## Tangram Interiors: The Top 10 Product Picks at the 2023 Healthcare Design Conference
Our team recently attended the 2023 Healthcare Design Conference + Expo in New Orleans, where over 100 sessions showcased the latest research and strategies shaping healthcare environments. As commercial interior design professionals, we know staying current with industry innovations is essential for creating spaces that truly serve their users.
Kellie Reed, Tangram's Orange County Vice President, called the event "an illuminating experience immersed in the forefront of healthcare innovation." The conference highlighted human-centric designs and breakthrough products that are reshaping how we think about healthcare spaces.
After exploring the expo floor, Kellie compiled her list of the 10 most impressive products that caught our attention. Here's what stood out and why these innovations matter for the future of healthcare design.
### 1. Project Ghost by Steelcase x Logitech
This revolutionary technology transforms video conferencing by beaming life-sized images onto glass surfaces. Users can make genuine eye contact—something traditional video calls can't deliver. The system operates within a fully enclosed, private pod, creating telehealth interactions that feel remarkably close to in-person appointments.
For healthcare providers discussing sensitive information remotely, this technology creates the empathetic connection that patients need during vulnerable moments.
### 2. Falkbuilt DuraFalk Finish
Falkbuilt's proprietary finish represents a major advancement in sustainable design. DuraFalk uses an energy-efficient process that requires significantly less space than traditional finishing systems. This hermetically sealed, toxin-free finish contains no PVC, HAPs, or solvents—making it ideal for medical environments where air quality is critical.
The finish integrates seamlessly into design and production workflows while offering unlimited aesthetic possibilities.
### 3. Plural Rochester Lounge Chair Series
Designed by Brian Graham, the Rochester series combines timeless aesthetics with practical functionality. The collection includes lounge chairs, settees, sofas, and sleeper sofas—expanding rest options in healthcare settings.
Key features include optional solid surface arm caps, integrated clean-out spaces, and field-replaceable upholstery. This design approach ensures the furniture can serve healing environments through multiple lifecycles while maintaining its appearance and function.
### 4. National Kolo ADA-Compliant Pod
The Kolo Pod provides quiet spaces for focused work and private meetings, accommodating up to eight people. What sets it apart is its ADA compliance—a rare feature in office phone booth designs. Seats and tables fold up for wheelchair access, while motion-activated doors provide hands-free entry.
The "anti-eavesdrop" design ensures truly private conversations, essential in healthcare settings where confidentiality is paramount.
### 5. OM Seating Plot Twist Chair
Manufactured by OM and designed by Achella Design, the Plot Twist combines office chair functionality with lounge comfort. This mobile, rotating pouf features an attached, height-adjustable tablet surface that glides smoothly without paddles or levers.
A simple flush-set button lowers the surface, making this versatile piece perfect for medical offices and clinics that need flexible seating solutions.
### 6. Carolina Chrys Table
While appearing simple, Chrys addresses complex safety requirements for behavioral health environments. The table features tamper-resistant design elements and additional weighting to prevent misuse. Its soft, organic lines and soothing color palette prioritize both safety and comfort.
This thoughtful approach to design demonstrates how furniture can support healing while maintaining necessary security measures.
### 7. Krug Zola Ottoman
Designed for high-traffic healthcare environments, Zola's modular design allows easy reconfiguration and thorough cleaning protocols. The lightweight construction supports active seating, while the low back promotes open, conversational experiences.
For hospitals and caregiving facilities that require frequent deep cleaning, this ottoman delivers both durability and flexibility.
### 8. Kimball Tyba Lounge Chair
This fully upholstered, soft-formed seating solution emphasizes comfort and flexibility—two crucial elements in healthcare design. Available in three base options (standard, weighted plinth, or non-weighted plinth), Tyba brings warmth to clinical environments.
The companion ottoman extends comfort options, particularly valuable in behavioral health facilities working to create calming atmospheres.
### 9. Wieland Soul Sofa & Soul Mate
The Soul Sofa functions as a sleeper with integrated power, but the Soul Mate steals the show. This convertible cube serves as ottoman, nightstand, or chair, with up to three units storing neatly under the sofa when not needed.
Both pieces convert with a simple one-step lift motion and self-lock mechanism. For space-constrained healthcare facilities, this efficient storage solution maximizes functionality without sacrificing style.
### 10. Global Willow Guest Seating
Developed through collaboration with actual patients and healthcare professionals, Willow addresses the real needs of people spending long hours in waiting areas. The extensive range of chair models, finishes, and upholstery options supports both modular and standalone applications.
Comfort takes center stage, recognizing that patients and families often endure extended wait times in these spaces.
## Looking Ahead: Design Innovation Continues
These products reflect a broader shift toward human-centered design in healthcare environments. Each innovation addresses real challenges—from infection control and accessibility to comfort and privacy—while maintaining the aesthetic qualities that support healing.
At Tangram Interiors, we view successful design as an ecosystem where people, technology, and place work together seamlessly. These conference highlights reinforce our commitment to staying current with innovations that can transform commercial spaces.
Whether you're planning a healthcare facility or exploring design solutions for other commercial environments, understanding these trends helps inform better decision-making. The future of interior design lies in products that don't just look good—they solve real problems for the people who use the spaces every day.
