There is a certain energy right now as we head into summer, and it is one of the best times to tap into opportunity. Between events, recognition programs, and industry moments, there are more ways than usual to connect, be visible, and get in the right rooms. But opportunity rarely shows up on its own, it comes from being there. This month is all about putting yourself in the mix, staying close to the conversations that matter, and making sure you are part of what is happening. Let’s get into it!
tips from the top
by Francisco Brown, Senior Editor and Engagement Manager, METROPOLIS
Three themes stood out in Chicago. First, manufacturers continue to mine their archives, reissuing iconic pieces, partnering with the estates of legacy designers, and updating classics with contemporary materials and processes. Nostalgia is the business model, and it can be applied to the most modern typologies, such as Kettal's Eames prefabricated meeting room-office units.
Second, sustainability, circularity, and material reuse remain central to product development, but they have shifted from headline narrative to baseline expectation.
Finally, there was a slightly stronger presence of emerging designers. This year, younger voices were visible throughout both fairs, either through collaborations with established brands or by exhibiting independently. Their work brought a welcome sense of experimentation and optimism, core to everything we do in designing for the future.
see and be seen
Between vacations, deadlines, and packed schedules, networking can easily take a back seat. Make time for one or two events if you can. The best conversations happen outside the office, and the connections you make there often last well beyond summer.
Don't miss out! Upcoming events:
INTERIOR DESIGN 30/30. Kansas City. July 15th. Invitation Only.
INTERIOR DESIGN 30/30. Detroit. July 29th. Invitation Only.
Design teams are beginning to build reclaimed materials into projects from the start, making reuse part of the design strategy. If we're serious about embodied carbon, should reclaimed materials become part of the design process from day one?
The next generation of workplaces is designed to respond to individual users through technology and personalized experiences. Are we moving beyond flexible offices to workplaces that actively adapt to people?
NeoCon 2026 made one thing clear: the future workplace isn't about getting people back to the office. It's about creating spaces people actually want to be in. If the office has to earn the commute, what makes it worth the trip?
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