Rewind of NeoCon 2012
June 18, 2012
While it may take a few days to recover from the excitement and action-packed NeoCon, it’s all worth it. Tromping around the Merchandise Mart and one will come across an incredible scene of fresh, innovative, and eye-catching furniture, textiles, and more. Here’s a brief run through of the highlights from our experience.
Herman Miller
Weren’t the Alexander Girard textiles beautiful? The pop of color, texture, and the story behind the designer really made for a great reintroduction at NeoCon. Viewing the Herman Miller Collection was a must in the showroom as there was lots to see, touch, feel and relax on. With plenty to explore, Herman Miller also had stations setup for people to join the conversation with the Community Pulse, which was used to survey individuals and provide instant infographic results. Check it out here. Congratulations to Herman Miller, Herman Miller Healthcare and Geiger for their wonderful showrooms and for taking home seven Best of NeoCon Awards!
Davis
All around, it was a beautiful showroom and they had beautiful products (ok, and superb flower arrangements). The Tre Stool caught a lot of attention with it’s functionality and form, and the uniqueness of Perch made for an eye-catching and “I gotta try that!” reaction.
Global
We were able to explore their wide array of product that is suitable to meet any needs. From chairs to workstations, we sat in a variety and while taking it all in we were able to rest our feet ever so comfortably.
Jofco
The color palette of the showroom was popping with the combination of orange, blue and white. If you stopped into Jofco, then you noticed many pieces from the Collective and Ziva collections. Collective is here in our showroom and it provides a nice collaborative seating area. Ziva addresses the needs of an open environment with multiple configurations and mobile and electrical capabilities.
Nucraft
Nucraft impressed us with their award-winning products: Passport Solo, Passport Duo, Reveal, and Emme. Sleek and sophisticated, this collection integrates technology and purposeful applications to each functional piece it creates.
DIRTT
Once again, DIRTT awes us with their reconfigurable solutions for any environment. Their Chicago Chic theme came to life when you toured their penthouse showroom complete with a stunning view of Chicago. On display was a high-class residential setting, a “chapel” with geometric influences, the Peek-a-Boo wall and table, and new technological touches to the healthcare side. The creme brulee oatmeal was a nice touch for the early morning tour, too.
NeoCon is just the start of summer activities. Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see what else Intereum is staying busy with!
Neocon 2011: Intereum’s Cheat Sheet
June 7, 2011
Oh, how one of the biggest design events of the year has crept up on us! We are very excited to see what manufacturers have up their sleeves for Neocon 2011. Some have given us sneak peeks at what is in store for the tradeshow, which will be summarized below, in a list of “must-sees” this year.
Herman Miller
This past year has been full of reveals for Herman Miller, and they will be showing these off in Suite 231 with the theme of “Working Together”. The following products will be highlighted, “Working Together” to provide a harmonious, collaborative environment:

Clockwise from top left: Canvas Office Landscape, SAYL Chairs, Everywhere Tables, Swoop, Compass System, Advo Chairs
- Everywhere™ Tables: the chameleon of tables – they have a simple, sleek design with multiple size, shape and function options that can go, well, everywhere. You can be sure to see several configurations and applications in the Chicago showroom next week.
- SAYL™ Chairs: now it is time to experience life unframed yourself! Visit Herman Miller at Neocon and see Yves Behar’s innovative design, inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Advo™ Chairs: This new addition to the Herman Miller portfolio provides a scalable chair at an excellent price point. See the different options for both task and side chairs.
- Swoop™ Lounge Furniture: It’s all about the curves for this family of seating. They support connection, recreation and relaxation while allowing movement and reconfiguration.
- Herman Miller Healthcare: Herman Miller Healthcare’s Compass™ System will feature new enhancements such as new storage components, the addition of lighting, and an ADA-compliant sink option. The award-winning modular healthcare system provides a flexible, adaptable interior solution for patients, families and staff.
- Canvas Office Landscape™: Herman Miller has put a lot of time and effort into making the Canvas Office Landscape™ a holistic approach to the entire office environment. The line supports all workspace types, giving the complete office aesthetic continuity.
Bretford
Bretford’s showroom will be a very exciting place to visit this year with the reveal of their EDU 2.0 system. EDU 2.0 is the first complete line of powered, modular technology furniture. With this product line, an entire social learning space can be designed with common aesthetics and technology. The line ranges from carts to presentation equipment to soft seating. You can read more on their website press release.
Geiger
Geiger International has two debuts this year at Neocon, and an excellent showroom layout concept. The experience, called “Collaborative Executive”, takes a visitor through the different environments one office needs to support their workflow through a typical day. Today’s executive requires furniture and technology to support presentation, collaboration and dedication to individual work. Geiger International plans to show an environment that does all three. The furniture manufacturer also plans on revealing the new Sotto executive chair and the Loophole table line, pictured above.
DIRTT
The main event in DIRTT’s showroom at Neocon 2011 is the new Breathe™ Living Modular Wall. The new feature can attach to both DIRTT and conventional walls, and comes in a variety of sizes. True to DIRTT’s agile fashion, plants are easily moved, replaced and removed without disrupting others. The watering system is simple and efficient.
DIRTT will also showcase their product in healthcare environments. Visit them in Chicago to see how DIRTT walls can improve healing, learning, meeting and working with its simplicity, flexibility and agile nature.
For more information on Neocon 2011 or these products, or to schedule an appointment for a showroom tour by our Herman Miller representative at Neocon, please e-mail us at betterwaystowork@intereum.com!
A DIRTT Solution
April 28, 2011
Working with one of our Healthcare clients on a demountable wall solution stretched DIRTT’s flexibility in a whole new way. The space was chosen, the dimensions were measured and the product was ordered – all designed for a space to house Manager and Nurse workstations. Once the product arrived, the client decided that they wanted to change the use of the space to be a Security Room and two offices in the receiving area. We were able to make this happen by using what was ordered for the original install. The moral of the story is that DIRTT is as flexible as they’ve been telling us!
Some of the highlights from the install:
- Used standard DIRTT colors – no COM or color matches
- Back painted glass markerboards
- Used antlers to hang Herman Miller Action Office
- Anodized aluminum trim, connections and door frames
- Sliding barn doors
- Clerestory (glass window at the top of the install)
- The DIRTT ran from the floor to the ceiling
The customer is now using DIRTT in other facilities because it is customizable, flexible and just plain looks good. We partnered with the construction company, and their Installers were certified and trained in DIRTT. This means that they have met the number of installations required by DIRTT and have passed an evaluation by a DIRTT technician.
For more information on DIRTT or other solutions, contact us at betterwaystowork@intereum.com
Contract Magazine’s Results are IN!
January 13, 2011
Contract magazine conducts a Brand Report Awareness Survey, and the 2010 results are in!
They surveyed Architectural and Design Professionals via the Internet with nearly 400 respondents.
Below are some of the results:
- Ergonomic Seating – Herman Miller #1
- Movable Walls – DIRTT #1
- Healthcare Furniture – Herman Miller and Nemschoff #1
- Computer Support – Herman Miller #2
- Storage and Filing – Herman Miller #2
- Furniture Systems – Herman Miller #2
- Casegoods – Geiger #3
To learn more about the survey, click here.
The U of M STSS Center: Thinking Green and Choosing DIRTT
November 2, 2010
Intereum and DIRTT have partnered on several successful installations at the University of Minnesota. The latest installation for the new Science Teaching and Student Services (STSS) Center will be toured by the IIDA Northland at 6:00PM on November 8.
The building has five stories and overlooks downtown Minneapolis, the West Bank and the Mississippi River. It is across the street from the Weisman Art Museum, so it was designed to be a stand-out building. The STSS Center exceeds Minnesota’s stringent B3 sustainable design code and will seek LEED Gold certification.
DIRTT has an extremely strong environmental story, so it is a no-brainer to include it in a building that is shooting for LEED certification. But there were other considerations… DIRTT’s ICE and ICEVision softwares permitted the U of M to plan, budget and visualize the project so there were no surprises with the installation. DIRTT’s ability to use the U of M’s own custom glass allowed for the glass to be conducive with the rest of the building’s features and elements – it is performance glass that features a custom ceramic frit pattern to improve energy efficiency and building performance. Intereum and DIRTT were able to work within the schedule of the U of M and were present at the construction meetings. The result is a beautiful technology-driven building that houses two large lecture halls, five multipurpose classrooms and 10 active learning classrooms.
For more information about this tour, visit the IIDA Northland Website.
For more information on Intereum and DIRTT solutions, email us at betterwaystowork@intereum.com
Better Ways to Work for TN Marketing: A DIRTT Success Story
October 19, 2010

- DIRTT Private Offices and Viewing Room
TN Marketing is a creative marketing firm in Plymouth, MN. TN Marketing, Intereum and DIRTT partnered to create a beautiful, crisp space that enhances, supports TN Marketing’s creative environment. Cal Franklin, the President and CEO of TN Marketing, invited us in for a look around their office. We are delighted by the installation!

- DIRTT Office with Double Sliding Barn Doors
There are many private offices and a viewing room upstairs. Hanging televisions and office furniture off the walls really puts the walls to work. Instead of using tackable surfaces, TN Marketing chose to use magnetic back-painted glass – also allowing for an extra pop of color.

- Conference Area in DIRTT Office with Herman Miller Embody Chairs
Choosing DIRTT really shows environmental and financial savvy. The use of DIRTT means that there will be less trash in the landfills up front and over time. The walls will depreciate over seven years. Since TN Marketing owns the walls, they can take the walls with them if they move. Purchasing DIRTT walls really shows that TN Marketing can adapt to change and can keep their business as flexible as it needs to be without being constrained by permanent walls.

- DIRTT Barn Door
While standing in Cal’s beautiful office with etched glass and Herman Miller Embody chairs gathered in a conference area, we could really see the visual intention for the space. TN Marketing chose to use a lot of glass with bright color accents. The space flows with the abundance of natural light. Cal remarked that he was able to really understand the options and get ideas from his visit to DIRTT’s Chicago Showroom.
For more information on this installation or to learn more about your space and DIRTT, contact us at betterwaystowork@intereum.com – feel free to stop by our Plymouth Showroom where we have DIRTT in action!
What is DIRTT? “Doing It Right This Time” & Creating Sustainable Workspaces With Movable Walls
February 22, 2010
People in the design industry have know for years that movable walls are better for the environment and building life cycle cost than dry-wall. DIRTT has created interior wall systems that provide a beautiful, productive, long-term asset.
Sustainability is a huge buzz word these days in the building and construction industry but can be lacking in the construction of office interiors. With DIRTT demountable walls office interiors can be reconfigured and reused, unlike in traditional construction with dry-wall.
In a recent article on Suite101.com, some ways to get the best benefits of the DIRTT movable walls were outlined:
- The walls are modular and customizable. Designers can create an infinite variety of surface textures, colors and looks all within the DIRTT portfolio of solid, glass and panel walls. Special finishes can be applied that render walls suitable for writing on, the equivalent of posting whiteboards throughout an organization.
- With frequent changes the norm in commercial interiors, clients prefer to save money by reusing materials. In conventionally-constructed interiors, entirely new walls must be erected and new electrical wiring installed with each reconfiguration. DIRTT walls by contrast can be moved and reused with minimal disruption.
- Other financial benefits include the fact that DIRTT wall systems are cheaper to erect than conventional drywall partitions in most geographic jurisdictions of North America. Thanks to the modularity of DIRTT products and the plug and play attributes for the electrical connections, wall erection is also faster, with smaller crews and no waste on site.
- Interior designers and distributors of wall systems appreciate DIRTT’s adaptability. It is suitable for use in renovations and new buildings. The walls whether half or full height can be erected directly on top of carpet tiles; there’s no fussing with fitting carpet to walls after an installation.
- Eco-friendly wall finishes are applied at the manufacturing facility before assembly of components; by the time the finished product is delivered for erection at the customer’s premises, environmental hazards have been averted.
DIRTT walls prove that no aesthetic compromise is required to realize green interiors. It’s time for designers and architects to catch up and begin choosing reusable walls in office interiors.


























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