Predictions for 2026: Designing Workplaces People Choose
AI Becomes a Space Planning Co-pilot AI is stepping into a more practical role by giving teams clearer insight into how their workplaces are actually being used. In 2026, AI supported planning tools will pull together data from occupancy sensors, room booking patterns, badge activity, and even environmental readings like noise and light levels. With […]
How We Did On Our Workplace Trend Predictions
Prediction 1: The word “office” was headed for retirement We said “office” felt like language that hadn’t stretched much since the era of beige cubes and buzzing fluorescents. “Workplace” seemed like it had a little more room in it, more accurate for how people work now. Verdict: We weren’t wrong Designers definitely widened the vocabulary […]
A Gift Guide for Every Kind of Workplace Personality
The Drifter You’re never quite sure where they’ll set up shop, and honestly, neither are they. They follow light, noise, and caffeine, wherever the energy feels right. They don’t claim a desk so much as visit them, leaving behind a trail of ideas (and probly one half-full mug). They’re the first one in or the […]
Details That Invite: Designing Workplaces That Draw You In
The experience of a finish Surfaces do more than reflect light; they set the tone. A matte finish absorbs the day quietly; a natural texture invites touch. Subtle differences in color and tone change how a space feels: warm or cool, lively or calm. Even when no one can name why, people respond to what […]
From Mauve to Modular: What Office Designs Have Circled Back Around
The 1980s: Mauve & Modular The office of the 80s looked like Patrick Nagel had styled it. Mauve panels everywhere, overhead storage with downlighting, and sofas plunked into “collaboration” zones like an afterthought. Exec desks were still L-shaped fortresses, while cubicles strained to make room for the real boss: enormous typewriters and early PCs. Watson […]
From Burnout to Balance: Why Workplaces Need Recharge Zones
Workplaces plan for every kind of thinking, except recovery. Heads-down focus? Check. Meetings? Check. Social spaces? Check. But true “break spaces” are still treated as lunch spots, not as tools for keeping brains at their best. That’s the gap recharge zones fill. The trick is making those breaks feel natural and accessible, not like sneaking […]
A New Look at Finishes: A Conversation with Rachel Whitaker
Why was it time for a new finish palette? It’s been several years since our last major update. While we always want our finishes to be enduring, it’s also important to keep the palette feeling fresh and relevant for designers and end users. We also saw a chance to better align our surface and storage […]
Top 5 Takeaways from NeoCon 2025
1. Range matters. So does showing it. We’ve always customized. We’ve always built around real client needs. But this year, we didn’t just tell that story, we showed it. From the Edison 120° Workbench to Bahn Work Island with the Miro leg and layered surface options, people saw the whole arc of what’s possible. And […]
What We're Not Doing at NeoCon 2025…and What You Should
1. We’re not starting on the third floor. Seasoned pros know the elevator to 11 is your best friend – once. Start at the top and work your way down through THE MART’s many stairwells. There’s a lot to do in a single day. If you work backwards, you’ll avoid the crowds, have more time […]
Behind the Showroom Design: A Q&A with the Team Behind Our 2025 NeoCon Showroom
Let’s start with introductions-what were your roles in conceptualizing this year’s showroom design? Rachel Whitaker, Design Manager: This year, I led the initial layout direction, which was later refined by Jessica. My role spanned both the macro and micro: from listing the products to include and setting up a high-level space vision, to detailing modified pieces, […]
Not a Trend – Why Workbenches Work
Designing for productivity: then and now Every era of workplace design claims to be “optimized for productivity.” The Taylorist office did it with control. Cubicles promised it through privacy. The open office banked on collaboration. But none of them really got it right-at least not for everyone. The workbench emerged as a quiet counter to […]
How Boomers & Gen Z are pushing for a better workplace (hint: it's not one-sided)
1. The office happy hour is changing-but connection is still key Gen Z’s take: After-work drinks used to be the go-to way to build relationships in the office. But for many younger workers, extending the workday just to chat isn’t appealing. It’s not about avoiding socializing; it’s about making it meaningful. They want conversations that […]
That's a Wrap: A Look Back at a Big Year at Watson
We Kicked Off the Year with Zo Office In January, we introduced Zo Office. Part workstation, part destination, Zo Office is designed for individuals to focus and thrive, Zo combines intelligent design with an adaptable, all-in-one structure. Whether in open-plan hubs or private offices, Zo Office balances cost, function, and style. With fixed- height or […]
Taming the Cable Chaos
The Challenge of Cable Clutter In today’s tech-heavy work environment, where hybrid and dispersed teams are becoming the norm, the last thing you want is a tangle of cables to derail your productivity. Whether you’re in the office full-time or splitting time between home and work, cables have a way of multiplying. Left unchecked, they […]
I Like to Move It, Move It: The Power of Mobility in the Modern Office
Taking Charge When employees feel they have control over their environments, they’re more likely to engage fully in their work and collaborate effectively with their colleagues. This versatility not only facilitates a more engaging work experience but also encourages employees to take ownership of their environments. Giving teams the freedom to reimagine their spaces as […]
Meeting of the Minds: Designing Office Spaces for Every Style of Collaboration
1. The Traditional Meeting The formal meeting is a cornerstone of office life, characterized by its length, the number of participants, and the depth of discussion. Whether it’s a board meeting, a client pitch, or a departmental update, these gatherings require a space that can accommodate a focused, uninterrupted exchange of ideas. Conference tables are […]
Watson Delivers Custom School Furniture for 415,000-square-foot College Campus Project in Austin
The newly revamped ACC Highland spans an impressive 415,000 square feet, making it the college’s largest campus. It now hosts over 20 programs and four innovation hubs and even features a student-run restaurant, among other amenities. To achieve this transformation, Watson’s studio program collaborated with the Austin-based design team Edwards + Mulhausen to customize standard products […]
Our Top 5 Highlights from NeoCon, Looking to 2024
1. Launching the Award-Winning Tonic Collection Amidst the resounding success of NeoCon, we are thrilled to announce that our Tonic Collection has achieved a trifecta of industry recognition. The collection, an embodiment of our commitment to exceptional design and functionality, was honored with the prestigious HiP award for Office Furniture Systems, presented by Interior Design […]
The Tonic Collection – Creating A Versatile Workplace Foundation
Tonic Workbench – One System, Endless Possibilities The Tonic Workbench stands as a testament to versatility in modern work environments, offering a flexible benching system that effortlessly adjusts to the pace and requirements of the contemporary workplace. With its functional and modular accessories and infill components, the Tonic Workbench has become a customizable hub that […]
Workstation Wellness: 5 Essential Tips for Promoting Well-being in Your Workspace
The impact of discomfort on productivity is undeniable. When your workspace fails to provide the necessary means to support comfort and ease, you may experience a decline in efficiency and a sense of dissatisfaction. Fortunately, organizations are recognizing the critical role that environments play in workforce productivity, leading to an expansion of available options that […]
Designing for Higher Education: 5 Key Environments for Tomorrow's Professionals
1. The Collaborative Classroom Collaboration thrives on adaptability. By employing movable tables, mobile markerboards, and reconfigurable training tables, classrooms transform into hubs for dynamic group work and peer learning. Shared resource storage encourages communal access to learning materials, while individual locker or cubby storage guarantees a safe place for personal items. 2. Libraries and Resource […]
Elevating Workstations with Edison: We Can (And Should) Have Nice Things
Planter Boxes Incorporating greenery into workstation design transcends mere visual appeal. Plants not only enhance air quality but also elevate emotional well-being. Integrated planter boxes serve as a convenient conduit for nature, breathing life into individual desks and collaborative spaces. Moreover, these planter boxes can also serve a dual purpose: enhancing privacy without giving an […]
Keeping Up with Today's Conference and Meeting Landscape: Diverse Environments for Varied Needs
Traditional Conferencing Ideal for high attendance and inter-departmental gatherings, these areas are often the formal epicenters for high-stakes discussions and important presentations. They usually feature essential amenities like power outlets and cutting-edge video conferencing technology, allowing seamless interaction, whether participants are in the room or joining remotely. For the wellness-conscious, height-adjustable tables like the Tia […]
A Behind-the-Scenes Showroom Preview for NeoCon 2024
NeoCon, our industry’s premier commercial interiors design conference, promises to be a showcase of ingenuity and leading-edge trends. We wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at Watson’s new showroom design, so we sat down with VP of Product Development Lucas Pearl and Design Manager Rachel Whitaker to discuss their approach to designing the space, located […]