NeoCon 2025: Design Moving Forward

Nearly 50,000 professionals converged in Chicago for NeoCon 2025 to explore emotionally intelligent designs, multisensory showrooms and next-gen tools driving the human-centered future of commercial design.

“So, what’s next?” seemed to be the phrase reverberating through the halls of The Mart. But not in a negative tone of disappointment; more in a “we’ve got a lot to see…!” pitch coming from assembled throngs. And it was an accurate assessment: from circularity and neuro-inclusion to AI-enabled materials, the show revealed bold new directions for workplace, healthcare, and learning environments. “I loved the level of creativity in product design and finishes, especially the bold use of colour [and] saturated tones alongside softer palettes,” said Tom Polucci, firm-wide Director of Interiors at HOK. 

Here are a few of those products that stood out.


Astoria | Halcon

This collection took home the show’s Best of Competition award (among others) for its sculptural bases, premium materials, and concealed casters. Available in anodized aluminum, rich woods or matched veneers, the collection includes optional in-surface or edge power, anodized trim, and a refined metal rail.

Aeron ESD Chair and Stool | Herman Miller

NeoCon and the Aeron are like pb&j, so of course the newest upgrade to this legendary performance suspension chair is shown here. Designed specifically for electrostatic discharge (ESD) environments, the new version addresses the need for comfort and support in workspaces commonly found within the tech, semiconductor, and innovation sectors, such as clean rooms, data centers, laboratories, and electronics assembly areas.

Cargo | Mizetto

Inspired by logistics straps and cargo cubes, Karl-Magnus Lillqvist Sjöberg at ADDI designed this modular sofa system as three precision-shaped modules with removable covers and integrated tray. Beyond geometry, modularity also exists in the construction: fastened not with glue but with an underneath connector, assembly and disassembly can be done onsite, and the straps and fabric cover can easily be removed for cleaning or replacement.

Atolo | Dedon

Designed by Claudio Bellini, this collection features a modular trio of a lounge chair, two-seater, and footstool made with durable DEDON Fiber in a triple-tone crosshatch weave. Gently sloped backrests, low profiles, and precision detailing ensure ergonomic comfort and resilience, even in extreme weather. Available in two fiber colourways; footstool in light only.

Unifi | Keilhauer

Designed by EOOS and winner of multiple awards at NeoCon including a Gold Best of, this collection features side and lounge chairs with four-leg or sled bases, caster options, and tablet arms in four laminate finishes. FSC-certified wood, BIFMA LEVEL 3, and carbon-neutral credentials meet durability needs, while modularity, combo upholstery, and reinforced handles enhance functionality across workplace settings.

Photo: Nicholas Calcott

Stick Frame | Maharam

In Fulton Market, Maharam celebrated a decade with American industrial designer Leon Ransmeier by debuting Stick Frame: a modular display system of stainless-steel tubing that functions as “micro-architecture.” The grid structure showcased 30 textiles, including reissues from Knoll Textiles and sustainable collaborations with designers Paul Smith and Sander Lak for Maharam, reissues of designs by Alexander Girard, and rugs by new collaborator Edith van Berkel.

Una | Niënkamper

This design by modus ID impressively merges adaptability with zero-waste knit-to-shape technology. Its height-adjustable conference and wall-mounted tables feature sculptural Flex-Knit bases: ribbed, tensioned textile sleeves anchored by oval rings. The internal telescoping mechanism ensures seamless motion, while removable covers enable clean cable management.

Evo | Allsteel

The best-seller now features a zero-waste Quilted Knit Back made with SEAQUAL yarn from upcycled marine litter. The engineered channels flex with movement, eliminating adhesives and excess materials for easy disassembly. Carbon-neutral options, painted aluminum finishes, 4D arms, and dual-density foam round out Evo’s ergonomic, sustainable, and design-forward enhancements.

Bolete Armchair | Andreu World

The 70-year-old company went big at NeoCon, celebrating that anniversary with a new 20,000-sq.-ft. showroom and unveiling nearly two dozen products (nine of which won Best of NeoCon awards). Famous names proliferated, including Patricia Urquiola whose Bolete Armchair integrates the iconic central base of the collection, made from recycled and recyclable Pure ECO thermopolymer, and combines it with an upholstered shell that incorporates armrests fluidly integrated into the volume of the seat.

 

 

 

As featured in the September-October 2025 issue of Canadian Interiors magazine.

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