Keilhauer and Yabu Pushelberg Unveil “Softer Approach” to Contract Seating at NeoCon

Furniture brand Keilhauer, in partnership with the renowned design studio Yabu Pushelberg, has introduced a new direction for contract seating, presenting their Etta Collection. The unveiling took place during a panel discussion at NeoCon, a prominent trade show for the commercial design industry, held in Chicago. The collection aims to infuse healthcare and office environments with a sense of luxury and comfort previously more associated with residential spaces.

A Softer Aesthetic for Commercial Spaces

The Etta Collection represents a deliberate move towards a “softer approach to contract seating,” as described by representatives from both Keilhauer and Yabu Pushelberg. This philosophy translates into furniture pieces that prioritize plush forms, inviting textures, and an overall more approachable aesthetic. The intention is to create environments within professional and healthcare settings that feel more welcoming and less sterile, fostering well-being and productivity.

The discussion, hosted at Keilhauer’s new showroom within Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, provided insights into the collaborative process behind the Etta Collection. Mike Keilhauer, CEO of Keilhauer, and Maggie Keilhauer, the company’s creative director, shared the stage with the founding principals of Yabu Pushelberg. Their conversation highlighted how the studio’s signature blend of sophisticated design and Yabu Pushelberg’s extensive experience in hospitality and residential interiors informed the development of seating suitable for demanding commercial applications.

Integration of Luxury and Durability

A key aspect of the Etta Collection’s design is its ability to bridge the gap between high-end aesthetics and the rigorous demands of contract use. The collection is engineered to meet the durability and performance standards expected in healthcare and office settings, while simultaneously offering a tactile and visual richness that enhances the user experience. This dual focus ensures that the furniture is not only visually appealing but also a practical and long-lasting investment for commercial clients.

The NeoCon panel served as a platform to not only showcase the Etta Collection but also to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial interior design. The increasing emphasis on creating spaces that support mental health and provide a sense of comfort, even in professional environments, was a central theme. Keilhauer and Yabu Pushelberg’s collaboration on the Etta Collection directly addresses this trend, offering solutions that blend style with substance.

The Etta Collection by Keilhauer and Yabu Pushelberg is designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable experience in healthcare and office environments. The collection features seating with plush forms and inviting textures, aiming to create more welcoming and less sterile spaces. This approach addresses the growing trend in commercial interior design towards creating environments that prioritize well-being and productivity. The collaboration between Keilhauer and Yabu Pushelberg brings together expertise in contract furniture manufacturing and high-end interior design to create a collection that is both durable and aesthetically sophisticated.

Key facts

The development of the Etta Collection signifies a broader shift in the contract furniture industry, recognizing the integral role that design plays in the functionality and atmosphere of commercial and healthcare spaces. For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, the Etta Collection offers a compelling option that merges the aesthetic aspirations of high-end design with the practical requirements of contract-grade furniture. This focus on comfort and luxury in professional settings can contribute to improved occupant satisfaction and potentially enhance the overall performance of these spaces.

Source: Dezeen, https://www.dezeen.com/2026/06/29/keilhauer-yabu-pushelberg-detail-softer-approach-to-contract-seating-at-neocon-panel/