Global technology provider Honeywell recently released the findings of its AI in Buildings study, which revealed that 84% of commercial building decision makers plan to increase their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the next year to help them improve security and access control, streamline energy management for tenants, and reduce costly downtime by integrating predictive maintenance.

In this study of U.S. building managers and decision makers with more than 250 building occupants, Honeywell found that across property types, respondents are increasingly using AI to help improve process efficiency, productivity and operations.

However, since most respondents (92%) reported challenges in hiring skilled, tech-savvy individuals, a greater opportunity remains ahead for building operations to tap into AI’s capabilities to enhance employee training, augment their current workforce and ultimately help upskill labor to support the sector’s rapidly changing needs. Read more . . .

Whether you manage a commercial real estate property, a distribution center or a university campus, the quality and functionality of your facilities are critical to success. Well-run environments are essential for tenant satisfaction, operational efficiency and long-term profitability. To stay competitive, you need an integrated facility services partner who understands the unique demands of your industry.

With decades of experience, ABM helps enhance every facet of your facility — from maintaining building systems to enhancing occupant experiences. And by streamlining services and working together every step of the way, ABM ensures your spaces stay competitive, sustainable and ready for the future. Read more . . .

As American cities grapple with persistently high office vacancies and an escalating housing crisis, a new report provides critical insights into the potential for converting office buildings into residential spaces.

Understanding Office-to-Residential Conversion: Lessons from Six U.S. Case Studies examines conversion activity in Houston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Stamford, and Winston-Salem, offering a roadmap for policymakers and developers navigating this complex process.

This research — produced by Brookings Metro, Gensler, HRA Advisors, and Eckholm Studios, with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — provides a data-driven framework to help cities optimize office-to-residential (O2R) policy and practice.

The report finds that office-to-residential conversions present a strategic opportunity to tackle three pressing urban issues: Unmet housing demand, Office market distress, and Downtown vibrancy. Read more . . .

This week's Featured Book from FMLink Books, the 2025 Interiors Square Foot Costbook, includes 65 real-world cost models, covering a diverse range of building types.



The Costbook provides accurate square-foot costs, organized by CSI division, for a wide range of real building projects, right at your fingertips, to help meet the ongoing challenge of staying profitable in the face of wildly fluctuating costs.

This invaluable estimating tool features:

• Detailed square foot costs for each project 
• A newly expanded section of over 600 regional cost modifiers 
• Material and installation costs for over 5,700+ items used in construction

See other Costbooks available to buy at FMLink.

A stunning blend of precision artistry and sustainable innovation, Nerita from Versteel is a high-end, durable and affordable poly chair for conference areas as well as a wide variety of other spaces. Created in collaboration with Italian designer Francesco Favaretto of Favaretto + Partners Design Studio, this seating solution represents a bold new benchmark in ergonomic elegance and functional design.

This partnership builds on collaboration between Versteel and Favaretto, who previously worked together to introduce the Aerie, a large-scale table that seemingly defies gravity to provide strength, stability, and reliability. The Nerita chair draws its name and inspiration from a type of seashell, renowned for its organic curves and impeccable strength. Read more . . .

As NeoCon 2025 approaches, THE MART unveils a lineup of showroom expansions, new leases, and 7th-floor exhibitors. New and notable, established and emerging, domestic and international brands are all taking part in the action across the NeoCon floors. The 56th edition of the show, June 9-11, 2025, offers design professionals an unmatched opportunity to discover cutting-edge products and resources, connect and network with industry leaders, and engage in thought-provoking, immersive activations and conferences.

Showroom expansions are increasing across floors

Top-tier brands have deepened their investments in THE MART, expanding showroom footprints to better showcase growing portfolios and evolving innovations, including wallcoverings, textiles, and specialty surfaces company Wolf-Gordon (showroom 3-100); storied contemporary furniture manufacturer Davis Furniture (3-115); sustainable leather manufacturer Green Hides (1062); acoustics innovator Turf (1048), which will unveil the 20,000 square-foot Turf Design Experience Center; and B Corp and carbon-neutral Spanish furniture leader Andreu World (300), which has doubled its size with a new 20,000-square-foot space. Read more . . .