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AJ Paron to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York 

designny on August 18, 2026

AJ Paron to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York

Design futurist, industry leader and thought leadership expert AJ Paron joins the Founding Steering Committee, bringing more than 25 years of experience in design innovation, research and industry collaboration. 

As the pace of change across the design industry continues to accelerate, creating spaces for new ideas, meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives has never been more important. 

That’s why AJ Paron has joined the Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee. 

As Executive Vice President and Design Futurist at SANDOW Design Group, AJ has spent more than 25 years connecting emerging trends with real-world application, helping shape the future of design through research, media, events and thought leadership. Working across brands including INTERIOR DESIGN, METROPOLIS, Design Milk, ThinkLab, Architizer, LUXE Interiors + Design and AZURE, she brings a unique perspective on the forces influencing the global architecture and design community.  

Working alongside fellow members of the Founding Steering Committee, AJ will help shape the content, thought leadership, key initiatives and overall direction of Design at Work New York, ensuring the inaugural edition reflects the innovation, collaboration and emerging trends defining the future workplace. 

Her appointment reflects Design at Work New York’s commitment to creating an event informed by the people shaping the future of design. Bringing together expertise from architecture, interior design, workplace strategy, corporate real estate, research and the wider built environment, the Founding Steering Committee will play a central role in developing an event driven by insight, collaboration and innovation. 

Speaking about joining the Founding Steering Committee, AJ said: 

“I’m excited to be joining the Design at Work New York Steering Committee. Some of my favorite work happens when passionate people come together to rethink what’s possible, and that’s exactly what this community represents. I can’t wait to collaborate with this talented group as we explore the future of workplace design and create meaningful conversations that inspire our industry.”  

Over the coming weeks, Design at Work New York will continue introducing the members of its Founding Steering Committee, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to help shape the launch edition of North America’s dedicated workplace design fair. 

Arper Joins Design at Work New York as Founding Partner and The Manhattan Lounge, furnished by Arper  

designny on August 14, 2026

Arper Joins Design at Work New York as Founding Partner and The Manhattan Lounge, furnished by Arper

Italian design brand Arper joins Design at Work New York as a Founding Partner and Furniture Partner for The Manhattan Lounge when the new workplace design event launches at the Javits Center on March 10–11, 2027. 

Work is no longer defined by a desk, a room or even a building. 

As the boundaries between work, home, hospitality and community continue to shift, the spaces around us are being asked to become more adaptable, more intuitive and, above all, more human. 

It’s a conversation that has long been central to Arper. 

Design at Work New York has named the global design brand as a Founding Partner, bringing Arper’s distinctly life-centered approach to design to the Javits Center in March 2027. Arper will also be the Furniture Partner for The Manhattan Lounge, helping create a dedicated environment for conversation, connection and the exchange of ideas between industry leaders throughout the two-day event. 

Founded in 1989 in Monastier di Treviso, Italy, Arper has grown from a family-owned furniture manufacturer into an international design brand, creating furniture and spatial solutions for workplaces, homes, hospitality, education and public environments around the world. 

Designing for a world in flux 

At the heart of Arper’s approach is a simple but increasingly relevant question: how do we want to live? 

The way we live and work is becoming increasingly fluid. Workplaces are places to focus, collaborate, socialize, learn and connect. Hospitality is influencing the office, informal spaces are becoming meeting spaces, and furniture increasingly needs to respond to multiple uses rather than one prescribed function. 

Arper describes its response as the Project of Living — an approach that looks beyond individual products to consider how spaces can support people as their needs and environments change. 

Versatility, modularity and adaptability sit at the heart of that philosophy, alongside an emphasis on comfort, simplicity and emotional experience. It’s a perspective with relevance to the workplace, where organizations are increasingly looking for environments that can evolve alongside their people rather than dictate how work should happen. 

That life-centered thinking also extends to environmental responsibility. Arper established its Environmental Department in 2005 and continues to invest in life-cycle assessment, environmental product declarations, material innovation and circular design. 

Creating space for connection 

At Design at Work New York, that philosophy will take physical form in The Manhattan Lounge. 

As Furniture Partner, Arper will help create a space designed to bring people together — reflecting the increasingly important role that informal and hospitality-inspired environments play within today’s workplace. 

It will provide a dedicated setting for industry leaders to meet, connect and exchange ideas during the event, bringing Arper’s thinking around comfort, adaptability and human experience directly into the Design at Work New York environment. 

A new destination for workplace design 

Launching at the Javits Center in March 2027, Design at Work New York will bring together international and North American brands with architects, interior designers, workplace strategists, dealers, developers and end-user decision-makers for two days of product discovery, CEU-accredited education, industry insight and connection. 

As a Founding Partner and Furniture Partner for The Manhattan Lounge, Arper will be part of Design at Work New York from its launch year, joining a growing community of brands, partners and industry leaders helping shape what’s next for workplace design. 

Design at Work New York takes place March 10–11, 2027 at the Javits Center, New York. 

Kay Sargent to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York 

designny on August 10, 2026

Kay Sargent to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York

Global workplace strategist, author and thought leader Kay Sargent joins the Founding Steering Committee, bringing four decades of expertise in workplace strategy, neuroinclusive design and the future of work. 

As the workplace continues to evolve, the conversations shaping its future have never been more important. 

That’s why Kay Sargent has joined the Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee. 

With more than 40 years of experience, Kay is recognized globally for helping organizations rethink how workplaces support people, performance and wellbeing. As Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, she has become one of the industry’s leading voices on workplace strategy, real estate innovation and neuroinclusive design, helping organizations create more inclusive, human-centered environments that respond to the changing nature of work. 

Working alongside fellow members of the Founding Steering Committee, Kay will help shape the content, thought leadership, key initiatives and overall direction of Design at Work New York, ensuring the inaugural edition reflects the changing needs of today’s workplaces and the ideas defining the future of workplace design. 

Her appointment reflects Design at Work New York’s commitment to creating an event informed by the people shaping the industry. Bringing together expertise from architecture, interior design, workplace strategy, corporate real estate, research and the wider built environment, the Founding Steering Committee will play a central role in creating an event driven by innovation, collaboration and real-world insight. 

Speaking about joining the Founding Steering Committee, Kay said: 

“I’m honored to join the Design at Work New York Steering Committee and collaborate with a remarkable group of industry leaders who are passionate about the future of work and design. As the nature of work, technology, and human experience continues to evolve, I look forward to helping spark meaningful dialogue around innovation, inclusion, wellbeing, and human-centered experiences that will shape the next generation of workplaces.” 

Over the coming weeks, Design at Work New York will continue introducing the members of its Founding Steering Committee, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to help shape the launch edition of North America’s dedicated workplace design fair. 

Design at Work New York will take place March 10–11, 2027, at the Javits Center, New York City, bringing together architects, interior designers, workplace strategists, corporate real estate professionals, manufacturers and industry leaders for two days of exhibitions, education, networking and collaboration. 

Kerrie Kelly to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York 

designny on August 5, 2026

Kerrie Kelly to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York

Award-winning designer, creative director and industry leader Kerrie Kelly joins the Founding Steering Committee, bringing more than three decades of expertise in design leadership, innovation and strategic collaboration. 

As the worlds of residential and commercial design continue to influence one another, the need for collaboration, innovation and fresh thinking has never been greater. 

That’s why Kerrie Kelly has joined the Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee. 

With more than 30 years of experience, Kerrie has become one of the design industry’s most respected creative leaders. As CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, she has built an outstanding reputation for combining design excellence with strategic brand collaboration, working alongside many of the world’s leading manufacturers to create innovative products, meaningful experiences and stronger connections across the architecture and design community. 

Working alongside fellow members of the Founding Steering Committee, Kerrie will help shape the content, thought leadership, key initiatives and overall direction of Design at Work New York, ensuring the inaugural edition reflects the ideas, innovation and collaboration driving the future of workplace design. 

Her appointment reflects Design at Work New York’s commitment to creating an event informed by the people shaping the industry. Bringing together expertise from architecture, interior design, workplace strategy, corporate real estate, research and the wider built environment, the Founding Steering Committee will play a central role in creating an event driven by innovation, collaboration and real-world insight. 

Speaking about joining the Founding Steering Committee, Kerrie said: 

“I’m honored to join the Founding Steering Committee for Design at Work NYC. Having experienced the incredible energy of Clerkenwell Design Week, I’m excited to help bring that same spirit of innovation, collaboration, and global design thinking to New York. As residential and commercial design continue to influence one another, I look forward to helping create meaningful conversations and connections across our industry.” 

Over the coming weeks, Design at Work New York will continue introducing the members of its Founding Steering Committee, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to help shape the launch edition of North America’s dedicated workplace design fair. 

Design at Work New York will take place March 10–11, 2027, at the Javits Center, New York City, bringing together architects, interior designers, workplace strategists, corporate real estate professionals, manufacturers and industry leaders for two days of exhibitions, education, networking and collaboration. 

Industry Leaders to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York

designny on August 3, 2026

Industry Leaders to Help Shape the Future of Workplace Design at Design at Work New York

Founding Steering Committee brings together leading voices from architecture, commercial interiors and workplace strategy

Design at Work New York has announced the formation of its Founding Steering Committee, bringing together an exceptional group of industry leaders whose collective expertise will help shape the future of North America’s dedicated workplace design fair.

As Design at Work New York prepares for its inaugural edition on March 10–11, 2027, at the Javits Center in New York City, the Founding Steering Committee will play an integral role in helping define the event’s content, experiences and industry focus.

Representing a broad cross-section of the workplace design community, the committee brings together expertise spanning architecture, commercial interior design, workplace strategy, corporate real estate, design leadership and the built environment. Working alongside the Design at Work New York team, members will contribute strategic insight to the conference program, thought leadership, networking initiatives and key event features, helping ensure the event reflects the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the future workplace.

More than a traditional advisory board, the Founding Steering Committee has been created to foster collaboration between industry leaders, partners and the Design at Work New York team throughout the launch campaign. Members will contribute editorial content, participate in thought leadership initiatives and help shape meaningful conversations that extend well beyond the two-day event.

The committee also reflects Design at Work New York’s commitment to creating an event informed by the people driving change across the industry—bringing together diverse perspectives, real-world experience and a shared ambition to advance workplace design through education, innovation and collaboration.

Marlon Cera-Marle, Divisional Design Director at Media 10, said:

“From the outset, our ambition has been to create more than another trade event. We want Design at Work New York to become a platform that reflects the people, ideas and innovation shaping the future workplace. Bringing together such an exceptional group of industry leaders to help guide that vision is an important milestone, and we’re incredibly proud to be launching our Founding Steering Committee.”

Over the coming weeks, Design at Work New York will introduce each member of the Founding Steering Committee, celebrating the individuals whose expertise, leadership and vision will help guide the event from its very first edition.

Design at Work New York takes place March 10–11, 2027, at the Javits Center in New York City, bringing together architects, interior designers, workplace strategists, corporate real estate professionals, occupiers,

developers and leading commercial interiors brands for two days of product discovery, education, networking and collaboration.

Design at Work New York Announces AIA New York

designny on July 24, 2026

as a Founding Strategic Partner

Design at Work New York Announces AIA New York as a Founding Strategic Partner

DAW and AIA logo

Design at Work New York, the new exhibition and conference dedicated to workplace design and commercial interiors, has announced The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) as a Founding Strategic Partner ahead of its inaugural edition at the Javits Center on March 10-11, 2027.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in the launch of Design at Work New York and reinforces the event’s ambition to become North America’s leading destination for architects, interior designers, workplace strategists, corporate occupiers, and developers shaping the future of commercial interiors. Working together, Design at Work New York and AIANY will create a platform that champions design excellence, professional learning and industry collaboration. AIANY will play an integral role in shaping the event’s education program, bringing leading voices from across architecture and workplace design together to explore the ideas, challenges and innovations transforming the built environment.

Alongside an inspiring programme of thought leadership, the partnership will strengthen the event’s offering through valuable networking opportunities, creating meaningful connections between architects, designers, manufacturers, developers and workplace leaders. By bringing together the profession with the brands and organisations driving innovation, the collaboration will encourage new conversations, new partnerships and new ideas that will help shape the future of workplace design.

Design at Work New York will bring together furniture, lighting, materials, acoustics and workplace technology with a carefully curated program of thought leadership and specification-led networking. The event builds on
Media 10’s established international design portfolio, which includes Clerkenwell Design Week and Shoreditch Design Week.

Marlon Cera-Marle, Director, Design Division at Media 10, said:
“Our partnership with AIA New York is a significant step in the development of Design at Work New York. From the outset, our ambition has been to create a focused, design-led event that delivers genuine value for the architecture and design community. Working with AIANY will bring leading voices, professional learning and meaningful dialogue into the heart of the event, while creating stronger connections between architects and the brands shaping the future of the workplace.“

Jesse Lazar, Assoc. AIA, Executive Director, AIA New York, said:
“We are delighted to join Design at Work New York as a Founding Strategic Partner. Together, we look forward to creating an inspiring platform that brings the architectural community together to exchange ideas, share
knowledge and explore the future of workplace design through education, collaboration and meaningful industry connections.”

Design at Work New York will take place at the Javits Center in New York on March 10–11, 2027.

ENDS

About AIA New York

Established in 1857, AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as the collective voice of nearly 5,000 licensed architects, allied professionals, students, and design enthusiasts in New York City.   Inaugurated in 2003 as one of the AIA’s first cultural institutions, the Center for Architecture engages local and
international audiences with the value, impact, and wonder of architecture. Together, we advance the value and practice of architecture to promote just and sustainable communities. 

Both AIA New York and the Center for Architecture advocate for the importance of design in enhancing urban life, offering programming that fosters engagement among architects, professionals, and the public. We prioritize values such as civic engagement, equity, environmental sustainability, resiliency, technological innovation, and inspiring design. 

About Media 10
Media 10’s Design Division is a leading platform for the global design and architecture community, delivering a portfolio of highly targeted events and media brands. This includes Clerkenwell Design Week, the UK’s leading design festival, and Shoreditch Design Week, the largest official district of the London Design Festival, alongside respected industry publications ICON and OnOffice.

The division has also been responsible for launching internationally recognised design events including Design Shanghai, Design Helsinki, Design Joburg and Design London, reflecting a strong track record in creating and scaling influential design platforms globally.

Together, these platforms connect brands with architects, interior designers and key decision-makers through curated experiences, content and commercial opportunities across the international design sector.

Media enquiries:
Friends & Co
CHRISTINE SAMUELIAN
[email protected]

 

Design at Work New York Launches as New York’s Only Event Dedicated Exclusively to Workplace Design 

designny on July 10, 2026

Design at Work New York Launches at the Javits Center in March 2027

Design at Work New York is set to redefine the workplace design landscape when it arrives at the Javits Center on 10–11 March 2027. Created exclusively for the people shaping how and where we work, the event will bring together the brands, people and ideas driving the future of commercial interiors. 

Created for the people shaping how and where we work, the event has been developed to connect architects, interior designers, occupiers, developers, workplace strategists and manufacturers through a carefully curated exhibition and a programme focused on business, innovation and collaboration. 

From the team behind Clerkenwell Design Week and Shoreditch Design Week, Design at Work New York represents Media 10’s expansion into one of the world’s most influential commercial interiors markets. 

New York is home to one of the largest office markets in the world and remains a global centre for architecture, workplace transformation and commercial real estate. As organisations continue to rethink how people work, demand for innovative furniture, lighting, materials, acoustics and workplace technology continues to grow. 

What makes Design at Work New York different is its focus on quality over quantity. The event will bring together a curated collection of leading brands alongside more than 10,000 architects, designers, occupiers, developers and workplace leaders, creating an environment designed around relevance, discovery and meaningful business conversations. 

Visitors can expect a world-class content programme across three live stages, CEU-accredited learning, Hosted Buyer meetings, networking experiences and opportunities to engage directly with the people influencing workplace projects across North America. 

Supported by AIA New York, IIDA and leading editorial and media brands including Interior Design, Metropolis, Design Milk, Architizer and Azure, the event reflects the conversations, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of commercial interiors. 

Applications are now open for brands wishing to participate in the launch edition. Each submission is reviewed individually as part of the event’s carefully curated approach. 

Design at Work New York is where business, design and workplace innovation meet. 

Apply to participate 

New york's only dedicated workplace design fair, 10-11 March 2027

Design at work brings together the brands, architects, designers and occupiers shaping the future of commercial interiors.

Be part of the launch edition.

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