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For Derick, breaking into the industry came at an early age. "I got into this field at 18, just looking for a summer job," he recalls. "A family friend mentioned an office furniture dealership needed help in the warehouse, so I jumped in, off-loading trucks, cutting down boxes, and putting them into a baler." That hands-on experience laid the foundation for his career, but his true breakthrough was still ahead. As a minority co-owner, Derick sees opportunity as central to serving the community.

As Corporate Environments continues to thrive under MBE certification, Marcus Tate’s leadership stands as an example of dedication, balance, and the power of a clear vision. The future looks bright for both Marcus and Corporate Environments as they value diversity and drive innovation in the commercial furniture industry.

Karen’s entry into the world of corporate furniture wasn’t exactly planned. "I got into this business by auditing an office furniture dealer in Birmingham, Alabama," she recalls. Impressed by her work, the dealer offered her the role of Controller. What started as a unique opportunity soon became a career foundation, igniting a passion for building a company from the ground up.

In today’s dynamic work environments, comfort and functionality are more essential than ever for employee well-being and productivity. While ergonomic furniture has been a longtime focus, sound management is now recognized as equally critical. Acoustic furniture—such as panels, curtains, and partitions—offers solutions that absorb sound, reduce stress, and enhance the atmosphere. Brands like SnowSound and BuzziSpace lead with sustainable, stylish options that fit seamlessly into modern office designs. Explore how incorporating acoustic furniture creates a welcoming, productive workspace, blending style with sound management to support employee comfort and focus.

Color plays a powerful role in shaping our perceptions, emotions, and behavior. In the workplace, where productivity, creativity, and collaboration are key, understanding the science behind color psychology can help design spaces that enhance performance and well-being.

A self-stabilizing table base like NOROCK can turn that potential lunchtime disaster into a calm, steady experience, letting you focus on what matters—whether that's enjoying your break or simply avoiding yet another stain on your clothes. With innovative designs like those from NOROCK, stability is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Prioritizing ergonomics is not just about preventing pain; it's about fostering a work environment where employees can thrive physically and mentally. As research and technology continue to advance, so too do our opportunities to create workspaces that truly support our well-being.

Imagine walking into a vibrant office space filled with a mix of open areas, cozy corners, and private Herman Miller OE1 nooks. In one area, a group of colleagues from various departments engage in animated discussion, their faces lit with excitement. In another, two teammates sit on a Pfister Sofa collaborating over a virtual meeting. Nearby, an individual is deeply focused, working in a quiet, personalized space. This diverse environment isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating work settings that support the varying needs of employees.

Another trip to Chicago for NeoCon didn’t disappoint. This year's theme, “Design Takes Shape,” was vividly displayed in showrooms, each showcasing unique styles. Designer Yinka Ilori summed it up: “Design is a global language—we live and breathe it.”

Our 2024 workplace trend predictions—flexibility, adaptability, well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity—were spot on. Sustainability shone with Kvadrat’s textiles from ocean-bound plastics and MillerKnoll’s exhibit on waste reduction and eco-friendly materials. Mobility and adaptability featured prominently, with products like Narbutas' Worklab mobile desk.

I see that the value of DIRTT goes far beyond just aesthetics or functionality. It's about sustainability, reducing environmental impact, adaptability, and predictability. It's about creating spaces that not only look good but also feel-good knowing that they're built with integrity and a commitment to making the world a better place. So yeah, I get it. DIRTT is great, and that's something worth celebrating.

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd since 1970; it is a time to reflect on our impact on the environment and explore ways to embrace sustainability in every aspect of our lives. In the commercial design industry, 2024 is shifting towards more eco-conscious designs

As we honor Women’s International Month, let us explore the lives and legacies of some of the most influential women in the furniture industry. From pioneers like Florence Knoll and Ray Eames to the trailblazers of today, their stories remind us of the power of perseverance, creativity, and determination in shaping the world around us.

The role of acoustics in the workplace is important. Excessive noise can serve as a daily obstacle, hindering concentration, disrupting workflow, and ultimately impacting job satisfaction. Whether it's the bustling chatter of colleagues, the continuous ring of phones, or the persistent ticking of the clock, unwanted noise can significantly slow down productivity

As we continue celebrating Mental Health Awareness this month, the focus is on well-being, especially in the workplace. Explore how the workplace can contribute to and enhance employee well-being.

As we step into 2024, new trends are set to redefine the way we work, collaborate, and innovate.

Melissa, a designer at a local design firm in Atlanta, has been working at the firm for almost 2 years. At only 24 years old, she finds herself scheduling a few too many chiropractic appointments for someone who considers themselves a healthy person. One evening, as she plugged away on a project, Melissa caught herself constantly readjusting in her office chair.

Rows of workstations, fluorescent lights overhead, and the constant hum of the photocopier are the backdrop of the daily grind for some. Imagine this: you're sitting at your desk, deep in thought, trying to put the finishing touches on a project due in a few hours. Just as you're about to type the last period, the chaos begins.

In a world where change is in constant motion, the traditional workplace concept is still being challenged. The rise of remote work and hybrid work models has led to a significant shift in how organizations view their office spaces and is forcing them to evaluate their spaces more frequently. This shift has profoundly impacted the real estate market, particularly regarding the rise of office-to-residential conversions and the repurposing of commercial spaces.

The post-pandemic work model has accelerated the adoption of remote work, leading many …

In the ever-changing view of the post-pandemic work model, discussions surrounding hybrid and remote work have taken center stage. However, within these conversations, a needed topic still needs to be addressed: the connection between neurodiversity and workplace design and how it impacts individuals with different sensory sensitivities. A recent study by HOK delves into this crucial aspect, shedding light on the significance of inclusive design and accommodations for both hyposensitive and hypersensitive users in the workplace. So, what is neurodiversity?

The commercial interior industry is undergoing a transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence. This revolutionary technology utilizes AI-powered algorithms to analyze various data points, including employee preferences and work patterns. The result is the creation of optimized office layouts that enhance efficiency and encourage collaboration among employees. Thanks to AI-generated data, data-driven decision making becomes possible, allowing furniture manufacturers and designers to adapt their products to meet the evolving needs of the workplace.

As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability and environmental consciousness, as seen at NeoCon and Design Days, furniture design is aligning with these principles to create more eco-friendly and responsible workspaces. Additionally, the intersection of social dynamics and technology integration in the design of contemporary office furniture was highlighted by the one and only, Framery.

In the ever-evolving commercial interiors industry, the concept of cross-generational spaces has gained significant value. With diverse age groups working together in modern workplaces, there is a growing need for furniture that promotes collaboration and flexibility. Collaborative and flexible furniture not only fosters teamwork and communication but also accommodates the varying needs and preferences of individuals across different generations.

In a world where different cultures and perspectives clash, it is more important than ever to understand and celebrate cultural diversity. In fact, diversity is something that should be celebrated every day, not just on World Day for Cultural Diversity. As a company that pursues diversity within our walls, we want to commemorate this special day by sharing the voices of our employees.

So, what makes a workplace amazing? Is it the company policy, the office amenities, the bonus structure, pay, or work model? We can attest that it’s the people that we hire, the people who help build company culture because without them Corporate Environments would not be as successful as it has been today.

“DO YOUR BEST IN WHATEVER JOB YOU HAVE, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS. LEARN THE MOST YOU CAN, EXPAND YOUR EXPERIENCE AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. NEVER BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.” - Karen Hughes

Have you ever considered how much time you spend sitting at your desk? We spend more time swiping on dating apps than thinking of the impact the chair we sit on has on our body and day-to-day productivity. Think about it, we spend about eight hours a day at work, and out of those eight hours, we are oblivious to the comfort level of the chair we’re sitting on.

Organizations refresh, move, or rebrand their workspace every day, and with that comes a high investment of money and time. During the first part of the year, it is common for organizations to reevaluate their space and reconfigure all or slightly tweak where needed. Regardless of the magnitude of space change, our Day 2 Service Program helps your organization manage the upkeep of your interior furnishings, ensuring your products last longer and that your workspace continues to perform at its very best.

Stale walls. Cubicles. Commercial carpet. Does any of that sound familiar? The traditional workplace has long been defined as a place where you come in, sit in a sea of cubicles, and plug away. Although some organizations still include cubicles, workplace transformations have become more necessary in today’s post-pandemic world.

When we think about healthcare, what comes to mind? Insurance, hospitals, doctors, patients are probably the first things that popped into you mind. We typically think about everything else other than how furniture and design impacts healthcare users: the patients, guests, and caregivers.

Since 1969, Neocon has been established as the industry leading commercial interior design event showcasing ideas that will transform workplace environments. Neocon continues that tradition today, still recognized as the most valuable with a high-attendance rate event for designers, manufacturers, and dealers to discover people, products, and upcoming trends. This year, Neocon’s exhibitors showcased designs with warm, welcoming, and collaborative layouts to visually share the future of office spaces – the hotelification concept. This concept portrays the need to blend the digital and physical realms, promoting a new way of working and creating a positive work experience for everyone.