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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

Dispatch Design Trends Shaping 2026

After decades of designing console workstations for public safety workplaces, we've become pretty good at spotting patterns. They emerge gradually and are reflected in the

Press: Watson Furniture Builds for What's Next: Sales Leadership Realignment Supports Growth Momentum

Watson enters this next chapter with momentum; the company is on track to deliver 35% year-over-year growth in its Commercial Division and 30% overall company

Press: A New Standard for Dispatch: Watson Debuts Apollo, the Industry's Most Advanced Workstation

POULSBO, WA, January 7, 2026 – Watson, a pioneer in mission-critical furniture since 1986, is proud to launch Apollo, the most advanced workstation available on

People, Places, and Things: 2025 in Review

The people, places, and things that shaped our year.

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

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

Beyond the Workstation: 5 Missed Opportunities in Emergency Communications Design

The details that elevate an emergency communications center from functional to exceptional, according to the Watson team.

Designed to Evolve, Built to Last: The Innovation Behind Apollo

Public safety never stands still. Teams expand, technology advances, and expectations for operator wellness continue to rise. The spaces where dispatchers work must evolve too,

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

5in5 Series by Watson: Design Solutions Every Center Wants

We're back with this year's 5in5 Series, showcasing five of our favorite projects from the past year, each you can explore in under five minutes.

Answering the Call: A Dispatcher's Story from Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene made landfall in 2024, communities across the Southeast were tested by one of the most devastating storms in recent memory. While first

Your Command, Your Comfort: The Apollo Difference for 24/7 Dispatch

Dispatch is demanding. Long shifts, rotating operators, and ever-changing technology; every detail of an emergency communications center places pressure on the people who sit behind

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

Turning Experience into Impact: How Amanda Hamilton is Shaping Dispatch Workspaces

With years behind the headset, Amanda Hamilton knows what dispatchers need because she's been one. And now, she's shaping product conversations with firsthand insight that

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

Still Taking the Call: Why a Former Dispatcher Believes in Watson

When Amanda Hamilton joined the Watson team, she brought something that can't be taught: firsthand experience. As a former dispatcher, she knows exactly what's needed

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

Keep It NEAT²: Healthier Dispatch Shifts with Small Moves and Smart Design

NEAT² = Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis + New Ergonomic Awesome Tricks

Press: Meet Clif and CK McKenzie – The father-son leadership team at Watson Furniture in Poulsbo

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourselves. Clif: I’m a local kid. Born and raised in Bremerton. Attended East Bremerton High School (Go

Press: From First Light to Midnight: Watson Furniture Introduces a Fresh Finish Palette Rooted in Harmony and Inspiration

The refresh, led by Design Manager Rachel Whitaker, centers on material harmony. Tones were carefully aligned across laminates, powdercoats, textiles, and storage finishes to simplify

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

What Not to Miss at This Summer's Tradeshows

Your guide to getting the most out of NENA, APCO, and everything in between.

Press: Watson Welcomes Amanda Hamilton as Regional Sales Representative for the Mid-Atlantic

POULSBO, WA, June 4, 2025 – Watson, a trusted provider of intentionally built furniture for emergency communication centers and office environments, is pleased to announce

Press: Watson Furniture Earns LEVEL® 3 Certification Across All Product Lines

“For over 30 years, we’ve been on this journey to lessen the impact of our manufacturing practices,” said Watson CEO Clif McKenzie. “And while I’m

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

Gratitude Languages: What They Are and How They Make an Impact

Last month, we explored the science of gratitude: how meaningful recognition helps reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and support mental health, especially for behind-the-scenes professionals like

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

Behind the Science: Why Recognition Matters for Telecommunicators

Telecommunicators-911 dispatchers, call takers, emergency communicators-are the first, first responders. They manage emergencies with calm clarity, making split-second decisions in the face of chaos, all

Press: Watson Consoles Enters Its Gratitude Era with Two-Month Initiative Honoring 911 Telecommunicators

Watson Consoles, a long-standing partner to Emergency Communications Centers nationwide, is proud to launch its third annual Telecommunicator Gratitude Project, running April 1 through May

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