Resource Furniture and the International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA) New York Chapter hosted a special panel discussion exploring the topic of our ever-blending home/work lives and how thoughtful workplace design can prepare design industry professionals for the future ahead.
The panel was moderated by Annie Block, executive editor of Interior Design, who chatted with panelists included Joseph Muscarella, head of design strategy for Knotel; Michael K. Chen, principal of Michael K. Chen Architecture; and Challie Stillman, design director of Resource Furniture. The event was hosted at the Resource Furniture's Third Avenue showroom and planned by marketing director Lisa Blecker.
The blurring of hospitality, residential and office was stressed from the beginning by Block, who also highlighted that you had five generations working in an office, from Gen Z to the Silent Generation, with the underlying determination that “people want flexibility and balance in their lives,” as Stillman said. Muscarella detailed how the modern office—where everything is tailored to work needs and furniture now acts as space division and phone booths take on new meaning—is environmental branding for a company and understanding the culture is paramount. Chen illustrated that architecture, interiors, industrial and product design are becoming more conceptually rich and materially refined than ever thanks to technological advances.
“We were delighted and proud to partner with our Gold Sponsor Resource Furniture on such as successful event,” said Andrea Warriner, president of IFDA NY Chapter.
Images by Kevin Lau.
