clients. The ability pieces and prices. Rather, software believable impact all of you make on to focus on clients’ needs and provide should handle the complexity, and the accessibility and use of products solutions is more valuable than the perform the calculations,” said Göran in our industry.” products themselves.” Rydqvist, one of Configura’s founders Waldner Business Environments and the company’s lead researcher in New York City is already there: “I and developer. “The software should agree with [Chuck Saylor’s] statement also provide a highly visual, intuitive environment for designing space and specifying manufacturers’ products; it should have a natural flowing ease that actually helps designers to learn about the products.” Office furniture manufacturers in Scandinavia – including Martela and Kinnarps and their dealerships – became early adopters of Configura’s technology. Configura has made huge inroads since entering the North American market in 2006, and its clients here include Haworth, Steelcase, Teknion, KI, and Inscape, all of which have invested in the CET Designer solution. Representatives from these manufacturers, and their dealers, attended Jenny-Lynn Georgiades Göran Rydqvist

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Configura’s two-day user conference. Technology from the top down requirements or turning boozy napkin Globally, more than 10,000 people use Jason Lund, director of information sketches into a space plan that went the company’s software. [Other manu- technology for Target Commercial through 48 revisions before anything facturers are using similar parametric Interiors (TCI) in Minneapolis agreed got ordered weeks or months later,” software created by ICE Edge Busi- that change must be embraced, and Mr. Lund said. “The modern dealer- ness Solutions, an affiliate of DIRTT that it needs to start at the top. “There ship designer has the tools and the Environmental Solutions, http://www. is a lot of history and hierarchy that skills to engage clients earlier in the ice-edge.com/] may be challenged by the expanding sales process, co-designing a space But Configura, and the manufactur- capability of modern designers,” said and quickly taking that plan into the ers that have invested in CET Designer, Mr. Lund. “But dealerships that don’t ordering tool.” would like to see even more North evolve and accept this new normal will American manufacturers and deal- likely end up being owned by those The shortest distance between two ers on board. “We’re in this change that do in the next 10 years.” points is … simplicity together,” Configura CEOJohan Lyre- Along with colleague Kari Ander- Shortening the distance and time born said. “It has to be an industry- son, Mr. Lund presented The Office to the customer is what simplicity is wide solution.” of the Future at the conference. Ms. all about, according to Irene Etzkorn, The challenge comes in getting Anderson is TCI’s design lead, heading the keynote speaker at Configura’s dealers to understand the solution up a team of more than 30 design- user conference. Ms. Etzkorn co-wrote – and then embrace it. “It’s a compli- ers at seven U.S. locations. In 2008, Simple: Conquering the Crisis of cated ‘sell’ when you explain how CET with support from top management, Complexity with Alan Siegel, founder Designer is different than CAD-based Mr. Lund and Ms. Anderson transi- of SiegelVision in New York City. products. And because it’s different, tioned the dealership from CAD-based it means you have to change how software to CET Designer. Several TCI you work,” Mr. Lyreborn said. “Well, salespersons also now use the solu- ‘change’ is a scary word for some. But tion. what’s scarier is being left behind. “Gone are the days when dealership Staying stuck in neutral won’t win you designers got stuffed in the back office more work – others will fly past you.” playing ‘telephone’ to gather design

Jason Lund

Johan Lyreborn Irene Etzkorn 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 17 OF 34

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Published earlier this year, the book With even greater magnification, you In her seven years with Forrer calls complexity a “thief” and enjoins find that it’s about essence – cutting Business Interiors in Milwaukee, WI, readers to demand simplicity in busi- to what matters, delivering substantive Madelaine Eschrich has seen design- ness processes, products, instructions, content that seems to speak just to ers’ roles grow from space planning, contracts and experiences. you. Lastly, it’s not about what is there furniture specifying and production “When I read an excerpt of the book but what you take away – a feeling of to, in the most ideal situation, work- in the Wall Street Journal, the ‘simplify’ confidence, of trust, of satisfaction. ing in partnership with the account message resonated with exactly what So, for me, simplicity has no synonym we’ve been doing and saying as a – it’s not just convenience, clarity, company,” said Tracy Lanning, Config- usability, timeliness or beauty. It’s the ura’s support and training manager. sum of all of those, and that’s why it is So, what is simplicity? The irony is, so rare.” its definition is complex. Simplicity is a Configura provides simplicity by concept with many nuances, accord- removing the complexity from the ing to Ms. Etzkorn: customer’s view; the complexity is still “At first glance, simplicity is a design there, it’s just behind the scenes in aesthetic – minimalism, absence of the software. At the same time, the color, clean lines. A second pass sug- software allows the designer to com- gests that clarity makes for simplicity municate with intent and, ultimately, to – something with a clear intent that show a client exactly what he or she is quickly conveys its purpose or use. ordering. Madelaine Eschrich 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 18 OF 34

events

manager and the client from the very Follow-up information on Configura’s someone who does not understand the first meeting. “Ten years from now, I CET Designer User Conference is complexity tries to create the simplicity. can imagine the designer in a lead role at http://configura.com/userconfer- This often produces disastrous results. not only with the client but also with ence/2013 I good sign that this is happening is the dealership and the manufacturer, [Ed. Note: Thanks to Configura and a simplifier’s glib quote, “That’s a no using creative problem-solving skills to Molly Klimas, Intent Public Relations for brainer.” When you hear this, you can provide insight into new product ideas input on this story. be assured that very little, if any, gray and research.” The key connection for the more matter has been invoked and the com- Emily Siegel, a designer and pro- effective use of the Configura and Ice plexity little understood. As Configura cess leader at McCoy-Rockford Busi- Edge software, one yet to be exploited, is made clear in the event, the complexity ness Interiors in Austin, TX, presented a seamless working relationship of deal- doesn’t go away; it is always in the back- on dealer process change at the con- ership interior designers with designers ground of the users’ simplified interface. ference. She commented, “As people of a project’s related A&D profession- Having worked with Alan Siegel’s have unfettered access to global infor- als. The latter, unfortunately, are being firm on legal forms over 30 years ago, mation and technology, there is greater taught that BIM software such as Revit it appears that his mission has not sophistication in the marketplace, and is the exclusive software of choice. In been very successful. An example: how customers look to us to provide elegant some instances it may be, but the area many periodically agree to some form solutions to complex problems, which yet to be fully explored is the paramet- of EULA (End User License Agreement) is good because doing so is at the core ric software of Configura and DIRTT’s without reading, let alone understand- of good design. As designers, we’re in ICE Edge, their effective use and their ing it. Yet EULAs are probably the the position to push farther than ever integration, where appropriate with BIM. most common legal contract being into our creative natures and rise to officeinsight will explore this topic at a executed; then there are the credit card the challenge … and it is a challenge, later time. agreements, best left unread given the but there is no doubt in my mind we The concept of “simplicity,” the key- onerous and often outrageous terms. can do it!” note topic, is a very dangerous area. As The sad fact is that contracts required The lines may be blurred, but the Albert Einstein suggested, “Make things of the public are so complex and non- future is clear: Change is happening, as simple as possible, but not simpler.” negotiable that no one reads them. So and we need to lean forward into it. Aye, there’s the rub. The danger is that much for simplicity.] 

Configura’s Göran Rydqvist, Johan Lyreborn and Peter Brandinger With Irene Etzkorn 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 19 OF 34

project focus

project focus RIT Francis Cauffman

Great interior design, of necessity, goes hand-in-hand with appropriate architecture, that is architecture that is informed by the interior purposes. This is well exhibited by the new Institute Hall at Rochester Institute of Technology. Referred to as the “Brick City,” RIT is well known for its large collection of Modernist brick buildings. For its latest expansion, “a prototype for the academic science classroom of the future,” the Institute Hall, it hired Francis Cauffman, which designed the core, shell and labs. The 78,000-sq.-ft., $26 million research building houses RIT’s brand-new Institute Hall Facade chemical and biomedical engineer- ing departments. Serving as a cross- joining three other new buildings. with an adjoining building. Its ground roads for the campus community, Institute Hall fulfills RIT’s vision of floor is raised five to six feet to provide the building’s innovative design in- bringing state-of-the-art science facili- better views throughout. The build- corporates lounge and study spaces ties together with community ameni- ing’s spaces attract the wider campus with labs, classrooms, and faculty ties like a café, a rain garden, and a community and foster collaboration offices. The building also completes study space located in an elevated between science students. a new science quad on campus, bridge that connects Institute Hall “We are thrilled to have designed 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 20 OF 34

project focus a facility that meets RIT’s goals for include a “green data center” that Rochester-based architecture sustainability,” said Jim Crispino, uses air from outside, instead of MEP firm Bergmann Associates served as president of Francis Cauffman. “Ad- cooling, as well as a rain garden on the Architect of Record, and Welliver was ditionally, we are very excited to have building’s east side. the construction manager.  collaborated with RIT on a building that creates a new way for science students to work and study together.” Institute Hall plays with RIT’s modernist tradition. But, unlike the more solid buildings on campus, it has a transparent, glazed core that is wrapped in a red brick shell, with a traditional rectangular brick wall on its west face and a striking curved glass façade on its north face. The brick sections house labs, while the glass encloses offices and classrooms, allowing in daylight. The building has 12,750-sq.-ft. dedicated faculty research labs, a 2,500-sq.-ft. chemical engineer- Institute Hall Green Wall ing unit operations teaching lab, a vivarium, classrooms for training healthcare-related professionals, and an environmentally controlled laser research lab, among other state-of-the- art scientific research facilities. The ground floor includes classrooms for the general campus, which serve to promote movement, while the upper floors mix student spaces and classrooms with faculty offices in order to facilitate interaction between students and faculty. The team is targeting LEED Gold certification. Sustainable elements Institute Hall 2nd Floor Offices, Labs & Classrooms

Lab Institute Hall 2nd and 3rd Floor Collaboration Areas 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 21 OF 34

r-d connection

Research-Design Connection The Impact of Eye Contact by Sally Augustin, Ph.D.

Environmental psychologists have for Design can make eye contact easier org/evidence/2013/08/14/nonverbal- some time acknowledged that eye or harder to achieve. Face-to-face interpersonal-interactions-in-clinical- contact plays a role in forming bonds communication supports eye contact encounters-and-patient-perceptions- between individuals. New research in ways that electronic communication of-empathy/ verifies the impact of eye contact. The currently does not. Montague and her Sally Augustin, PhD, is the editor of study reported here focuses on doctor/ team learned that, “Eye contact was Research Design Connections (www. patient communication, but is relevant significantly related to patient percep- researchdesignconnections.com), a to other contexts, such as conversa- tions of clinician attributes, such as subscription newsletter and blog, where tions in human resource suites or connectedness and liking … . Clinical recent and classic research in the between clients and design teams. environments designed for patient social, design, and physical sciences and clinician interaction should be that should inform designers’ work are designed to facilitate positive nonver- presented in straightforward language. bal interactions such as eye contact Readers learn about the latest research … . Specifically, health information findings immediately, as soon as they’re technology [i.e., computer monitors] released. Sally is also the author of should not restrict clinicians’ ability to Place Advantage: Applied Psychology make eye contact with their patients.” for Interior Architecture (Wiley, 2009) Enid Montague, Ping-yu Chen, and, with Cindy Coleman, The Design- Jie Xu, Betty Chewning, and Bruce er’s Guide to Doing Research: Applying Barrett. 2013. “Nonverbal Interper- Knowledge to Inform Design (Wiley, sonal Interactions in Clinical En- 2012). Sally is a principal at Design counters and Patient Perceptions of With Science (www.designwithscience. Empathy.” Journal of Participatory com) and can be reached at sallyau- Medicine, vol. 5, http://www.jopm. [email protected]. material of the week

MC# 7060-01 Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): This fiberboard is com- posed of acetylated wood fibers, with a durability equivalent to old growth teak and greater than oak, even in changing weath- er conditions. The proprietary acetylation process alters the wood fiber’s chemical structure to produce a material which is durable, dimensional stable, strong, lightweight, insulative and resistant to swelling and shrinkage, has excellent machinability and non-toxic characteristics. Applications include outdoor or wet (interior) environments), furniture, electronics casings, automotive headliners (that contain electronics, interior architectural panels, any area exposed to moisture, such as pools, bathrooms, ship decks and kitchens). This column is published in collaboration with Material ConneXion. For more information regarding the material previewed, please contact Michael LaGreca at [email protected]. T: 212.842.2050. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 22 OF 34

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PRODUCT INTROS >Allseating introduced a new evolution of its You chair >3form introduced sev- featuring a mesh back and eral new products for the mesh seat combination. The workplace, including RGB new mesh seat adds to both Lighting and the Versa parti- the aesthetic and ergo- tion system. RGB lighting nomic attributes of the chair, technology once found at increasing circulation and rock concerts, nightclubs, airflow. The You chair was and Jumbotrons is now avail- launched in 2009 in a High- able as a dynamic lighting back and Midback version. It solution for reception areas, is designed to lift the spine to walls, columns, shelving, create a more “active” way of and partitions in the office sitting. At the core of the You >Bendheim Wall Systems, >Encore’s new Lucent chair, space. 3form’s Versa partition chair is a deluxe synchro-tilt Inc. now offers Lamberts the company’s first collabora- system allows architects and mechanism that smoothly channel glass in a Pantone- tion with Qdesign, features a designers to customize parts reclines in synch with body like palette of enamel colors. stylish frame and delicately to their specifications. The movements. This mechanism Enameled channel glass contoured arm. Senior design- Versa table combines 3form includes infinite tilt lock, expands the design possibili- er Rick Joutras explains the translucent material, a metal seat pan adjustment, ten- ties for architects and design- inspiration: “We were chatting frame and tapered oak legs sion adjustment and height ers, allowing the creation of with Casey [Arcadia Presi- in a sophisticated material- adjustment. Simply turning maintenance-free color filled dent Casey Journigan] about blocking aesthetic. the activation dial a few clicks facades, storefronts, and in- the challenges of envision- officenewswire.com/14253 causes the mesh to bow and terior partitions. Unlike paint ing – and producing – refined provide the precise tension applied to glass surfaces, design details while staying you need. enamel colors deliver weath- within certain manufactur- officenewswire.com/14240 er- and scratch-resistant hues ing parameters. The brief for that will not crack or peel. Lucent arose from that, as did Enamels are colored glass our solution. We wanted to powders applied and fused create a chair that was simple under high temperatures – on first look – but which into the glass channel during contained a degree of sophis- the tempering process. The tication that really allowed it enamel becomes an integral to express a point of view and part of the glass, resulting in enhance an environment. To permanently colored, tem- not just be a functional object, pered safety channel glass. but be part of creating the par- Lamberts is the only channel ticular feeling that arises when 3form: RGB glass independently certified one enters a well-appointed by the Safety Glazing Certi- space.” fication Council (SGCC) as ANSI Z97.1-1984 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 compliant. officenewswire.com/14233

3form: Versa Hardware 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 23 OF 34

officenewswire.com

Both arm and armless models Donovan House, and Hotel nation. From 2004 to 2006 ors for this year’s competition are available, in Encore’s sig- Helix in Washington, DC; the Mr. Menke assumed respon- went to Bentley; Small Booth nature metallic silver, graphite Hotel Sax and Sofitel in Chica- sibilities for OFS Brands’ honors to METAL. and chrome frame finishes. A go; the Langham, Liberty and raw materials manufacturing officenewswire.com/14251 clever feat of variable extru- Seaport Hotels in Boston; as operations, as well as supply >Bentley’s booth at Neo- sion, accomplished by way well as the Sofitel New York, chain operations. In 2006 he Con East, winner of the of a subtle transition near the Sofitel Philadelphia, PGA moved to NC to manage the Large Booth Design Award, seat back, allows the slender Resort and Spa in Florida and acquisition and integration of featured the new Western rectangular leg in front to Le Meridien Cambridge. Carolina Business Furniture. Edge™ Collection. It high- develop seamlessly into a officenewswire.com/14249 In 2008, he helped OFS lighted the Hitchhiker pattern more robust square leg at the Brands integrate Loewenstein >Ryan Menke was promoted in the edgy Scorpion Queen rear. An expertly tailored seat into the family of companies. to senior vice president of colorway. A series of faux cushion and smartly arched, Since 2008, he has served sales and marketing for OFS steer skulls lined a charred- concave back provide an as the senior vice president Brands. He replaces Mike wood back wall, while 95 elevated level of refinement, of supply chain, and he was Wagner, who recently joined brilliant Edison bulbs dotted while built-in passive-flex also responsible for Styline Kimball Office as General the ceiling overhead. back capability further en- Logistics and OFS Brands’ Manager. (See story this is- officenewswire.com/14250 hances the chair’s comfort. Seating Division. sue.) In his new position, Mr. officenewswire.com/14255 officenewswire.com/14237 >IIDA received the American Menke will be responsible Society of Association Ex- for managing all sales and >IIDA announced the win- ecutives (ASAE) Association marketing functions for OFS ners of its 2013 NeoCon Real Estate Award for Profes- Brands, which goes to market East Booth Design Award NOTEWORTHY sional Associations. IIDA under the OFS, First Office Competition. Honoring origi- Headquarters was designed >Jacqueline McGee was Loewenstein, Carolina and nality of design, visual impact, by Ken Wilson, FIIDA, FAIA, promoted to Principal at Styline Logistics brands. Mr. effective use of materials and Envision Design (now Perkins Childs Bertman Tseckares Menke began his career with the outstanding use of space, + Will). IIDA and all of the Inc. (CBT) in Boston. Ms. the company in 2002 as the color, texture, lighting and ASAE Association Real Estate McGee joined CBT in 2004 as vice president of transporta- graphics in booths at NeoCon Awards winners were rec- a Senior Interior Designer for tion where he oversaw OFS East 2013, the competition ognized at a special awards many of the firm’s hospital- Brands’ specialized furniture encourages exhibitors to use event held in Washington, DC, ity and residential projects, transportation company, their best design skills to on Oct. 16. and has been instrumental in Styline Logistics, which under enhance the NeoCon East officenewswire.com/14241 developing and growing this his leadership grew from experience. Large Booth hon- sector. Her portfolio includes one terminal in Indiana to interior design work at the one of the largest special- Sofitel, The Hotel George, ized furniture carriers in the

Bentley NeoCon East 2013 booth 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 24 OF 34

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66000 Series and a Quartet The design intent was to cre- Prestige Plus DuraMax Por- ate a bright, polished space celain Magnetic Whiteboard that incorporated colors with a Euro Frame, plus two and textural characteristics 12 packs of assorted color, of Tronox’s most profitable chisel tip Quartet EnduraGlide products. Sleek materials, as Dry-Erase Markers. To enter, well as the use of high color please visit: http://bit.ly/DoY- contrast and rich blue glass, ouDoodleContest. create an exciting work envi- officenewswire.com/14252 ronment for employees. Both subtle and direct branding >Perkins Eastman received suffuses the space to rein- The Outstanding Building of force the company’s identity the Year (TOBY) award from >M Moser Associates opened >OFM, together with Quar- and global presence. the Southern Connecticut a new office in Banga- tet, a unit of ACCO Brands officenewswire.com/14239 lore, India. More than just Corp., launched the “Do You chapter of the Building Own- a bigger space, the new Doodle?” contest. The con- ers and Managers Associa- location supports the firm’s test, which runs through Nov. tion (BOMA) for the design wider spectrum of capabilities 30 and is being held on the of the Tronox headquarters RESITED throughout India. OFM Facebook page, seeks in Stamford, CT. The project >Rob Casey will lead Decca officenewswire.com/14245 the best whiteboard art from was recognized with the 2013 Home, a new residential divi- offices around the country. Best of the Best Award in the >National Office Furniture, sion of Decca Ltd. Mr. Casey “Doodling is an underappre- category of “Tenant Fit-Out.” in partnership with textile was formerly senior vice presi- ciated art form,” said OFM supplier Stinson, is offering Tronox, a global leader in dent of licensing at Henredon CEO Blake Zalcberg. “What a new CEU course: Perfor- the mining and processing Furniture Industries, where we’ve learned over the years mance Fabrics 101. The of titanium dioxide, retained he managed the Polo Ralph is doodling is actually helpful course focuses on commer- Perkins Eastman to as- Lauren and Barbara Barry di- to keep your focus and retain cial seating textile applica- sist with the relocation and visions. More recently, he was information, especially when tion with six key attributes: reposition of their corporate managing partner of Martha you are in a long meeting. Durability, Soil/Stain Resis- headquarters from Oklahoma Stewart Fine Furniture. “As a With this contest we are hop- tance, Antimicrobial Protec- to Stamford. Perkins Eastman former customer of Decca, I ing to highlight the fun side tion, Moisture/Fluid Barrier, provided full interior design, can speak firsthand to their of doodling too and inviting Cleanability and Enhanced furnishing, branding, and commitment to producing people to share their best Fade Resistance. It outlines project management turnkey world-class luxury products,” works of art.” common brands, treatments services. he said. and the importance of select- First-, second-, and third- ing appropriate fabrics in high place prizes will be awarded. traffic and high use areas. The first-place winner will officenewswire.com/14244 receive an OFM desk in the 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 25 OF 34

officenewswire.com

Headquartered in High Point cess and social responsibility. PROJECTS porary and energetic space NC, Decca Home will manage Mr. Smed was presented the that reinforces the company’s product design, sales and award at a gala event held in >ADD Inc recently com- brand. marketing for the existing Calgary on Oct. 17. pleted the interior design for “We tasked ADD Inc with de- Bolier brand. The division Inktel Contact Center Solu- “This award is a physical ac- signing the coolest call center will also manage, for the tions in Miami. Transforming knowledgment of the people in South Florida, one that residential channel, the Rottet a space of over 17,000 sq.ft. who have taken any ideas or would help us retain and ap- Home Collection and Élan by into a call center and main vision I may have had and peal to the Generation Y who Decca; two new brands being executive offices, ADD Inc pushed them far beyond my make up most of our staff,” introduced in October at the created an open-floor plan wildest dreams,” he said. stated Ricky Arriola, President International Home Furnish- where comfort and collabora- officenewswire.com/14259 and CEO at Inktel. “Above all, ings Market in High Point. tion were given high consid- we wanted to create an envi- officenewswire.com/14242 eration. Workstations are low in height and accessible, and ronment that made employ- >Sarah McGrath joined seating and lounge areas can ees feel like they are part of Architectural Systems (ASI) be used as flexible meet- one cohesive team, and ADD as Senior Account Executive. ing space that encourages Inc accomplished that.” She may be reached at sm- interaction and participation. officenewswire.com/14254 [email protected] or Expansive, floor-to-ceiling >BIG was chosen as the (646) 460-8232. windows usher in natural winner of 950-974 Market, officenewswire.com/14236 light, giving an overall look of a 446,000 sq.ft. mixed-use transparency. development in the heart An area that is referred to of San Francisco’s Mid- as the “town center” was in- Market neighborhood. It will cluded near the staff entrance include residences, retail, arts >Save A Sample! announced so as shifts changed, employ- space and theaters. The San winners of its 2013 Boston ees can interact and share Francisco-based real estate event: information that’s trending development company Group -1st place Melissa Pop- with their clients. I is working closely with the ovic of Baker Winner of City of San Francisco to es- the Andreu World Flex Chair To communicate the com- tablish a new Mid-Market Arts -2nd place Valerie Morhaime pany’s image, ADD Inc used District. The site, which fronts Curtis of AECOM Winner of Inktel’s brand color, green, both Market and Turk Streets, the Fatboy Edison the Petit throughout its office, includ- is an irregularly-shaped -3rd Place Meghan ing the employee lounge triangular piece of land which Doyle of HDR Winner of 2 where it is used on chairs, is currently home to vacant Custom Luna Textile Pillows the counter backsplash, and or underused buildings. The -4th Place of Emma of Berg- alternating stripes on the floor. hotel and residences form two ENVIRONMENT meyer Winner of the Izzy+ The result is a bold, contem- >DIRTT Environmental Harter Arc Chair Solutions founder and CEO officenewswire.com/14234 Mogens Smed won the 2013 Prairies Ernst & Young Entre- preneur Award in the Clean- tech category. In its 20th year, the Entrepreneur of the Year program honors the most impressive business leaders across all industries. Winners are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial suc- 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 26 OF 34

officenewswire.com urban peaks interlocking at the world’s leading maritime the ground to form a gener- nations. ous public space at their base The new 65,000 sq.ft. mu- - thereby maximizing sunlight seum is adjacent to one of in the space and creating a Denmark’s most important shared lobby which brings all buildings, Kronborg Castle, a of the site’s users together. UNESCO World Heritage site “This is will be our first – known from Shakespeare’s project on the West Coast and Hamlet. Leaving the 60 year having traveled extensively to old dock walls untouched, the Bay Area since moving the galleries are placed below to New York I am happy that ground and arranged in a con- for preparation of FF&E spec- we now get a chance to help tinuous loop around the dry EVENTS ifications and purchasing develop such a significant site dock walls - making the dock for a new lifestyle project in >Beyond the Assignment, a on Market Street,” said Bjarke the centerpiece of the exhibi- Kiev, Ukraine, The Tsarsky. Knoll-sponsored exhibit that Ingels. It is an unusual combi- tion - an open, outdoor area The facility will open in 2014 examines the work of ten of nation of a prime location with where visitors experience the with a state of the art Fitness today’s leading architectural a landmark presence with a scale of ship building. A series Center, sauna and steam photographers, is now open great potential for social and of three double-level bridges bath facilities, children’s area, in Burbank, CA. On view urban transformation.” span the dry dock, serving several training rooms, five through Nov. 1 at Woodbury officenewswire.com/14248 both as an urban connection, bars, a large pool terrace University’s Julius Shulman as well as providing visitors with outside pool and pool Institute, it includes the work with short-cuts to different bar, outside restaurant, main of Peter Aarno, Bilyana DiM- sections of the museum. restaurant with open kitchen, itrova, Joe Fletcher, Timpthy officenewswire.com/14260 meeting rooms, private dining Hursley, Alan Karchmer, Jon Miller, Tim Street-Porter, >DeGraffenried Purchas- rooms, and five luxury spa Udine Pröhl, Paul Warchol ing International, Bratislava suites with private terraces. and Lara Swimmer. (DPI) was awarded a contract officenewswire.com/14238 officenewswire.com/14258

>NYSID will present “Indus- trial Revival: The Brooklyn Navy Yard” Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30pm. Panelists will discuss the adaptive reuse and renovation of BLDG 92, the new exhibition and visitors’ center at the Yard, and the role the Navy Yards will >BIG with Kossmann. play for sustainable industrial dejong+Rambøll+Freddy growth, the future of design- Madsen+KiBiSi have ers, and the surrounding completed the Danish community. The event will be National Maritime Museum held at NYSID Graduate Cen- in Helsingør. By marrying the ter, 401 Park Avenue South at crucial historic elements with 28th Street, 3rd floor. Please an innovative concept of gal- visit www.nysid.edu/news- leries and way-finding, BIG’s events/events/registration to renovation scheme reflects register. Denmark’s historical and officenewswire.com/14256 contemporary role as one of Danish Maritime Museum Image by Rasmus Hjortsh 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 27 OF 34

business

Raymond James Brief 10.16.13 foreign exchange losses are excluded, results were in line with consensus though $0.02 below our estimate. KNL: 3Q Headline Results Miss Our and Consensus Esti- mates >Drilling down: Office segment sales decreased 6.0% year-over-year to $150.5 million, below our $156.5 million Analyst(s): Budd Bugatch estimate. Management commented that sales to governmental >Before Wednesday’s market open, Knoll reported 3Q13 agencies continued to decline on a year-over-year basis, which GAAP EPS of $0.18, below our $0.23 estimate and the $0.21 drove the overall decline in the Office segment. Office segment consensus. Management called out a $0.03 non-cash foreign operating income declined from $13.0 million (8.1% of sales) exchange loss that was not included in our forecast. We are last year to $5.7 million (3.8% of sales) in 3Q13, below our not, at this time, adjusting for this item, however. Total sales $10.4 million (6.6% of sales) estimate, resulting in a $(0.06) decreased 1.3% year-over-year to $216.9 million, also below miss versus our model. The decrease in operating profit for our $220.3 million estimate and the $220 million consensus. the quarter was due to lower sales and increased operating expenses from growth initiatives. >At the operating line, operating profit missed our estimate by $0.02 driven entirely by the lower gross margin versus >Studio sales increased 14.1% year-over-year to $37.7 mil- our forecast. Gross margin declined 41 bp year-over-year to lion, well above our $35.4 million estimate. Operating income 33.4%, slightly below our estimate (34.0%). The decline was increased from $5.2 million (15.7% of sales) last year to $5.3 attributed to lower absorption of fixed costs resulting from million (14.1% of sales) in 3Q13, also above our $4.3 million lower sales and pricing pressures in the Office segment. SG&A (12.1% of sales) estimate. The increase in operating income increased from $50.7 million (23.1% of sales) in 3Q12 to resulted in a $0.01 beat versus our model. $55.3 million (25.5% of sales) in 3Q13, slightly lower than our >Covering segment sales increased 7.4% year-over-year to $56.0 million estimate. The step up in SG&A was primarily due $28.7 million, slightly more than our $28.4 million estimate. to management’s previously announced strategic initiatives Both the textiles and leather subsidiaries experienced growth partially offset by lower levels of incentive accruals. Below the during the quarter. Segment operating income increased operating line, lower other income (mostly foreign exchange 14.1% year-over-year to $6.1 million (above our $4.3 million losses) accounted for the $(0.03) miss versus our model. If estimate), beating our model by $0.02.

Industry Stock Prices %fr50- 10.18.13 9.27.13 6.28.13 3.28.13 12.28.12 9.28.12 %frYrHi DayMA HMiller 30.2 28.9 27.1 27.7 20.9 19.4 -0.2% 9.1% HNI 39.6 35.8 36.1 35.5 29.0 25.5 -2.8% 9.0% Inscape 2.4 2.5 1.9 2.0 1.7 2.5 -4.1% 24.4% Interface 21.3 19.7 17.0 19.2 15.8 13.2 -0.2% 10.4% Kimball 11.4 11.2 9.7 9.1 11.4 12.2 -12.9% 7.0% Knoll 17.4 17.0 14.2 18.1 14.9 14.0 -6.8% 7.3% Leggett 29.3 30.4 31.1 33.8 26.4 25.1 -14.5% -3.1% Mohawk 124.3 130.1 112.5 113.1 89.4 80.0 -7.8% 1.0% Steelcase 16.2 16.4 14.6 14.7 12.2 9.9 -3.8% 8.1% USG 26.7 28.2 23.1 26.4 27.1 22.0 -14.0% 7.2% Virco 2.0 2.0 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.4 -31.5% -7.2% SUM 320.7 322.2 289.4 302.0 251.3 226.1 DJIndust 15,400 15,258 14910 14,579 12,938 13,437 -2.0 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 28 OF 34

business

>Knoll’s balance sheet remains in excellent shape, repaying and Coverings both delivered year-over-year operating income $5 million in debt during the quarter. growth. >KNL opened down slightly, likely due the headline miss. >Guidance: Management expects 4Q13 sales to be up The office segment results seem likely not to be much of a sequentially, but down year-over-year, as the government shut surprise, however. Results in coverings and studio may cause a down and the timing of a large Middle Eastern project will shift better view about the quarter as investors reflect about results. expected revenues ($20-25 million) from 4Q13 into the first We will have our additional thoughts following management’s half of 2014. Despite the revenue shortfall, Knoll will continue 10:00 a.m. (ET) conference call. to invest in product and growth initiatives. >Estimates: We are lowering our 4Q13 estimate from $0.33 to $0.21, accounting for the negative $20-25 million sales Raymond James Brief 10.16.13 shift (from 4Q13 to 1H14) noted above. We are also lowering our FY13EPS estimate from $0.85 to $0.68, reflecting the KNL: Reaffirm Outperform; Headline Miss; Growth Invest- flow through of the 3Q13 miss and 4Q13 reduction. OurF Y14 ments Starting to Payoff estimate goes from $1.17 to $1.10. Analyst(s): Budd Bugatch >Valuation: Our $20 price target (unchanged) is based on >Recommendation: We reaffirm our Outperform rating on our EVA/FCF-derived estimate of intrinsic value (page 7) and KNL despite lowering estimates following the company’s represents ~18x our 2014 EPS estimate. 3Q13 EPS report and conference call. For Knoll, 2013 remains a transition year, as revenue headwinds and growth/product investments continue to weigh down near-term EPS. Even so, Raymond James Brief 10.17.13 management remains steadfast with its strategic priorities. We believe Knoll is well positioned and will benefit as industry HNI: 3Q13 EPS Beat/Sales Misses; Mixed Guidance demand improves going into CY14. Analyst(s): Budd Bugatch >Headline EPS & revenue miss: As detailed in an earlier note, >After Wednesday’s market close, HNI reported 3Q13 GAAP Knoll reported 3Q13 EPS of $0.18, below our $0.23 estimate and adjusted EPS of $0.61, better than our $0.58 estimate, the and the $0.21 consensus. Management called out a $0.03 consensus $0.59, and above management’s guidance of $0.55 non-cash foreign exchange loss that was not included in our to $0.60. HNI reported ~$0.1 million in restructuring charges forecast; and we are not now adjusting for this item. Sales of associated with the previously announced shutdown and con- $216.9 million fell 1.3% year-over-year, below our $220.3 mil- solidation of office furniture manufacturing locations. However, lion estimate and the $220 million consensus. At the operat- these charges did not have a meaningful impact on EPS. ing line, operating profit missed our estimate by $0.02 driven entirely by lower gross margin. Gross margin declined 41 bp >Total sales increase 2.7% year-over-year to $565.7 mil- year-over-year due to lower fixed cost absorption resulting from lion, below our $574 million estimate and the consensus $573 lower sales and pricing pressures experienced in the Office million, and slightly below management’s previous guidance of segment. If foreign exchange losses are excluded, results were “3% to 6% growth.” in line with consensus though $0.02 below our estimate. >GAAP results beat our model at the operating income line >Government drags office; studio and coverings show growth: by $0.02 per share driven by higher gross margin (+$0.03) Lower sales in the office segment (reported at $150.5 million, partially offset by higher SG&A expense. Gross margin down 6% year-over-year) were primarily due to lower govern- increased ~60 bp year-over-year to 35.3% primarily due to ment spending on office furniture (pegged at down 24% year- higher volume and increased price realization, partially offset over-year). Year-to-date government sales account for roughly by new product ramp-up and operation reconfiguration cost. 12% of Knoll’s revenues versus 22% two years ago. Exclud- SG&A spending increased ~20 bp as a percentage of sales ing government headwinds, at the Knoll Inc. level sales grew (including restructuring charges) due to investment in growth ~3% year-over-year. Positively, both Studio and Coverings initiatives and higher incentive-based compensation. delivered strong revenue growth as investments in these busi- >Excluding the minor restructuring charges, normalized op- nesses are starting to deliver positive results. Studio sales grew erating income was $45.2 million (8.0% of sales) compared 14.1% year-over-year and Coverings sales grew 7.4% year- with $41.4 million (7.7% of sales) in the prior year and our over-year. Even with the additional investment spending, Studio $43.8 million (7.6% of sales) estimate. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 29 OF 34

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>Drilling down, Office Furniture sales decreased 0.3% >3Q13 EPS Beat; Revenue Miss: On Wednesday evening, year-over-year to $466.2 million (below our $481.8 million es- HNI reported 3Q13 GAAP and adjusted EPS of $0.61, better timate) primarily due to divestitures that resulted in a $12.5 than our $0.58 estimate, the consensus $0.59, and above million sales decline. On an organic basis sales increased management’s guidance of $0.55 to $0.60. Normalized operat- 2.3% year-over-year driven by growth in both channels of the ing income was $45.2 million compared with $42.5 million segment. Office segment operating income (ex-charges) im- in the prior year and our $43.8 million estimate, resulting in proved ~4.1% year-over-year to $40.8 million (8.8% of sales), a ~$0.03 beat versus our model. Total sales increased 2.7% above our $39.9 million (8.3% of sales) estimate. Hearth prod- year-over-year to $565.7 million, below our $574.0 million uct sales improved ~19.8% year-over-year to $99.5 million, estimate and the consensus $573.0 million. nicely above our $92.2 million estimate. Hearth EBIT improved >Government Drags Office: Reported office segment sales from $9.1 million (10.9% of sales) last year to $14.4 million were $466.2 million, below our $481.8 million estimate. Adjust- (14.5% of sales) in 3Q13, above our $9.8 million estimate. ing for dealer divestitures and a small acquisition ($12.5 mil- >Unallocated corporate overhead was $12.7 million (2.2% of lion, net), office organic sales increased 2.3% year-over-year. sales), up from $8.3 million (1.5% of sales) in the prior year Lower-than-anticipated government revenues (federal govern- and above our $8.6 million estimate (1.5% of sales). ment fell 30% y/y) also weighed on office segment results. Federal government sales now account for ~5% of HNI’s >HNI guided 4Q revenue to the range of flat to +3%, imply- office segment revenues versus 10% two years ago. Despite ing $528-543 million, below our pre-existing $545.5 million the sales drags, office segment operating margin was 8.8%, estimate and the $549 million consensus. Management nar- versus 8.4% last year and our 8.3% guess. rowed its outlook for full year 2013 non-GAAP EPS to a range of $1.35-$1.40, implying 4Q13 non-GAAP EPS guidance of >Hearth Continues to Shine: HNI’s hearth segment continues $0.43-$0.48. Our in-print estimate is $0.43 ($0.46 consensus). to deliver impressive year-over-year revenue and operating income growth. Segment net sales grew 19.7% year-over-year >We will have additional commentary and refreshed estimates to $99.5 million (~17.6% of sales). Sales in the new construc- following management’s 11:00 (ET) conference call. On this tion channel are performing well, improving ~30% year-over- call, management typically offers more color to properly re- year, driven by HNI’s leading market position and the housing frame estimates. market recovery. Management expects low-double-digit growth to continue in the hearth segment. 3Q13 hearth EBIT margins were an eye-popping 14.5%, versus 10.9% last year and our Raymond James Brief 10.18.13 10.6% guess. HNI: Solid Quarter; Reaffirm Market Perform; Still Stuck on >Guidance: HNI guided 4Q revenue to a range of flat to Valuation +3%, implying $528-543 million, below our previous $545.5 million estimate and the $549 million consensus. Management Analyst(s): Budd Bugatch narrowed its outlook for full-year 2013 non-GAAP EPS to a >Recommendation: We reaffirm our Market Perform rating on range of $1.35-1.40, implying 4Q13 non-GAAP EPS guid- HNI following its 3Q13 EPS release and management confer- ance of $0.43-0.48. It also provided a first look at2014 ex- ence call. Despite a challenging industry environment and pectations, suggesting EPS of $1.55-1.80 on low-single-digit weaker federal government demand, HNI continues to execute office organic sales growth and low-double-digit sales growth in well, as evidenced by its better-than-expected 3Q13 results and its hearth segment. solid 2014 forecasts. In its hearth segment, HNI continues to >Estimates: We are increasing our 4Q13 estimate to $0.45 capitalize on the housing market recovery and deliver impres- from $0.43. 2013E EPS goes from $1.32 to $1.37 and 2014E sive gains. Also, HNI’s broad business and product portfolio EPS goes from $1.73 to $1.72. positions it to benefit as office furniture demand improves into CY2014. Nonetheless, with HNI trading at ~23x our forward >Valuation: HNI trades at ~ 23x our forward EPS estimate of EPS estimate (the highest among peers) we are unwilling to $1.72, above its five-year median forward P/E of 21x. recommend committing new capital at the current valuation. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 30 OF 34

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Business Affairs Third quarter results included $0.1 million of restructuring charges associated with previously announced shutdown and >HNI Corp. on Oct. 16 reported its third-quarter fiscal 2013 consolidation of office furniture manufacturing locations. In- results (dollars in millions except EPS): cluded in the third quarter of 2012 was $0.8 million of restruc- 3 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. turing and transition costs of which $0.2 million was included Net Sales $565.7 $550.9 2.7% in cost of sales. Gross Profit $199.9 $191.3 4.5% SG&A $154.8 $149.6 3.5% Operating activities generated $88.0 million of cash during the Op. Income $45.1 $41.7 8.1% first nine months of 2013 compared to $80.8 million of cash for Net Inc. $28.1 $24.5 14.7% the same period last year. Capital expenditures during the first EPS (dil.) $0.61 $0.53 15.1% nine months were $59.6 million in 2013 compared to $44.7 9 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. million in 2012. $1,518.7 $1,476.5 2.9% Net Sales Office Furniture (dollars in millions): Gross Profit $522.3 $503.3 3.8% SG&A $453.7 $444.6 2.1% 3 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. Op. Income $68.3 $57.3 19.2% Sales $466.2 $467.8 -0.3% Net Inc. $40.9 $31.4 30.3% Op. Profit $40.7 $38.4 5.9% EPS (dil.) $0.89 $0.68 30.9% 9 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. Sales $1,268.2 $1,265.0 0.3% “We continue to compete well in our markets and are pleased Op. Profit $71.5 $68.3 4.7% with our sales performance and profit growth over prior year,” said HNI Corp. Chairman, President and CEO Stan Askren. Compared to prior year quarter, divestitures, partially offset by “Strong operational execution and investment returns drove the acquisition of BP Ergo, resulted in a $12.5 million sales third quarter profit improvement while we continued to invest decline in the Office Furniture segment. On an organic basis, in new products and operational capabilities to meet changing sales increased 2.3% driven by growth in both channels of this market demands. segment. “We delivered solid sales and profit growth in our office Operating profit was positively impacted by higher volume, furniture businesses despite a recent sharp decline in federal increased price realization, network realignment savings and government spending. Continued strong profit growth in our lower restructuring charges. These were partially offset by new hearth business was driven by outstanding operational perfor- product ramp-up and operation reconfiguration to meet chang- mance and growth in the new construction and remodel/retrofit ing market demands. channels. We continue to make good progress on our core strategies, improving our competitive position and investing for Hearth Products (dollars in millions): long-term profitable growth.” 3 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. Sales $99.5 $83.1 19.8% Gross margin was 0.6 percentage points higher than prior year Op. Profit $14.4 $9.1 58.7% primarily due to higher volume and increased price realization partially offset by new product ramp-up and operation recon- 9 Mos. Ended 9.28.13 9.29.12 %Ch. figuration costs to meet changing market demands. Sales $250.5 $211.5 18.4% Op. Profit $23.7 $11.1 113.5% Total selling and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales, including restructuring charges, increased 0.2 percent- Sales growth in the Hearth Products segment was driven by age points from the prior year quarter due to investment in increases in both the new construction and the remodel/retrofit growth initiatives and higher incentive-based compensation channels. Operating profit was positively impacted by increased partially offset by higher volume, network distribution realign- volume, higher price realization and lower input costs partially ment savings and lower restructuring charges. offset by investments in growth initiatives and higher incentive- based compensation. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 31 OF 34

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Outlook dividend is payable Jan. 15, 2014, to Share Owners of record on Dec. 24. http://kimballinternational.com/press_releases.aspx “Despite near-term political uncertainty, I remain confident in our strategies to drive profit improvement while simultaneously >Knoll, Inc. released its third-quarter 2013 financial results investing for long-term profitable growth,” said Mr. Askren. “We on Oct. 16 (dollars in millions except EPS): will achieve our objective of growing sales and solidly increas- 3 Mos Ended 9.30.13 9.30.12 %Ch. ing profits in 2013.” Net Sales $216.9 $219.8 -1.3% Gross Profit $72.3 $74.2 -2.6% HNI expects sales growth to be flat to up 3% in the fourth quar- SG&A $55.3 $50.7 9.1% ter over the same period in the prior year. Office Furniture sales Op. Profit $17.1 $23.5 -27.2% are expected to be down 2% to up 1%, or flat to up 3% organi- Net Inc. $8.6 $12.2 -29.5% cally. Hearth segment sales are expected to be up 8% to 11%. EPS (dil.) $0.18 $0.26 -30.8% For the full year, the corporation is narrowing its estimate of 9 Mos Ended 9.30.13 9.30.12 %Ch. non-GAAP earnings per diluted share to the range of $1.35 to Net Sales $631.8 $637.5 -0.9% $1.40, which excludes restructuring charges, transition costs Gross Profit $205.8 $211.7 -2.8% SG&A $166.1 $151.9 9.3% and a loss on the sale of a business. Op. Profit $39.8 $59.8 -33.4% The full text of HNI’s 3Q13 earnings release, including all Net Inc. $22.5 $32.5 -30.8% tables, plus a webcast replay of its Oct. 17 conference call, EPS (dil.) $0.47 $0.69 -31.9% including slides, is available at at http://www.hnicorp.com Knoll attributed the decrease in operating profit mainly to (under Investor Information – Webcasts). An audio replay of spending associated with announced programs of strategic the call will be available until Thursday, Oct. 24, 10:59 p.m. investments and initiatives to achieve its longer-term revenue (Central) by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 – and margin objectives. Also during the third quarter, non-cash Conference ID 65147219. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix. charges relating to foreign exchange losses decreased earnings zhtml?c=98627&p=irol-news approximately $0.03 per share. >Interface, Inc. intends to release its third quarter 2013 “We continued to execute against our multi-year strategic plan results on Wednesday, Oct. 23, after the close of the market, designed to drive revenue growth and margin improvement with a conference call webcast scheduled the next day, across our varied segments,” commented Andrew Cogan, CEO. Thursday, Oct. 24, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Daniel T. “While our Office segment remains pressured by significant Hendrix, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, andPatrick C. declines in our Federal government business, our results in Lynch, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will the quarter do demonstrate the traction we are gaining in our host the call. An archived replay of the call will be available for Studio and Coverings segments,” he added. one year beginning approximately one hour after the call ends. Sequentially, sales increased by $2.6 million when compared www.interfaceglobal.com/Investor-Relations.aspx with second quarter of 2013. >Kimball International, Inc. share owners elected all seven Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 40 basis nominees to the Board of Directors at the Company’s 2013 points to 33.4% in the third quarter of 2013 from 33.8% in the annual meeting, and the company’s Board of Directors same quarter of 2012. This decrease was attributed primarily declared a quarterly dividend. The following Board members to lower absorption of fixed costs as a result of the lower sales were elected to serve until the next Annual Share Owners Meet- and pricing pressures in the Office segment, offset somewhat by ing representing Class A Share Owners: Douglas A. Habig, continuous improvement projects in the company’s factories. Se- James C. Thyen, Donald D. Charron, Christine M. Vujovich, quentially, gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 80 Geoffrey L. Stringer, Thomas J. Tischhauser, and representing basis points when compared with the second quarter of 2013. Class B Share Owners: Dr. Jack R. Wentworth. Class A Share Owners also ratified the appointment ofDeloitte & Touche, Operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased to LLP as the company’s independent registered public account- 25.5% compared to 23.1% in the third quarter of 2012. This ing firm for fiscal year 2014 and the approval of the company’s increase was attributed to previously announced strategic initia- Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. tives partially offset by lowered levels of incentive accruals. The Kimball International Board of Directors declared a quar- Sequentially, operating profit increased by $4.7 million and terly dividend of 5 cents per share on Class B Common stock operating margins expanded 210 basis points when compared and 4 1/2 cents per share on Class A Common stock. The with the second quarter of 2013. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 32 OF 34

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Cash generated from operations during the third quarter 2013 The Studio segment experienced double digit growth in Europe was $15.3 million, compared to $22.6 million in the same pe- and single digit growth in North America during the quarter. riod of 2012. Capital expenditures for 3Q13 totaled $3.3 million In the Coverings segment, both Knoll’s textiles and its leather compared to $3.6 million in 3Q12. The company repaid $5.0 subsidiaries experienced growth during the quarter. million of debt during the third quarter of 2013, compared to $15.0 million during the third last year. It also paid a quarterly Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, Mr. Cogan noted that the dividend of $5.6 million, or $0.12 per share, in both 3Q13 and impact of the government shutdown plus an unexpected delay 3Q12. to a large project in the Middle East will result in some expected Q4 business getting shifted into the first half of 2014. “This, Business Segment Results (dollars in millions): combined with what we expect to be strong year-end order 3 Mos Ended 9.30.13 9.30.12 %Ch. momentum as evidenced by improved leading indicators in our Office office business, should set us up for a better 2014,” he said. Net Sales $150.5 $160.0 -5.9% Op. Profit $5.7 $13.0 -56.2% The full text of Knoll’s 3Q13 earnings release, including all Studio tables, and a replay of its Oct. 16 conference call, including Net Sales $37.7 $33.0 14.2% Op. Profit $5.3 $5.2 1.9% slides, can be found on the Knoll website at www.knoll.com; go Coverings to “About Knoll” and click on “Investor Relations”. In addition, Net Sales $28.7 $26.7 7.5% an audio replay of the conference call will be available through Op. Profit $6.1 $5.3 15.1% Oct. 23 by dialing 888 286-8010. International replay: 617 801-6888 (Passcode: 90277810). http://phx.corporate-ir.net/ 9 Mos Ended 9.30.13 9.30.12 %Ch. Office phoenix.zhtml?c=66169&p=irol-irhome $436.1 $452.2 -3.6% Net Sales >Steelcase Inc. on Oct. 17 announced two actions intended Op. Profit $11.1$ $28.6 -61.2% Studio to safeguard its global competitiveness through changes in Net Sales $113.3 $105.4 7.5% its EMEA manufacturing footprint. The company has initiated Op. Profit $12.7 $15.6 -18.6% procedures with the applicable works councils regarding the Coverings closure of a manufacturing facility in Germany. In connection Net Sales $82.4 $79.8 3.3% with this project, the company expects to incur approximately Op. Profit $16.0 $15.5 3.2% $20 to $25 million of cash restructuring costs, with approximately $15 to $20 million relating to workforce reductions and (The Office segment serves corporate, government, healthcare, approximately $5 million relating to manufacturing consolida- retail and other customers in the United States and Canada tion and production moves. The amount of restructuring costs providing a portfolio of office furnishing solutions including sys- expected to be incurred in fiscal year 2014 for this project are tems, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® ergonom- immaterial, with the majority of costs associated with this proj- ic accessories. The Office segment also includes international ect expected to be incurred in fiscal year 2015. In addition, the sales of Knoll’s North American office products. The Studio company anticipates it will incur approximately $5 to $10 mil- segment includes KnollStudio®, Knoll Europe which sells lion of costs associated with labor inefficiencies over the next primarily Knoll Studio products, and Richard Schultz® Design. eighteen months as a result of the manufacturing consolidation The KnollStudio® portfolio includes a range of lounge seating; and production moves. side, café and dining chairs; barstools; and conference, dining Steelcase also announced an investment to establish a new and occasional tables. The Coverings segment includes Knoll- manufacturing location in the Czech Republic. The company Textiles®, Spinneybeck®, Edelman® Leather, and FilzfeltTM. expects to make capital investments in this facility of approxi- These businesses serve a wide range of customers offering mately $25 million, with initial investments expected to be high quality textiles and leather.) approximately $10 to $15 million during the third and fourth In the Office segment, sales to governmental agencies con- quarters of fiscal year 2014. These amounts are incremental tinued to decline on a year-over-year basis, which drove the to the company’s previous estimates of capital expenditures for overall decline in sales. The decrease in operating profit for this fiscal year 2014. segment was attributed to increased operating expenses asso- Annualized savings from these actions are anticipated to be ciated with the company’s strategic investments and initiatives approximately $10 million when fully implemented by the end in addition to lower sales. of fiscal year 2016. 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 33 OF 34

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“The economic environment in Western Europe remains chal- Technology lenging, impacting the demand for the Company’s products in the EMEA segment,” Steelcase noted in the Form 8-K an- >Configura, maker of CET Designer software, recently an- nouncement. “The actions being announced today, in addition nounced the winners of the 6th annual Best of CET Designer to previously announced actions, are part of the Company’s Awards. This year’s competition saw a record number of on-going multi-year EMEA strategy to improve revenue and submissions in every category, including more than 40 entries the fitness of its business model. The Company anticipates the in the Best Success Story category. The 2013 winners: EMEA segment will continue to report adjusted operating losses Best Success Story category until the benefits of the multi-year EMEA strategy are more -First place: Reema Farra, McCoy-Rockford Inc. fully realized and the overall economic environment in Western -Second place: Sara Reyes, NBS Europe improves.” http://ir.steelcase.com/financials.cfm#sec -Third place: Casey Phelts, CCG Howells >USG Corp. and Sydney, Australia-based Boral Ltd. on Oct. Video category 16 announced an agreement to create a new joint venture, -First place: Lorna Marcuzzo, Price Modern USG Boral Building Products. The 50/50 joint venture, with -Second place: Kristen McWethy, bkm OfficeWorks a target completion date of Jan. 31, 2014, leverages the two -Third place: Debbie McGowan, Tangram companies’ iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, and technological expertise to supply Asia, Australasia, and the Rendering category Middle East. Boral will contribute its Gypsum division, including -First place: Maddelena Raimondo, CIME Environnements plasterboard operations in Australia and Asia. USG will contrib- d’affaires ute its Asian and Middle Eastern businesses, as well as exclusive -Second place: Shannon McKenzie, Young Office access to its ceilings, cement board, fiber board, lightweight -Third place: Kari Anderson, Target Commercial Interiors plasterboard, and joint compound building products technolo- As the first-place winner, McCoy-Rockford Inc. received a new gies in the joint venture’s territory. In order to achieve an interest computer, high-end graphics card and CET Designer license. of 50% in the joint venture, USG will pay Boral total cash pay- Reema Farra’s success story showed how the software helped ments (equalization payments) of up to US$575 million. with the renovation of an oil company’s Houston location. The joint venture will have 633 million m2 (6.8 BSF) of plaster- Follow-up information on the Best of CET Designer Awards, board manufacturing capacity supplemented by an extensive including images, videos and more, is at http://configura.com/ portfolio of complementary building product operations span- userconference/2013 ning 12 countries. It is anticipated to benefit from significant synergies, which will ramp up over time and are expected to www.officenewswire.com/14257 exceed US$50 million per annum within three years of the new technologies being rolled out. Management of the joint venture will be shared between Boral and USG with Frederic de Rougemont from Boral Gypsum appointed as CEO and Paul Monzella from USG Corpora- tion appointed as CFO. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix. zhtml?c=115117&p=irol-presentations

>Wilsonart LLC announced an agreement to acquire Durcon Incorporated, the world’s leading manufacturer of laboratory- grade work surfaces. The Taylor, TX-based Durcon provides laboratory tops, student tabletops, sinks and other work surfaces worldwide, and is best known for its durable epoxy resin surfaces. Durcon will operate as a new, independent business Rendering Category First Place Winner by Maddelena Raimondo unit of Wilsonart. www.officenewswire.com/14235 10.21.13 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 34 OF 34

JOB SITE New York Showroom Manager - New York City

To place ads: Carnegie Fabrics is Candidates should email [email protected] looking for a New York City resumes to smcgonigle@ Billing information: Showroom Manager carnegiefabrics.com [email protected] We are seeking a professional Or, call or fax: hospitality oriented individual T 203 966 5008 who enjoys meeting new F 203 972 6512 people and working in a team atmosphere. Opportunity Find the rest of our ads to cultivate and grow a Sudokushowroom Shack :: Print client Sudoku base. to fill later 10/20/13 11:40 AM on our online job site. SudokuShack.com Sudoku Medium Sudoku Number 2000000500

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