Every June, thousands of architects, designers, manufacturers, and workplace strategists make their way to Chicago for Design Days and NeoCon. It’s where the commercial design industry gathers to see what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s next.
We caught up with Sarah Putman from our CJ & Associates New Business Development team after she returned from this year’s event to hear what stood out most and, more importantly, what those ideas could mean for the businesses we serve every day.
Q: For those who have never been, what exactly are Design Days and NeoCon?
Think of it as the premier event of the year for commercial interior design.
Years ago, nearly every manufacturer showcased their products inside the Merchandise Mart during NeoCon. While NeoCon is still held there today, many manufacturers have opened permanent showrooms throughout Chicago’s Fulton Market District. That area has become Design Days, and it’s an experience all its own.
Together, the two events offer an unmatched opportunity to explore what’s new in workplace design. You can spend days walking through incredible showrooms, seeing new products, talking with designers from around the world, and experiencing where workplace design is headed.
Q: This year’s theme was “Where Design Connects.” What did that mean to you?
The biggest takeaway wasn’t a specific chair or product. It was how every space was designed to bring people together.
There was a real focus on creating environments that feel comfortable, welcoming, and inspiring. Spaces that make you want to slow down and simply enjoy being there.
And honestly, the energy was incredible.
Since COVID, this was the first year that truly felt like everything was back. The showrooms were packed. The streets were full. There was excitement everywhere you went.
Q: Out of all of the showrooms you visited, you spent a great deal of time in the Teknion showroom. What made it stand out?
Teknion is a brand we’ve proudly represented for many years, so I was excited to see what they had created this year. I hosted several tours and noticed something new each time – the details were impeccable.
For the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of soft neutrals and very minimalist spaces. This year felt different.
There was bold color, but it wasn’t loud. It was sophisticated.
There were beautiful textiles everywhere, warm lighting, layered materials, and furniture that made you want to sit down and stay a while.
One of my favorite parts was seeing how Teknion incorporated textiles from their own Luum division throughout the showroom. It wasn’t just about how the fabrics looked. It was about the sensory experience and how they felt. The entire space encouraged you to touch the materials and experience them.
It was a great reminder that the best workplace design isn’t just something you see. It’s something you feel.
Q: What were some of the latest trends that stood out this year?
No matter where you went, there were a few trends you couldn’t help but notice.
Color Drenching
Instead of using color in small doses, entire spaces embraced rich, saturated palettes that made rooms feel warm and inviting.
Retro Futurism
Retro-inspired design made a strong comeback.
Think curved furniture, deeper wood tones, chrome accents, and designs inspired by the 1970s but refined for today’s workplace.
One really interesting example came from Teknion. They revisited sketches created decades ago by architect Louis Kahn and worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to reinterpret those ideas into furniture that feels completely current while respecting the original design.
It was a great reminder that good design never really goes out of style.
Designing for the Senses
This may have been my favorite trend.
Lighting felt softer.
Materials felt warmer.
Acoustics were thoughtfully considered.
Every detail worked together to make people feel more relaxed and comfortable instead of overstimulated.
Biophilic Design
That was one of the highlights of the trip.
Instead of simply looking at furniture, we looked at every showroom through the lens of nature. We explored how manufacturers incorporated live plants, natural materials, daylight, texture, and greenery to shape the overall experience of a space.
More and more of our clients are looking to create workplaces that feel healthier, calmer, and more connected to nature. It was valuable to see new ideas we can bring back and incorporate into future projects.
Q: Outside of the showrooms, was there anything that really stood out?
Studio TK created an immersive pop-up experience with three floors of lounge furniture and even a rooftop happy hour.
It was such a smart way to showcase furniture because people weren’t just looking at it. They were actually using it.
You could experience how the furniture worked during real conversations and gatherings instead of imagining it from a catalog.
Q: Why is attending Design Days and NeoCon important for your clients?
Our role goes far beyond recommending what’s popular today.
Our job is to understand where workplace design is heading so we can make thoughtful recommendations that still make sense years from now.
We come back with new ideas, stronger manufacturer relationships, and a better understanding of what’s changing in commercial interiors.
That ultimately helps us create spaces our clients will love long after the trends have changed.
Final Thoughts
Every year, Design Days and NeoCon remind us why we are passionate about what we do. They inspire new ideas, spark meaningful conversations, and encourage us to think differently about the spaces where people work every day.
While trends will continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: great workplace design starts with understanding people first. That is a perspective we’ll always bring back with us from Chicago.
Interested in learning more about the latest workplace design trends or planning an upcoming project? Connect with our team at CJ & Associates today!
