April 27, 2018
How does a carpet go from initial inspiration to actual product on the floor? Unsurprisingly, it’s a very technical process. Like a finely tuned machine, Interface Global Product Designer Kari Pei and her team take in a lot of information and translate it into beautiful flooring. But it’s not as easy as it looks. Step…
April 25, 2018
As our natural and digital worlds collide, artists and designers are taking note. The polarized trends of technology and craftsmanship were on display at Milan Design Week, as well as the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. We expect them to stick around throughout 2018 and beyond.
April 20, 2018
The design of the office has evolved rapidly over the past few decades. First it was private offices. Then came cubicles, which lead to individualized, cubby-sized workstations. Early millennials entering the workforce – stifled by a lack of personal space and a desire to collaborate – have sparked a movement in office design, changing the…
March 29, 2018
Blurred lines indicate that fast-moving trends shape the way we live, work and play. One such trend is the influence of the hospitality industry on corporate office design. Even as hospitality itself changes (i.e. lobby as living room, focus on well-being, impact of biophilic design, emphasis on locale, etc.), those developments are popping up in…
March 14, 2018
In the last few years, neuroscientists have come to a remarkable conclusion: the quantity and quality of open space around us—whether it’s rows of cubicles in a an open floor matrix, four walls in a classroom with a view of the next building, or a windowless treatment area—is responsible for increasing the cognitive load on…
March 1, 2018
To support employee engagement, architects and designers are fashioning visually identifiable collision points within office spaces. These collision points encourage employees to share ideas, collaborate and meet, mirroring the behaviors of their home neighborhoods. Recent research from Steelcase further examines the correlation between employee engagement and workplace satisfaction. The report notes that workers who are…
February 9, 2018
Geometry is an integral part of design from start to finish. Just think about it. Architects use geometry to study and divide space as well as draft detailed building plans. Builders and engineers rely on geometric principles to create structures safely. Designers apply geometry (along with color and scale) to make the aesthetically pleasing spaces…
January 23, 2018
Over the years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has reflected a cultural alignment with a specific color’s meaning. Every year is pivotal, but the significance of 2017 lingers as we open 2018 with new intentions. Ultra Violet is a unique selection from the Pantone Color Institute. It’s a manifestation of cultural, political and social elements…
November 10, 2017
Sound expert Julian Treasure previously discussed how acoustics in the workplace are key to worker productivity and health. But how does that apply to the educational environment? How does noise affect students and teachers in the classroom? Acoustics in Education Bad acoustics in schools can be a big problem. In a typical classroom, noise levels…
November 1, 2017
Every learning facility wants to bring out the best in its students. While the quality of the curriculum is vital, it’s not the only factor. The interior should not be underestimated, so how do you design a positive space in which students and teachers flourish? This was the key question in the creation of the…
Sonya Lehner 
Gretchen Wagner 
Interface 
Sky Factory 
Mandy Leeming