April 27, 2026

In this issue… COE Distributing opens a 225,000-sq-ft Charlotte distribution center/showroom with an April 30 grand opening; Actiu launches in the U.S. ahead of a NeoCon 2026 debut; Framery heads to Zeeland; Allsteel refreshes its Boston showroom into a five-zone, human-centric workplace experience; ABI March 2026 lands at 49.8 with rising inquiries/backlogs amid uncertainty; DIRTT cites March awards signaling demand for faster, cost-certain interiors. Ennead and CannonDesign merge while keeping Ennead’s identity; the AI boom widens the gap between trophy offices and the rest, and AI/robotics firms surge as Bay Area space users; Chicago’s Loop evolves into a multi-node mixed-use district; office pricing softens even as vacancy dips; leasing gains face macro headwinds; AI firms drive big London office deals; the design industry moves to claim tariff refunds after a Supreme Court ruling; Haworth’s CSR report spotlights renewable power and circularity; MillerKnoll earns a Forbes culture nod. Workplace coverage tracks coworking’s shift to mid-sized markets, AI’s limited near-term UK job impact, rebuilding healthier work through prevention/support, employers tightening benefits and flexibility, flexible offices dominating demand in India, the health toll of stress, office vacancy easing as coworking expands, and AI power users boosting office collaboration. Product highlights include new hospitality-style guest seating (KFI), biophilic surfaces (3form), travel-space furniture (Studio TK), recycled-PET acoustic ceilings (Turf), HON’s Kvadrat textiles, new Ez‑Kleen vinyl (Mitchell Group), Kettal’s U‑Type task chair, and a healthcare privacy booth by ROOM + Carolina; design insights explore campus spaces adapting for hybrid learning.