Giving Voice to Those Who Create Workplace Design & Furnishings

02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

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An Interview with Jennifer Kolstad Jennifer Kolstad, the first global design director atFord Motor Company, overseeing the design of Ford’s physical environments, and the current Chair of the ASID National Board, sat down with officeinsight Publisher Bob Beck to tell her story. Ms. Kolstad’s career has taken her to many corners of the world and presents a unique source of inspiration for anyone working to shape the built world.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3…

What the Future Holds for American Cities in 2020 & Beyond The beginning of a new year is a great time to take stock of what’s going on around us. It’s also a time when we often find ourselves looking to the future. For those working in the built environment, what does the future, in 2020 and beyond, hold? As a starting point in gathering this type of knowledge, we reached out to Tom Schultz, architect at The Architectural Team (TAT), a 95+ person architecture firm headquartered in Boston.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 12…

NeoCon Team Announces 2020 Keynotes News about NeoCon is starting to stream into our inboxes, and this week we’d like to highlight theMART’s announcement of the NeoCon 2020 keynote speakers. The four speakers are CITED: an exceptional group of accomplished, compelling, curious “ARCHITECTURE SHOULD individuals who we are delighted to hear from this coming June. SPEAK OF ITS TIME AND PLACE, BUT YEARN FOR FULL STORY ON PAGE 18… TIMELESSNESS.” —FRANK GEHRY 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 2 OF 31

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Jennifer Kolstad An Interview with Jennifer Kolstad by Bob Beck

Jennifer Kolstad is the global design director at Ford Mo- tive leadership in business, I realize those values mean a tor Company, overseeing the design of Ford’s physical lot. My first job out of college was for a small architecture environments, and the current Chair of the ASID National firm in Calgary, Simpson Roberts Architects. To this day Board. I had a chance to catch-up with her at the BIFMA I find them to be the most ethical guys I’ve ever worked Leadership Conference last Month and found her to be a with, and I learned a lot from them; that you can be warm and witty conversationalist who immediately put me extremely ethical in practice, be in it for the right reasons at ease; despite my ho-hum interviewing skills. and not compromise on those core values. That was my When interviewing those who have built a particularly foundation. successful career, my goal is to let them tell their stories so the rest of us can take whatever we can – whether it’s BB: What was your academic training? inspiration or specific guidance to apply to our own lives JK: My first degree was in art history from Augustana and careers. In Ms. Kolstad’s story, there’s plenty of both. at the University of Alberta. My second degree was in Interior Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, and Bob Beck (BB): Tell me a bit about your early life. my third was a Master in Architecture from IIT (Illinois Where are you from? Institute of Technology), in Chicago. I received the SOM Jennifer Kolstad (JK): I’m a Canadian. I grew up Fellowship at IIT and started work at Skidmore Owings in Western Canada, in Calgary, Alberta. Growing up I and Merrill while in school. When you start your career at learned “Canadian values.” The deeper I get into execu- SOM, it sets your path in a very specific way. 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 4 OF 31

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Kuwait Children’s Hospital, at 6.2 million SF is the largest children’s hospital in the world and the first consolidated pediatric care hospital in the region.

Kuwait Children’s Hospital, outpatient entry. Kuwait Children’s Hospital, registration with large turtle mural. BB: Given that background, were you doing architecture or interior design at SOM? JK: I was straddling both because of my background. I started off in a unique role working with two people, Jaime Velez in interiors and Peter Rug- giero in architecture. My first project was working with Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill on the Burj Khalifa. On a project that large, we worked in teams, with each team taking a segment of the building. I worked on the serviced residences, the amenity spaces, initial hotel planning, and the Chairman’s

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The Bioinformatics Building, University of North Carolina 17 suite at the top of the Tower. We sort of danced around the building based on teams and deadlines. What I consider to be my first personal project at SOM was for HRH, King Abdullah of Jordan. We designed the National Security Crisis Manage- ment Center in Amman. In all I was at SOM for five years, and I was very fortunate to have several fantastic projects early in my career as a platform to jump off from.

BB: What was next for you? JK: My husband, Craig Kolstad, is also an architect, and he was working at SOM in a separate studio. From Skidmore, we both accepted jobs in the UAE. We moved there in March of 2008, and hit the boom in Abu Dhabi. I began working for Aldar, a sovereign The Bioinformatics Building, conference room 11 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 6 OF 31

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landowner and development company decision to move months before the do next, but we had worked hard while building out major parcels of land with recession hit home. we were in the Middle East and were residential communities and tourist While we were living in the UAE, I tired. In the UAE, you build fast and districts including luxury hotels. Mean- had our daughter. Elsa was born in Oc- furiously, it’s exhausting; the pace is while back home, the recession hit tober of 2011, a Canadian citizen with not like the pace here, and we wanted SOM very hard. I was focused on YAS an UAE birth certificate – now living in to pause to enjoy Elsa. We looked to Island and the Yas Hotel in preparation the U.S.! We really are global expats. Vancouver to settle. But then Gensler for the first UAE Formula One race. We At the end of 2011, we moved back called. were very fortunate to have made the to Canada. We weren’t sure what we’d BB: That sounds pretty ominous! JK: They were looking for a Hospital- ity Director and a Commercial Office Building Director in their Dallas office. We knew Gensler partners well from Abu Dhabi and from London, and the fact that they had two design director positions open presented a viable option for both Craig and I, so we went down and talked to them. The next thing we knew, our container from the UAE, arriving in Vancouver, was redirected to Dallas. And that was what took us to Dallas. Later, HKS came calling because they knew of our international work, and they had a number of large, international projects. We felt the alignment was better and eventu- The Bioinformatics Building, auditorium/classroom ally joined HKS. 13

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BB: Thinking back on your time in Dallas what were some of your favor- ite projects? JK: There are several. One that that I’m very proud of is the Holly Hunt showroom in Dallas. It’s a beautiful project, and it was the first time Holly Hunt had allowed an outside agency to design one of her spaces. At the time she was overtaxed with showrooms building out internationally. She came and visited with us, we had a very nice conversation about our shared design philosophy, and in that conversation she said, “You’ll do it.” The showroom won the National Retail Design Insti- tute showroom of the year in 2015. We did the Reunion Tower project in Dallas which led to the U.S. Bank Reunion Tower, Dallas, observation deck night window reflection

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Tower SKYspace in Los Angeles – a follow once the design hypothesis has going to be able to prove the value great project with an external glass been substantiated. of this work was move back into the “SkySlide” at the 76th floor of the iconic These ideas directly parallel what we owners seat – where one has assets, Pei Cobb Freed building. were talking about at ASID National. capital and people who fundamentally It was during my time at Gensler As a group we understood there was understand the importance of this. that I joined ASID and the National more to design than an aesthetic out- Board, which was a lifeline for me. come and were designing a framework BB: Once you had that realization, What they were doing with research to support the model. In commercial how did you make it happen? was intellectual, substantial, and I felt practice, the challenge remains that JK: It happened serendipitously. like there was something important one requires a client willing to use their Ford is in the midst of developing a happening here. Then at HKS, I met project as a platform to test ideas. As new world headquarters in Dearborn, Dr. Upali Nanda, a brilliant researcher designers we’re often too far removed Michigan, along with literally millions and the head of HKS Cadre (Center for from the decision makers to success- of square feet of office development Advanced Design Research and Evalu- fully describe the value proposition around the world. They were relying ation). We started working together on associated with research-led design on many outside firms and consultants the concept of research-led design, and measurable outcomes. for the work without internal leadership using a think-make-test model, under- About a year and a half ago, I said to oversee and guide design of the standing that tangible outcomes will to my husband that the only way I was projects. They realized they needed

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SKYspace, U.S. Bank Tower, Los Angeles, hallway to bring someone in and created a For me, one of the striking things role. Ford has traditionally had design about Ms. Kolstad’s amazing career directors in product design, but this is to date is how she and her husband the first time the company has had a Craig have managed to find ways for director focused on the idea of human both of them to stay employed while experience design and physical envi- moving around the globe. When I ronments in their history. asked her about the courage to simply The position was brought to my pick up and move to another country attention by a previous ASID board even when it’s half way around the member. Around Christmas last year world, she replied, “We’re all-in for I got a text from a former ASID Board design!” member saying there’s a great job at I think Ford made a great choice, Ford that’s very cool, and we put your and I can’t wait to see the outcomes. n name forward, you should check it out. I did, and that’s my story! ———

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a&d What the Future Holds for American Cities in 2020 & Beyond by Mallory Budy

The beginning of a new year is a great time to take stock of what’s going on around us. It’s also a time when we often find ourselves looking to the future. For those working in the built environment, what does the future, in 2020 and beyond, hold? As a starting point in gathering this type of knowledge, we reached out to Tom Schultz, architect at The Archi- tectural Team (TAT), a 95+ person architecture firm headquartered in Boston. Forecasts of the increased concentration of the world’s population in urban areas requires new approaches to residential development and redevelopment. As gentrification moves through city neighborhoods, combat- ting displacement requires increased focus on affordable housing. Green spaces and public parks are required to make cities livable. TAT has been actively engaged in thinking about these problems and more importantly in doing something about them.

1) The affordability puzzle: Keeping neighborhoods accessible “In growing cities nationwide, the displacement of longtime residents has emerged as a major concern. ‘To keep neighborhoods affordable and accessible,’ says TAT’s Michael Binette, AIA, NCARB, ‘we’re working with developers, non-profits, and public officials to expand or redevelop existing affordable and workforce housing developments 100 Shawmut, Boston, MA. “Located on a prominent corner site in Boston’s South End – adding more residential units while Landmark District, 100 Shawmut is a 138 unit luxury condominium. Part of a larger planned preserving affordability and dramati- three-building complex, TAT’s design mixes adaptive reuse and new construction, integrat- cally enhancing livability.’” ing an existing six-story brick warehouse structure with a contemporary addition to create a 231,880-square-foot, 13-story residential condominium.” “As an example, Jay Szymanski, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, points to TAT’s “The design team’s approach maintains the character of the streetscape and the original building, setting the new construction back from the historic structure to highlight its original redevelopment of one of the country’s form and profile. The distinction between old and new is further accentuated by the striking oldest public housing communi- non-orthogonal geometry of the addition above. 100 Shawmut is part of the Shawmut Block ties, South Boston’s The Anne M. for which the firm was the master planner. TAT’s designers organized the massing of buildings Lynch Homes at Old Colony. Work is on the three constituent parcels to create a major publicly accessible internal courtyard which provides outdoor amenity space and provides important north-south and east-west public now underway to add a further 301 pedestrian routes.” 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 13 OF 31

a&d apartments to the 285 residences their families, and offers 86 affordable 2) Adaptive reuse and prefab construc- built since 2011, which replaced homes including a number of apart- tion help address housing shortages midcentury superblocks with a series ments set aside for formerly homeless “Faced with a persistent shortage in of attractive mid-rise buildings and veterans.” housing supply across the U.S., archi- townhomes. In nearby Roxbury, the From Schultz: “A lot of these oppor- tects and developers are responding with firm’s redevelopment of the 1950’s- tunities start with having a developer solutions that demonstrate the continued era Whittier Street Apartments created that wants to make sure the character value of adaptive reuse, and the benefits a new amenity rich, mixed-income, of the neighborhood involved is kept of new approaches including prefabri- transit-oriented multifamily campus intact. That it’s part of their mission cated and modular construction.” with 210 affordable units out of 386 personally and from the beginning is “Across the northeast, TAT is total – and an emphasis on outdoor really important.” reactivating formerly vacant or unde- community space.” “In one of our projects, we worked rutilized structures as new housing. “Other soon-to-open projects will with a private developer who was look- In Attleboro, Massachusetts, the firm serve specific populations that often ing to do one type of project but then has converted a historic jewelry factory struggle to find housing and support. they enabled two other projects to take into 93 units of senior housing called TAT’s 102-unit Residences at Brighton shape there as well, working with two Sterling Lofts, offering important rental Marine, for instance, is leasing with non-profits.” options for the state’s rapidly growing a dedicated focus on veterans and over-60 population.”

Clippership Wharf, East Boston, MA. “The 12-acre Clippership Wharf site sits along the Boston Inner Harbor near the Maverick MBTA Blue Line station, offering sweeping views of the Boston skyline from Charlestown to South Boston. Designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification the master- plan and design include four buildings, with a combined 478 units, retail space and above-ground parking. Phase I, SLIP65 is comprised of 80 condominiums, additional phasing will include 398 apartments marketed by the name, Dox at Clippership Wharf. The plan calls for a Harborwalk, beachfront area and floating dock where pedestrians can launch kayaks – and where neighbors can be reintroduced to a natural shoreline.” 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 14 OF 31

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NextCorps, Rochester, NY. “Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1M square foot Sibley Building in downtown Rochester, N.Y., is the new home for regional business incubator NextCorps. With a combination of co-working areas, private zones and office suites, conference rooms, biotech labs, and maker spaces, TAT’s design creates a state-of-the-art, flexible space that accommodates the wide range of uses neces- sitated by NextCorps’ entrepreneurs. Reflecting a desire for an open, collaborative atmosphere, amenities include a roof deck, large auditorium, and common gathering areas such as a game room and café lounge.” “Carefully preserved and restored historic detailing, including original custom millwork is featured throughout the space, along with murals by local artists highlighting a connection to Rochester’s history as a center of architectural and technological innovation. A neutral color palette creates a sense of visual unity, contrasting with wall coverings, carpeting, acoustically sealed booths, and movable furniture elements whose bright colors help define distinct workspaces and create points of accent for the historic features. With short walks to transit, and easy access to the rest of Sib- ley Square’s vibrant residential, commercial, restaurant and retail spaces, NextCorps sits at the heart of economic rebirth in downtown Rochester.”

“At Boston’s Ropewalk, a previously character,’ says TAT project manager From Schultz: “When you mention vacant landmark rope factory will soon Tom Schultz, AIA, NCARB. ‘We’re able prefab construction, everyone thinks offer 97 rental apartments – the sixth to create value for the community by of some version of a mobile home or historic residential conversion by TAT preserving historic fabric and looking temporary housing. But the reality is, within the Charlestown Navy Yard to the future at the same time.’” when you buy a watch, or an iPhone, redevelopment. In Boston’s South End, “Other cities are exploring highly effi- or a car – many of these items are 100 Shawmut maximizes the poten- cient approaches to infill development, luxury items, but they are all built in a tial of its site by adding a seven-story including prefabricated construction. In super factory. But, there is a negative contemporary addition to a historic Quincy, Massachusetts, TAT is trans- connotation when you talk about your warehouse, for a total of 138 new con- forming a parking lot into a 15-story, home.” dominium units. ‘Integrating adaptive 124-unit tower called Chestnut Place – “The quality of prefab has changed reuse and new construction is a great where locally fabricated modules have – has become better. There’s much way to address housing shortages dramatically increased speed to market more efficiency, with materials as well while respecting a neighborhood’s for these much-needed homes.” as time.” 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 15 OF 31

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3) New residential and mixed-use op- second phase on track to kick off this Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & portunities transform urban cores year. TAT’s design for this 1.3 million Residences, designed by TAT for the “With new air rights developments, square foot air rights complex adds prestigious international hospitality hotel towers, and uniquely positioned housing, commercial office space, group and developer Trinity Stuart LLC. residential properties, many urban and retail uses while decking over a After a fall 2019 groundbreaking, the cores are set for major transforma- major highway and reconnecting three 33-story high-rise is now under con- tions in 2020 as closely watched and neighborhoods with new green space, struction, transforming a prime corner long-awaited projects reach major public art, and pedestrian and transit site into a regional destination as the milestones,” says Michael Liu, AIA, connections. The first phase, Bower, first Raffles property in the United NCARB, a principal at TAT.” offers 312 apartments, 37,000 square States.” “For example, one of Boston’s feet of retail, and 12,000 square feet of “Design teams are also unlocking biggest real estate stories in a genera- public open space.” new opportunities in dense, built-up tion, Fenway Center, will soon cross “A hotel boom continues, too, with areas where large sites are hard to a watershed moment with its first one of the northeast’s most eagerly find. In Boston’s historic Beacon Hill phase approaching completion and its anticipated mixed-use towers – the neighborhood, TAT’s Archer Residenc-

Sterling Lofts. Attleboro, MA. “This artful residential conversion transforms a sprawling historic jewelry factory into 91 units of mixed-income, active senior housing. Located on a large, wooded riverfront site, TAT’s sensitive approach to this previously derelict four-story, 137,800-square-foot brick building incorporates the rehabilitation of both the original structure and a series of later additions. Extensive site work by TAT creates a number of opportunities for outdoor activity, ranging from a community garden to a large walking path that extends down to the water.” “Taking advantage of the Sterling Lofts building’s dramatic interior spaces, TAT sought creative ways to encourage resident socialization. The large boiler room now serves as a unique double-height tenant lounge, with exposed timber structures and ceilings up to 28 feet tall. The lounge features a community kitchen, TV nook, and game area for activities such as billiards and shuffleboard. Other common amenity spaces include a computer room and library, a movie room, and a fitness center with yoga room. The project’s unit mix includes 75 one-bedroom and 16 two- bedroom homes, each of which features compelling design elements such as original steel and wood beams and columns, exposed brick, and wide-plank wood ceilings. The conversion also adds an adult day care intended to serve people aged 70+ who suffer from cognitive impairment.” 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 16 OF 31

a&d es reimagines two six-story former uni- housing, a community marketplace, 5) New waterfront developments boost versity buildings as a single, 172,000 and high-tech workplace environ- resiliency, enhance public access square foot residential property ments. A major indoor market is set to “Increasingly vulnerable, flood-prone topped off with a pair of contemporary open within the phased, WinnDevelop- urban waterfronts remain desirable penthouse additions and a sweeping ment-led project this year.” sites for new residential and mixed-use landscaped roof terrace.” “Smaller gateway cities like Worces- development. Forward-thinking design From Schultz: “It comes down to ter, MA, are on the upswing too, teams are taking a holistic approach placemaking. In order to make these thanks to projects like Courthouse to these projects, employing hard and mixed-use developments work, you Lofts, TAT’s conversion of the historic soft approaches to shoreline design, have to work hard to create a sense Worcester County Courthouse into 117 strategic landscaping, and elevated of place. Many building structures in units of housing. Nearing completion, public use areas. The result? Proper- urban locations simply can’t be just the Trinity Financial-led property also ties that can absorb storm surges while one thing anymore. Living, retail, and holds a first-in-the-nation museum enhancing the public realm and long- working functions need to be felt and celebrating local icon and pioneering term viability.” seen, integrated together.” African-American cyclist Major Taylor.” “TAT’s recently opened Clippership From Schultz: “We’re noticing more Wharf, a 12-acre, 478-unit mixed-use 4) On the rise: Smaller cities poised diverse conversations about providing complex developed by Lendlease in for resurgence diversity in the housing stock, and the East Boston, has garnered national “Identified by commercial real estate types of living environments available attention for this approach, which also services group Commercial Café as to people. There are a lot of forgotten offers residents and community mem- one of the country’s fastest-growing town in the United States that are busy bers access to a harborwalk, beach- Rust Belt cities, Rochester, NY is on remapping where people are living, front area and floating dock with a a path towards a new era of success. working, existing in their towns. We’re kayak launch. The project’s first phase One of the linchpins of this recovery is also paying attention to the resurgence of condos sold out in eight weeks.” n Sibley Square, the TAT-designed con- in ‘in-between towns’ – towns like version of a 1-million-square-foot for- Worcester, Massachusetts, which sits mer downtown department store into in-between Boston and New York City.”

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NeoCon Team Announces 2020 Keynotes

News about NeoCon is starting to stream into our inboxes, comprehensive CEU seminar offering. and this week we’d like to highlight theMART’s announce- Monica DeBartolo, Director of Programming, remarks, ment of the NeoCon 2020 keynote speakers. The four ‘Our 2020 keynotes are next-level visionaries. Pioneers in speakers are an exceptional group of accomplished, their respective fields and beyond, each keynote is shaping compelling, curious individuals who we are delighted to the future of design and its surrounding disciplines in new hear from this coming June. If you haven’t already, take a and progressive ways. We are thrilled to have them be a few minutes to register for the show – registration is officially part of this year’s design dialogue.’” open! The 2020 keynote presentations include: From theMART: (Chicago, IL - February 2020) “Registration is now avail- The Business of Color: Amanda Williams, in conversation able for NeoCon 2020, running June 8–10 at theMART with Cheryl Durst, Illuminates Design’s Impact on Purpose, in Chicago. The world’s leading platform and most impor- Profit, Culture and the Future tant event of the year for the commercial design industry, Amanda Williams, Artist and Architect, AW Studio NeoCon will celebrate its 52nd edition with the latest ideas, Monday, June 8, 8AM products, and experiences to inspire, connect, and engage.” Presented by: IIDA “Registration for NeoCon programming is also open and “Amanda Williams is a visual artist, architect, and TEDtalk show management is pleased to announce a stellar lineup speaker. Williams blurs the distinction between art and of charismatic keynote presenters set to take the show architecture through work that employs color as a way of stage. Amanda Williams, artist and founder of AW Studio; examining the complexities of race, place, and how value Frans Johansson, author and CEO of The Medici Group; is assigned to space in cities. The landscape in which she Jeanne Gang, architect and founding principal of Studio and her creative practice, AW Studio, operate is the visual Gang; and Markus Dochantschi, architect and founder and residue of the invisible policies and forces that impact most principal of studioMDA, will headline, complementing a major US cities.” 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 19 OF 31

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“Williams is a member of the Obama Presidential Center’s cess, innovation, and diversity, while his practical insights Museum Design Team and sits on the boards of the Gra- have empowered thousands to take action. In his role as ham Foundation, Garfield Park Conservatory and Hyde Park a thought leader and CEO of The Medici Group, Frans Art Center. She has been recognized as a Joan Mitchell has advised executive leadership at Fortune 500 compa- Foundation grantee, a USA Ford Fellow, an Efroymson Arts nies such as Disney, IBM, Nike, and Mastercard. His firm Fellow and a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. recently launched the world’s first team coaching subscrip- Williams’ installations, paintings and works on paper seek tion service, which leverages diversity and inclusion to drive to inspire new ways of looking at the familiar, and in the business outcomes, ultimately helping teams accelerate process, raise questions about the state of urban space and their innovation capacity, become more agile and collabora- citizenship in America. She has exhibited widely, including tive, and better able to experiment.” in the Venice Architecture Biennale, the MCA Chicago, and “Frans is the author of The Medici Effect (Harvard Busi- the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. Louis, and is in several ness Press, 2004 & 2017), which innovation legend Clay permanent collections including the Art Institute of Chicago Christensen described as “one of the most insightful books and the MoMA. on managing innovation that I have ever read.” His fol- Amanda Williams in conversation with IIDA Executive low up book, The Click Moment (Penguin Portfolio, 2012) Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, will was hailed by Fast Company as the book that challenges discuss design’s impact on cities and share insights on the traditional business-school thinking and has been charged intersections of design that shaped her career.” with destroying the 10,000-hour rule. The Medici Effect has been translated into 21 different languages and become the definitive book on diversity driving innovation, influenc- ing numerous industries and fields such as architecture, design, economic development, education, and investing. Raised in Sweden by his African-American/Cherokee mother and Swedish father, Frans has lived all his life at the intersection. He has been featured on ABC, CNN, CNBC, the PBS Newshour, and National Public Radio and serves on the Board of Trustees of the New York Hall of Science. He has spoken to audiences on six continents, in virtually every industry, and across disciplines, from creatives to en- gineers, financiers to scientists, and politicians to humani- tarians. Frans founded a software company, an international healthcare firm, and a hedge fund. Frans holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.”

Amanda Williams

The Medici Effect: Innovation at the Intersection Frans Johansson, Author and CEO of The Medici Group Tuesday, June 9, 8AM Presented by: ASID “An author, entrepreneur, and acclaimed international speaker, Frans Johansson has inspired readers and audiences worldwide with his ideas on leadership and suc- Franz Johansson 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 20 OF 31

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Keynote Presentation by Architect Jeanne Gang ARTseen Jeanne Gang, Architect and Founding Principal of Studio Markus Dochantschi, Architect and Founder and Principal Gang of studioMDA Tuesday, June 9, 1PM Wednesday, June 10, 11AM Presented by: AIA Chicago Presented by: AIA Chicago “Architect and MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, FAIA, “Markus Dochantschi is the founder and principal of stu- Int. FRIBA, is the founding principal and partner of Studio dioMDA. studioMDA was founded in New York City in 2002 Gang, an internationally renowned architecture and urban with the mission of challenging the boundaries of design. design practice headquartered in Chicago and with offices Before starting studioMDA, Dochantschi ran the office of in New York, San Francisco, and Paris. Her award-winning Zaha Hadid Architects for seven years and was Head Proj- designs arise from a distinctive approach that expands be- ect Architect on the Rosenthal Contemporary Arts Center in yond architecture’s conventional boundaries to foreground Cincinnati.” relationships between individuals, communities, and their “He has taught an Advanced Studio at Yale Univer- environment. Her diverse portfolio ranges from smaller-scale sity with Zaha Hadid, Stefan Behnisch and Gerald Hines community and cultural projects to major work throughout (2003), and an Advanced Studio at Columbia University’s the Americas and Europe, such as: the expansion of the Graduate School for Architecture, Planning, and Preserva- American Museum of Natural History in New York; the tion (GSAPP) from 2008 until 2017. new United States Embassy in Brasilia, and Aqua Tower in Dochantschi has also served as the director of the Global Chicago. A Professor in Practice of Architecture at the Har- Cities Architecture Program (GCAP) at GSAPP. He has been vard Graduate School of Design, recent accomplishments a Guest Lecturer at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design include being named one of the most influential people in (GSD) and a guest critic at the AA London; Columbia Uni- the world by TIME Magazine in 2019 and winning her larg- versity, NY; The Cooper Union, NY; University of Pennsylva- est commission to date, the new Global Terminal at O’Hare nia, Philadelphia; Princeton University, Princeton; the ETH International Airport.” Zurich, Switzerland; the Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst Vienna, Austria.”

Markus Dochantschi. Photo courtesy of studioMDA

NeoCon is open to trade, media, C-Suite executives and other industry-related professionals. The NeoCon 2020 website and registration is live at neocon.com. Expo: online registration by June 5 – free; On-site registration – $65. Jeanne Gang Keynote Presentations: free. CEU Seminars: online registration by June 5 – $65 each; onsite registration – $75 each. Programming details and registration for NeoCon and BIFMA’s new design ideas platform Confluence Chicago will be available mid-March at confluencechicago.com. Conflu- ence Chicago runs concurrently with NeoCon June 8–10. n 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 21 OF 31

r-d connection

RESEARCH-DESIGN CONNECTION Creativity and Practicality – Alone and Together by Sally Augustin, Ph.D.

A Glaveanu-led team has studied the process in the case of individuals and Sally Augustin, PhD, a cognitive sci- implications of working with others or dyads in relation to the originality and entist, is the editor of Research Design alone on creative and practical thinking. practicality of their ideas… [data gath- Connections (www.researchdesigncon- Their findings have implications for the ered] suggested that people working nections.com), a monthly subscription sorts of spaces (individual/for use by together might prefer practical ideas. newsletter and free daily blog, where two people/etc.) provided in a variety of This preliminary evidence of a pos- recent and classic research in the settings, for example, and also for man- sible ‘practicality effect,’ we speculate, social, design, and physical sciences aging the design process, for instance. has something to do with the fact that that can inform designers’ work are The researchers report that, “the aim practical ideas are easier to communi- presented in straightforward language. of this article is to examine the creative cate and validate when collaborating. Readers learn about the latest re- As such, creativity is not necessarily search findings immediately, before hindered by working with other people they’re available elsewhere. Sally, who but takes on a different orientation (i.e., is a Fellow of the American Psycho- toward the feasible).” n logical Association, is also the author Vlad Glaveanu, Alex Gillespie, and of Place Advantage: Applied Psychol- Marciej Kanwowski. 2019. “Are People ogy for Interior Architecture (Wiley, Working Together Incline Towards 2009) and, with Cindy Coleman, The Practicality? A Process Analysis of Designer’s Guide to Doing Research: Creative Ideation in Individuals and Applying Knowledge to Inform Design Dyads.” Psychology of Aesthetics, Cre- (Wiley, 2012). She is a principal at ativity, and the Arts, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. Design With Science (www.designwith- 388-401, http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ science.com) and can be reached at aca0000171 [email protected].

Grid n°16844 easy SUDOKU

Fill in the empty cells so that every row, column and cube 1 9 5 8 contains a digit from 1-9, without duplication. (Level: Easy) 2 3 1 5 8 4 4 8 5 9 4 3 6 2 8 9 6 4 6 1 5 3

Make your own free printable sudoku at www.PrintMySudoku.com We have all the free sudokus you need! 400 new sudokus every week. 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 22 OF 31

For complete releases, visit www.officeinsight.com/officenewswire. officenewswire

PRODUCT INTROS >Concertex launched Spectra, a lavish new performance velvet upholstery available in 36 colorways. Part of the Spring 2020 Warp collection, Spectra features high-density polyester pile with 10% cotton added in Luna Textiles: Off the Grid collection (L-R) Metro, Lumina, Beacon, Candela, Mason the ground weft to lend the >KnollTextiles welcomed a lection, which also includes metropolitan and rural influ- suppleness and drape of new decade of classic mod- three new KT upholsteries at ences to create a mix of high a natural product. Its color ern design with the launch $40/yard and under and two performance, sustainability line focuses on rich, fashion- of the Decennium Collection. new drapery textiles. The new minded, and value-driven forward tones and soft, usable Introducing bold abstract KT upholsteries are Chame- textiles with recycled and/ neutrals. It boasts 100,000 patterns inspired by fiber arts, leon, a high-performance or bio-based materials at the double rubs, lending high- tactile knits, and dimensional polyurethane; Entwine, a heart of their design. Metro, traffic spaces elegance with a shapes, Floressence uphol- multi-color texture; and Cross a refined yet durable woven modish sense of style. Read stery and Billow wallcovering Tech, technical knit uphol- structure engineered for More are the anchors of this col- stery. Dazzle drapery has a both upholstery and panel luxurious sheen while Zone applications, took inspira- double width acoustic sheer tion from New York’s subway has a dry crisp hand with the tiles. Beacon is a hospitality appearance of natural fiber. focused fabric that blends the Decennium also ushers in natural and the engineered, the official launch of KT Wall, featuring a bi-color, crocheted wallcovering at $25/yard and novelty yarn which adds to under, with Billow and Debut creating a sequined shimmer non-phthalate Type II vinyl effect. It contains Recover®, wallcoverings. Mystique is “upcycled” cotton created a woven wallcovering made from pre-consumer apparel with plastic water and soda waste. Mason is a luxuriously bottles. Each of these prod- felted wool with a colorful grid ucts may be used alone or design. Lumina, as Luna’s combined for a thoughtfully next generation in value layered integrated interior. driven, high performance The Decennium collection wallcovering, has a smooth Concertex: Spectra has nine products from nine and lustrous finish featuring different mills in the U.S., a pearlescent polyethylene Europe, and Asia. All three tape yarn. Candela, offered wallcoverings are made in the as a counterpoint to Lumina’s USA. Read More smooth surface, brings texture, luster and performance >Luna Textiles’ new Off the to Luna’s wallcovering com- Grid collection is inspired bination. Comprised of a mix by off-the-grid communi- of matte and lustrous yarns, ties that pledge to live more it provides a subtle sheen sustainable lives all over across its crepe-like surface. the world. Comprising three Read More upholstery fabrics and two wallcoverings, Luna merges KnollTextiles: Floressence upholstery (L) and Billow wallcovering (R) anchor the new Decennium Collection 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 23 OF 31

officenewswire

Unika Vaev: New sales representation by Specified. (L-R) Kelly Johnson, Maharam: Songbird and Wool Check Gloria Johnson, Lynn Johnson, Beau Johnson >Maharam introduced Song- plaid. Guided by intricate supple faux leathers with a suited for demanding envi- bird and Wool Check, two tonal gradation, an expansive sophisticated palette. Brogue ronments. Inspired by fine upholstery textiles designed repeat of large-scale color is a supple faux leather that menswear, the lightly mottled by Paul Smith in col- blocking emulates one of can be dressed up or down texture of Panache adds an laboration with the Maharam Smith’s designs for apparel to make a bold statement. Its air of confidence to any space Design Studio. Alternating while emphasizing painterly perforated accents reflect the with earthy colorways. Plush, between classical motifs and transitions between highly classic men’s shoe. Mimick- as its name suggests, offers large-scale geometry, both specialized tones. Read More ing the look of patinaed metal, a rich hand with a luxurious textiles demonstrate Paul >Pallas Textiles added to its Burnish plays with matte and pile that elicits sophisticated Smith’s ability to modernize ongoing curation of Essen- sheen to create a subtle me- coziness. An intermittent stria traditional references through tials, a collection designed tallic luster. The textural look effect adds energy and sets imaginative applications of to engage the senses and of Nap invites you to reach this pattern apart from other scale and color. A spirited provide a foundation of time- out and touch the refined velvets. Read More departure from Paul Smith’s less upholsteries. Additions surface. It’s hard to believe signature stripe, Songbird include plush fabrics and this upscale pattern is so well NOTEWORTHY depicts a highly animated assortment of perched and >Unika Vaev welcomed its singing finches within an ar- newest sales rep group, rangement of lilies, peonies, Specified., serving the and hibiscus. Specially woven southern Texas and south- to create the illusion of three ern Louisiana territories. dimensions, graphic lines of Specified. represents leading alternating matte and lustrous manufacturers specializing in yarns lend movement to interior and exterior product silhouetted fauna. A return to solutions. Founded in 1990, Paul Smith’s signature explo- Specified. has been working ration of color, Wool Check with architects, designers and takes a modern approach contractors to specify product to traditional applications of solutions for more than 30

Pallas Textiles: Essentials 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 24 OF 31

officenewswire

years. “With our knowledge and luxury design in Beverly cies, workflow processes, >The Beverly Willis Archi- of materials and application, Hills and other posh locations, profit margins, and more. tecture Foundation Gala is we are able to offer assistance will speak on the topics of the Read More this Thursday, Mar. 5, 6:00 from concept to completion luxury client, system efficien- p.m. at the Prince George of a project and promptly Ballroom, 15 E 27th Street answer any questions in NYC. This event is BWAF’s throughout the process,” most important fundraiser Specified. stated. “Our priority of the year. “As the current is to understand your vision chair of this organization, I and ensure that it becomes a can attest to its importance in reality.” Read More recognizing and elevating the contributions of women to the EVENTS built environment,” shared Julia E. Murphy, Director at >ASID New Jersey Chapter Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. will host a “BOLD: Business Of this year’s honorees, Ms. of Luxury Design” half-day Murphy noted in particular workshop this Wednesday, Perkins and Will Principal Mar. 4 with Julia Molloy in Joan Blumenfeld, who will re- Summit, NJ, 8:00 a.m. to ceive the Pillar Award for her 1:00 p.m. Ms. Molloy is a na- long service as BWAF chair as tionally recognized business well as her life-long advocacy expert and speaker, and mas- for women in the architecture termind behind the two-day profession. BOLD: Business of Luxury Awards to be presented at the Design Summit scheduled Gala include: for Apr. 16-17 in Dallas. This -FOUNDATION AWARD: Jo- week’s half-day workshop seph F Tortorella, President, offers four CEU credits and is Silman targeted to interior designers -KEYSTONE AWARD: Linda of small- and medium-sized Chiarelli, Vice President for firms that are looking to take Capital Projects and Facilities, their businesses to the next NYU level. Ms. Molloy, with experi- -PILLAR AWARD: Joan Blu- ence in high-tech operations menfeld, Principal, Perkins & Will -OCULUS AWARD: Inga Saf- fron, Journalist, The Philadel- phia Inquirer -SCROLL AWARD: Dr. Sharon Egretta Sutton, Visiting Pro- fessor at Parsons School of Design and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University -TRIBUNE AWARD: Sa- mantha Josaphat, Founder, Studio 397 Architecture Read More

ASID NJ: Julia Molloy to present Business of Luxury Design workshop 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 25 OF 31

officenewswire

IIDA NY.Design Camp tails begin at 6:15 p.m., and conversation. The presenta- the program begins at 6:45. tion will explore the issue of This is an opportunity to join material health and share with colleagues interested in strategies for making a case healthier buildings and interi- to clients. Read More ors over a cocktail and casual >IIDA NY’s Sustainability >IIDA NY this Saturday, Forum on Wednesday, Mar. Mar. 7 will present Design 18 will present The “C” Camp: Design with a Friend, Word: Carbon 101. To be a workshop for children aged held at the Knoll showroom, 9-12. It will be held at Shaw 6:00-8:00 p.m., it is the Contract showroom, 1:00- first of a three-part series on 3:00 p.m., and led by Shaw carbon-neutrality within inte- Contract Design Director Su- rior spaces. Speakers Sheryl san Smilek. Participants will Owen, Senior Sustainability be introduced to the creative Analyst at HLW, and Jeff Rios, and technical process behind Professional Engineer with making carpet collections, AKF, will cover topics includ- and they will get to design ing the difference between their own works of art through embodied carbon and opera- marbling on paper and ce- tional carbon, Local Law 97, ramics. Read More the NYC Carbon Challenge, >Parsons Healthy Materi- Architecture 2030, and more. als Lab on Thursday, Mar. This event will provide 0.1 ID- 26 will host “Cocktails & CEC CEU credit. Read More Conversations” at The New School University Center’s Starr Foundation Hall. Cock- 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 26 OF 31

business

BUSINESS AFFAIRS function. This adversely affected revenue in the fourth quarter, which was down sequentially from the third quarter of 2019. >DIRTT Environmental Solutions Ltd. on Feb. 25 issued its We have been experiencing a similar sequential percentage fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 earnings release (U.S. dol- decrease in the first two months of 2020 relative to the first two lars in thousands except per share amounts): months of the fourth quarter of 2019. Given the slower start to 3 Mos. Ended 12.31.19 12.31.18 %Ch. the year, 2020 may be a lower revenue year than 2019. Revenue $53,198 $74,440 -28.5% Gross profit $13,465 $27,619 -51.2% “We have a strong group of Distribution Partners that understand Op. Exp. $23,250 $26,615 -12.6% the road map and are dedicating time, money and effort behind Op. Inc./Loss -$9,785 $1,004 - our strategic plan. This is evidenced by the seven existing Dis- Net Inc./Loss -$7,544 $3,143 - tribution Partners with whom we recently developed a compre- Inc./Loss $11.4 $7.0 62.6% per share -$0.09 $0.04 - hensive plan to expand geographically and address currently un- derserved markets. These are strong partners who, in aggregate, 12 Mos. Ended 12.31.19 12.31.18 %Ch. generated 14% of DIRTT’s sales in 2019. Further, the majority Revenue $247,735 $274,681 -9.8% of our extensive partner network is well positioned to continue Gross profit $86,424 $107,009 -19.2% driving small- to mid-size projects while we establish the internal Op. Exp. $88,875 $101,315 -12.3% capabilities that we expect, over time, will drive growth for us and Op. Inc. /Loss -$2,451 $5,694 - our Distribution Partners through a pipeline of larger projects. Net Inc./Loss -$4,396 $5,550 - Inc./Loss $12.8 $6.9 85.5% “In addition, we are encouraged by the results to date of our per share -$0.05 $0.07 - targeted approach to growing strategic national accounts, including discussions with new and existing accounts. The “2019 was a strategically important year for DIRTT but also one opportunities from these accounts often entail a multi-year that included challenges,” stated DIRTT CEO Kevin O’Meara. sales effort and generally start with smaller projects, grow- “While we are confidently moving forward with the many sales ing over time as the commercial relationship strengthens. We and marketing and operational initiatives laid out in our strategic expect several small projects from new strategic accounts to plan, we are still in the early stages of implementing that plan commence in the second half of 2020. Finally, within our com- and continue to experience the effects of disruption in sales ac- mercial function, we are hiring within our sales and marketing tivity levels stemming from the distraction of significant manage- organization and remain committed to achieving our goal of ment changes during 2018 on a long sales cycle combined with filling all open positions by the end of 2020. the immature and transitional state of our sales and marketing Industry Stock Prices %fr50- 2.28.20 12.27.19 9.27.19 6.28.19 3.29.19 12.28.18 %frYrHi DayMA HMiller 34.2 41.6 45.9 44.7 35.2 29.9 -31.3% -14.7% HNI 32.8 37.4 35.4 35.4 36.3 35.2 -23.5% -12.1% Inscape 0.9 0.8 0.7 1.7 1.7 1.4 -54.3% -7.4% Interface 14.6 16.5 14.6 15.3 15.3 14.2 -19.3% -10.8% Kimball 16.2 20.7 19.4 17.4 14.1 14.2 -27.8% -15.1% Knoll 17.6 25.4 25.3 23.0 18.9 16.4 -37.7% -26.9% Leggett 39.7 51.2 40.9 38.4 42.2 35.8 -28.4% -15.7% Mohawk 121.2 134.4 123.6 147.5 126.2 117.2 -22.6% -9.1% Steelcase 16.2 20.6 18.4 17.1 14.6 14.7 -29.5% -13.7% Virco 3.7 4.4 3.8 4.7 4.3 4.1 -25.6% -8.5% SUM 297.1 352.9 328.0 345.1 308.8 283.2 DJIndust 25,409 28,645 26,820 26,600 25,929 23,062 -14.1% -11.5% 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 27 OF 31

business

“Although it remains too early to quantify the impact that Adjusted Gross Profit Margin, which excludes the costs of un- our progress will have on revenues for 2020, we are intently der-utilized capacity, decreased to 33.4% in the fourth quarter focused on exiting the year with the organizational foundation of 2019 compared to 40.2% in the prior year period, attributed in place to support our strategic plan and achieve our financial primarily to the impact of the incremental timber provision and targets for 2023, which call for revenue of $450 million to $550 the impact of record revenues in the prior year on fixed costs million and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 18% - 22%.” relative to normal capacity utilization levels.

Steve Parry, board chair, added, “While the type of organi- For the full year, adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross zational transformation DIRTT is undergoing requires time Profit Margin decreased to $97.9 million and 39.5%, respec- and patience to execute, the Board is enthusiastic about the tively, in 2019 from $116.5 million and 42.4%, respectively, in comprehensive strategic plan the company is implementing. the prior year period. Excluded from Adjusted Gross Profit cal- We are confident that it is the right plan with the right manage- culations in 2019 are $2.2 million of overhead costs associated ment team to deliver on DIRTT’s significant potential within the with operating at abnormally low capacity levels, as described interior construction market.” above. In the fourth quarter, DIRTT experienced continued disruption Sales and marketing expenses decreased to $8.0 million for the in sales activity levels, particularly with respect to larger size fourth quarter of 2019 from $10.5 million in the prior year pe- projects, which the company said stemmed from the distrac- riod. The decline was attributed to a combination of decreased tion of significant management changes during 2018 on a long commission expense on lower revenue and ongoing discipline sales cycle combined with the immature and transitional state to eliminate non-sales generating travel, meals and entertain- of our sales and marketing function. Comparatively, the fourth ment costs and expenses related to trade shows. For the full quarter of 2018 included two large projects, one in healthcare year, sales and marketing expenses declined to $33.9 million and one in commercial and totaling approximately $9.2 million, from $40.6 million in the prior year period. Included in these that were not replaced in 2019. expenses were $2.0 million of one time consulting costs related to the sales and marketing plan developed with the assistance Gross profit margin decreased to 25.3% in the fourth quarter of an internationally recognized consulting firm, offset by a $3.4 from 37.1% in the prior year period. For the full year, gross million reduction in commission expense on lower revenue, profit margin decreased to 34.9% from 39.0%, in the prior $2.6 million elimination of non-sales generating travel, meals year. During the fourth quarter, gross profit was impacted by and entertainment expenses and lower salary and benefit approximately $2.2 million of costs attributed to abnormally low expenses due to reductions in sales and marketing headcount capacity utilization rates due to the decline in revenues. In De- year over year. cember 2019 and into the first quarter of 2020, the company began taking steps to address its excess labor capacity in these General and administrative expenses decreased to $6.6 million periods of lower activity with a combination of planned shut- for the fourth quarter of 2019 from $7.1 million for the prior downs during slower periods and a 14% head count reduc- year period. Reduced personnel costs including a reduction in tion of factory employees. “We will continue to monitor activity the provision for variable compensation was offset by $0.9 mil- levels over the course of the year and adjust as necessary lion of higher professional fees related to ongoing litigation. For although we believe productivity and efficiency improvements the full year, general and administrative expenses decreased will enable us to return to 2018 revenue levels without reinstat- to $27.6 million from $28.7 million in the prior year period. In ing headcount,” the company stated. 2019, personnel costs were lower as a result of reductions in headcount and variable compensation, offset by $2.6 million of Gross profit was also negatively impacted by an incremental costs related to the listing of DIRTT’s Common Shares on Nas- $2.5 million provision. This provision specifically relates to cer- daq and $1.3 million in costs associated with ongoing litigation. tain non-structural timber projects installed between 2016 and Comparatively, in 2018, the company incurred $2.1 million of 2019, with total project revenue of $1.7 million, which the com- costs related to proxy defense and certain special committee pany recently determined may not meet certain building class costs which did not reoccur in 2019. fire retardant specifications under which they were sold. DIRTT has reserved a $2.5 million liability in the event removal and Operations support expenses increased to $3.3 million for the replacement of the timber is required, while at the same time it fourth quarter of 2019 from $2.1 million in the prior year period is investigating less costly solutions and potential recovery from largely due to investments in personnel and related travel costs third parties and our insurers. to enhance project execution and better support Distribution Partners, consistent with our strategic plan. For the full year, 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 28 OF 31

business operations support expenses increased to $11.0 million from -FY net sales up 14%; FY organic sales up 2% $8.1 million for the prior year. The increase was attributed -FY GAAP EPS of $1.34, up 60%; FY adjusted EPS of $1.59, to consultant costs of $1.1 million incurred to assist with the up 7% evaluation of current operations and to assist with the rectifica- tion of the tile warping issue and to increased personnel costs -Reduced total debt in the quarter by $30 million due to higher headcount to better support project execution “We ended 2019 with a solid finish, delivering strong operat- and support of DIRTT’s Distribution Partners. ing and financial performance, and executing on our strategic Technology and development expenses increased to $1.9 plan,” said Interface Chairman and CEO Dan Hendrix. “Or- million for the fourth quarter of 2019 from $1.1 million in the ganic sales grew 2% in the fourth quarter with carpet tile and prior year period, attributed primarily to reduced capitalization resilient flooring contributing equally to growth, while adjusted of salaries due to the current mix of projects as well as certain EPS grew 12% through continued gross margin expansion personnel costs that were previously classified as cost of sales and SG&A optimization. Full year 2019 growth was in-line with of technical services in the prior year. For the full year, technol- our most recent guidance at 2% organic sales growth and 7% ogy and development expenses increased to $7.8 from $4.2 adjusted EPS growth, ending the year with $1.3 billion in sales million for the prior year. These increases were attributed to a and adjusted EPS of $1.59. $1.7 million decrease in capitalized salaries for the year ended “We enter 2020 with strong momentum, as our team remains Dec. 31, 2019, as the current mix of projects included a higher focused on delivering robust new product innovation to capital- portion of efforts related to business process improvements that ize on the expanded market opportunities we have in front were not eligible for capitalization. Additionally, the company of us. We also continue to make significant progress on our incurred additional salary and benefit costs of $0.7 million that Climate Take Back™ journey. We expect to invest approxi- were classified as cost of sales of technical services during the mately $50 million between 2019 and 2021 in manufacturing year ended Dec. 31, 2018. innovations. This includes tufting technology that will provide As of Dec. 31, 2019, the company held cash and cash equiva- us with new design capability, and a new backing system that lents of $47.2 million with no debt. should increase our addressable market and further differenti- ate us in the marketplace. We believe these advancements will The full text of DIRTT’s 4Q10 earnings release, including all have great value for our customers. Our goal is to keep driving tables; plus supplemental information slides and a replay of its increased value to our shareholders by continuing the strategic Feb. 26 conference call webcast may be accessed at www.dirtt. investments and operational improvements we have made over com/investors. the past several years.” >Interface, Inc. on Feb. 26 announced its fourth-quarter and “In addition to achieving strong profitability, we remain com- full-year fiscal 2019 results(dollars in thousands except EPS): mitted to a disciplined deleveraging strategy,” commented 3 Mos. Ended 12.29.19 12.30.18 %Ch. Interface CFO Bruce Hausmann. “We generated $17 million of Net Sales $339,482 $337,059 0.7% cash via working capital and reduced total debt by $30 million Gross Profit $135,704 $121,682 11.5% SG&A $95,481 $97,250 1.8% in the fourth quarter, lowering our net debt to adjusted EBITDA Op. Inc. $27,948 $3,903 616.1% ratio to 2.6x at year end. Net Inc. $16,432 $6,395 157.0% EPS (dil) $0.28 $0.11 154.5% “With regard to the coronavirus situation, we were able to service production demand during the temporary closure of 12 Mos. Ended 12.29.19 12.30.18 %Ch. our carpet tile facility in China, and we continue to monitor the Net Sales $1,343,029 $1,179,573 13.9% supply chain impacts very closely. The negative sales impact to Gross Profit $525,454 $424,357 23.8% our Asia business is evident in our year-to-date results, but we SG&A $381,604 $327,449 16.5% remain hopeful that we will be able to make up for the declines Op. Inc. $130,903 $76,379 71.4% Net Inc. $79,200 $50,253 57.6% in the back half of the year.” EPS (dil) $1.34 $0.84 59.5% Organic sales in the fourth quarter were up 2% year-over-year, with carpet tile and LVT contributing equally to growth. For the Highlights: full year, organic sales were also up 2% year-over-year. -Q4 net sales up 1%; Q4 organic sales up 2% Gross profit margin was 40.0% in the fourth quarter, an in- -Q4 GAAP EPS of $0.28, up 155%; Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.46, crease of 390 basis points from the prior year period. Adjusted up 12% gross profit margin was 40.4%, an increase of 80 basis points 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 29 OF 31

business over adjusted gross margin for the prior year period. >Interface, Inc. on Feb. 17 commented on the lawsuit filed by former CEO Jay Gould. As announced on Jan. 20, Mr. The company recorded restructuring and other charges of Gould was terminated for cause after an investigation conclud- $12.3 million in the fourth quarter. The charges were com- ed that he engaged in personal behavior that violated Company prised of a restructuring charge of $9.0 million associated with policy and core values. The company issued the following a previously announced restructuring plan in 2019 offset by a statement: reversal of certain 2018 restructuring accruals of $1.7 million. In addition, Interface recorded a $5.0 million non-cash charge “The lawsuit filed by Jay Gould – in which he makes salacious primarily related to adjusting the carrying value of certain allegations against the company and its leadership – is replete insurance-related assets. with lies and mischaracterization. His claims are fiction -- they are made up, false and baseless. Fourth quarter 2019 adjusted operating income was $42 million, up 11% versus adjusted operating income of $37 million “In an attempt to justify his inappropriate behavior, Mr. Gould’s in the fourth quarter last year. For the full year, adjusted operat- lawsuit alleges that the company’s recent decision to terminate ing income was $150 million in 2019 versus adjusted operating him was wrongful and retaliatory, and that the investigation of income of $134 million iin 2018. him was ‘pretextual.’ In truth, a written whistleblower complaint was filed on January 15, 2020 alleging that during a company Fourth quarter 2019 adjusted net income was $27 million, event the prior evening Mr. Gould was inebriated, confron- or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to fourth quarter 2018 tational, and verbally abusive directly to a female executive adjusted net income of $24 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. in front of other witnesses. Additionally, that same day, the Full-year adjusted net income was $93 million, or $1.59 per company received separate complaints from other executives diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $89 million, regarding Mr. Gould’s intoxication and inappropriate comments or $1.49 per diluted share, in 2018. from the night before. The company had cash on hand of $81 million and total debt “In response to the allegations, the Independent Directors of of $596 million at Dec. 29, 2019, compared to $81 million of Interface engaged a reputable law firm to conduct an objective cash and $619 million of total debt at Dec. 30, 2018. and thorough investigation. The investigation overwhelmingly Fiscal Year 2020 Outlook corroborated the allegations against Mr. Gould. The Board vot- ed to terminate his employment contract because his actions Looking ahead to the full year of 2020, Interface is targeting to violated the Company’s policy and core values. Mr. Gould’s achieve organic sales growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted earn- behavior compromised the trust and respect that we strive to ings per share of $1.60 to $1.70. The tax rate is anticipated to foster throughout our organization. be approximately 28%. The fully diluted share count is forecast to be 59.5 million shares, and capital expenditures are antici- “Interface cares deeply about its people, culture, and values. pated to be $50 million to $60 million. The company and Board will continue to uphold those values. Mr. Gould’s lawsuit is frivolous, and the Company will defend Starting in 2020, and as part of the implementation of a global itself vigorously.” https://investors.interface.com/investor-rela- financial consolidation tool and the integration ofnora ®, the tions/default.aspx company is reclassifying and standardizing cost categories globally, resulting in the reclassification of certain expenses be- >Steelcase Inc. on Feb. 24 announced it has sold all of the tween Cost of Sales and SG&A. As adjusted for these anticipat- issued and outstanding capital stock of PolyVision Corpora- ed reclassifications, full-year 2019 Gross Profit margin would tion to an affiliate of Industrial Opportunity Partners. PolyVi- increase approximately 50 basis points and full year 2019 sion is a U.S. and Belgium-based manufacturer of ceramic SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales would increase by coated steel used in whiteboards, chalkboards, and architec- the same amount; with zero net impact to operating income or tural cladding. Industrial Opportunity Partners is a U.S.-based operating income margin. Starting in the first quarter of 2020, private equity firm focused on investing in middle market these reclassifications will be presented retrospectively to make manufacturing and distribution businesses. all periods comparable. In the press release, Steelcase noted that this transaction The complete text of Interface’s 4Q19 earnings release, includ- reflects the company’s commitment to disciplined portfo- ing all tables, is available at https://investors.interface.com/ lio management in pursuit of growth: “Steelcase has been investor-relations/. A replay of the company’s Feb. 26 confer- investing to support its growth strategies in the office furniture ence call webcast is available at https://investors.interface.com/ industry. Continuing to execute these growth strategies requires events-and-presentations/default.aspx. periodic investment prioritization, and the sale of PolyVision will 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 30 OF 31

business allow Steelcase to allocate capital and organizational capacity to >Steelcase Inc. also reported in a Form 8-K filed with the other opportunities.” SEC on Feb. 28 that it entered into a $250 million committed five-year unsecured revolving syndicated credit facility Jim Keane, President and CEO of Steelcase, said, “This trans- on Feb. 27. The new credit facility amends and restates action enables us to provide greater focus and resources to our Steelcase’s previous $200 million unsecured syndicated credit growth strategies while simultaneously allowing PolyVision to facility that was scheduled to expire in September 2021. At the flourish under new ownership solely focused on its success.” option of Steelcase, and subject to certain conditions, Steelcase Steelcase and its affiliates will continue to market certain may increase the aggregate commitment under the new facility PolyVision branded products to provide customers with a full by up to $125 million by obtaining at least one commitment suite of collaboration solutions, and all PolyVision employees from one of the lenders. There are currently no borrowings remained with the company following the closing of the trans- outstanding under the new facility. The new facility is provided action. by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent; Bank of America, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Associa- Chris Willis, Director at Industrial Opportunity Partners, said, tion, as Co-Syndication Agents; HSBC Bank USA, National As- “We are excited to partner with the PolyVision team. We believe sociation, as Documentation Agent; and certain other lenders. that PolyVision has a strong position in the market and an excellent reputation with its customers.” http://ir.steelcase.com/ Steelcase can use borrowings under the new facility for general press-releases corporate purposes, including friendly acquisitions. http:// ir.steelcase.com/financial-information 02.30.20 GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 31 OF 31

JOB SITE

To place ads or to get a price quote Marketing Communications Specialist - Remote Position Based in USA contact Bob Beck [email protected] Solomon Coyle is a business >>Take end-to-end respon- Work Environment T 972 293 9186 management consultancy sibility for email automa- serving contract office fur- tion, coordinating the use We are a small, virtual niture dealers and their pri- of internal and external organization where personal productivity is high and Find all our ads all the mary manufacturing partners resources as needed. through our focus on dealer >>Provide day-to-day inter- daily effectiveness demands time at www.officeinsight. performance and profitability face with external resourc- personal accountability and com/careers. improvement. es such as branding, digital integrity, good interper- media or web development sonal communications, time Position Overview professionals. management, adherence to deadlines, and commitment We seek a proven, hands-on Minimum Qualifications to client success. B2B communicator to work full-time in leading our brand >>Bachelor’s degree in Eng- Compensation and Benefits advocacy, content strategy, lish, Journalism, Public Re- marketing and business lations, Marketing, Digital Salary will be set by mutual development communica- Media or another relevant agreement to reflect relevant tions, media relations, and discipline. experience, competencies, communications support for >>Consistent ability for high- and potential to further the manufacturer partners. The quality writing and editing achievement of the com- position also calls for contrib- with a strong sense of the pany’s business objectives. uting editorially to the firm’s audience and their infor- Benefits include flexible work proposals and written deliver- mation needs. schedule, healthcare, and ables. This is a remote-work >> Good working knowledge of paid time off. job with a minimal amount email marketing, SEO, web Inquiries of required business travel. analytics, CRM-based audi- Solomon Coyle will supply ap- ence segmentation, Word- The Marketing Communica- propriate hardware, software Press content authoring, and tions Specialist position is avail- and furniture as needed. basic HTML and CSS. able immediately. Please send >>Practiced user of Outlook, statement of interest, résumé, Major Responsibilities Teams, Word, Excel, and and three writing samples to >>Working in consultation PowerPoint. [email protected]. with key stakeholders, Preferred Additional develop and lead the firm’s Qualifications B2B communications pro- grams and activities. >>B2B writing/editing experi- >>Handle the ideation and ence in the office furniture creation of compelling industry. content including website >>Technical experience copy, blog and social media creating automated email posts, email campaigns, campaigns. Experience press releases, service/ with Dynamics 365 and product descriptions, and ClickDimensions preferred. digital advertising. >>Experience with Photoshop, >>Develop email campaign InDesign and Illustrator. strategy, planning, schedul- >>Familiarity with WordPress ing and lists. e-commerce integration.