When it comes to contract furnishings, there is no shortage of options on the market. And yet, even with access to the most well-rounded catalogues, sourcing the right products (at the right price) can prove challenging. When designers struggle to find a piece that will work for a specific use case, they may opt for custom solutions. But the design process isn’t without its obstacles: Not only can it be more costly and time-consuming, it’s hard for clients to find a manufacturer that they can trust to deliver their vision. Enter Infinity From KI, the Wisconsin contract furniture manufacturer’s customer-centric approach that seeks to make bespoke design less complicated — and more affordable.

It started with a deep understanding of industry trends. A 2020 survey by KI found that 60 per cent of designers and dealers believed that modification requests were increasing, as more and more clients sought out tailored solutions to meet their exact needs. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents said they would specify more custom products if the process were easier. To that end, KI set out to create a one-stop solution that puts the customer experience first, while designing products that deliver the functionality and quality for which the company is known.

The process begins with customer engagement to understand the client’s goals. “People are coming to KI to find a solution for a need, or a product that they want but they’re not seeing on the market,” explains Rob Wurm, a Senior Industrial Designer at KI. Through their agile product development approach, the team encourages customers to explore “what if” scenarios to develop innovative new solutions. Once KI has received the initial brief, they work quickly to gather inspiration and create concept sketches and renderings which they then translate into physical prototypes — made by hand, through additive manufacturing like 3D printing, or laser cutting.  

Throughout, budget always remains top of mind, and each product is value-engineered to ensure the lowest possible cost — without sacrificing performance or client satisfaction. After providing a quote and estimated lead time, they create a full-scale mock-up that helps clients visualize the piece and see how it works. The products are then tested to ensure they meet both industry codes and KI’s rigorous standards.

The company’s iterative process allows for revisions and additional prototyping as the design is fine-tuned. Every step of the way, customers work collaboratively with KI’s team of designers, engineers and production specialists to provide ongoing feedback, ensuring the final product fits their space, brand identity and business objectives. “We have a broad, cross-functional team in place. We’re agile, we embrace the changes and iterations and the excitement of these projects,” says Lon Seidl, Infinity Product Solutions Manager.

Modified Backbone and Pirouette Tables, designed for Bradley University.

As one of the few remaining vertically integrated companies in the contract furnishings sector, KI ensures the utmost quality and craftsmanship at the manufacturing stage, overseeing production from start to finish. Once the client signs off on the final product, it is shipped out with assembly instructions and technical specifications — and access to KI’s team for ongoing support. With an emphasis on active listening and relationship building, Infinity From KI makes the entire process seamless.

Modified Connection Zone Wood Leg Table, designed for Bradley University.

Whether making simple modifications to an existing product in KI’s standard collection — like updating the shape, colour, or dimensions — or co-creating something entirely unique, the possibilities are nearly endless. Take the sustainable solution developed for Clemson University, for instance: To help achieve the school’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, Infinity From KI turned the trees felled to build its new college of business into a set of custom café tables. By modifying two existing KI collections, Pillar and Athens, and utilizing materials that would otherwise go to waste, Clemson University was able to minimize its environmental impact — and achieve a one-of-a-kind look in the process. The result is a solution that not only meets the school’s immediate needs but also reflects its core values.

Custom café tables with reclaimed wood tops, designed for Clemson University.

As workspace trends continue to evolve at breakneck speed, especially in fast-paced industries like tech where innovation is at the core of company culture, Infinity From KI is poised to deliver solutions that can evolve and adapt, helping organizations thrive.

For more information or to start your custom contract furniture design journey, contact KI at infinityhelp@ki.com or call 800-424-2432. Explore additional resources at ki.com/infinity.

This content was published by Azure on behalf of KI.