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 […]
Kedzie Rutan
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 […]
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 Knights!) while there was still an East Bremerton High School. I was extraordinarily fortunate to have the parents and siblings I had. But also fortunate to be raised in a hard-working middle-class community. […]
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 the design process and unlock greater flexibility. “We weren’t chasing trends-we were building a foundation,” said Whitaker. “One that gives designers more freedom, not more noise.” To highlight the refresh, […]
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 […]
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 pleased this certification will give our customers the confidence of knowing we are who we say we are…the journey is just beginning. Miles and miles of opportunity remain.” LEVEL®, BIFMA’s […]
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 […]
Adrienne Grzeskiewicz
Tracy Marshman
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 […]
CK and Clif McKenzie: Having The Right People Matters
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Courtney Hazouri
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 […]
Predictions for 2025: The Future of Workspaces
The Word ‘Office’ is Stuck in the Past The term “office” is getting a rebrand-and honestly, it’s overdue. The word feels stuck in the past, tied to cubicles and rigid schedules, while the way we work has grown far beyond those boundaries. Enter the “workplace.” This isn’t just a name change; it reflects a mindset […]
Brian Burns
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 […]
Press: Watson Furniture Invites You to Work Outside the Lines with Latest Collection, Allé
About Allé Allé as a collection aims to enhance the office experience through choice and practicality. Each piece is available in a range of finishes and materials, allowing offices to build a cohesive look or mix- and- match elements for a vibrant, energetic feel throughout a range of office spaces and applications. Allé encourages workplaces to […]
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 […]