NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days 2025 delivered no shortage of inspiration—but a few standout trends really struck a chord with us. From inclusive environments to modular innovation, here are three shifts in commercial design we’re loving (and proud to be part of):
1. Embracing Neurodiversity
Image credit: Photo courtesy of Skyline. Murals on Glass installation at the Fellowes Design & Experience Center, Chicago.
Designers are rethinking the one-size-fits-all approach to workplace, healthcare, and other commercial environments. This year, we saw a strong move toward creating spaces that support a range of sensory and cognitive needs—spaces where neurodiverse individuals feel comfortable, focused, and empowered.
One installation that captured this beautifully was Murals on Glass by Jill Malek, featured in the Fellowes Showroom. The soft patterns and flowing motifs not only add an artistic layer to architectural glass, but also help create calmer, more visually digestible environments. This kind of sensory-aware design can reduce overwhelm and increase productivity—a win for everyone.
2. Focus on Micro-Privacy
Image credit: Photo courtesy of Skyline. SnapCab’s Privacy Pod featuring Skyline’s SDX3 Smart Glass.
Privacy doesn’t have to mean isolation. We noticed a clear trend toward micro-privacy solutions—pods, partitions, and adaptable layouts that let users take control of their environment without cutting themselves off completely. It’s all about flexibility and balance.
At The Mart, pods were everywhere, and many showrooms leaned into modular furniture and room-within-a-room setups. One example that stood out: SnapCab privacy pods featuring Skyline’s SDX3 Smart Glass. With the flip of a switch, SDX3 Smart Glass transitions from clear to opaque, offering visual privacy exactly when it’s needed—no doors to shut, no distractions to fight. It’s tech with a human touch.
3. Designing for Sustainability
Image credit: Photo courtesy of Skyline. Nate Quintal with KI Wall and Jessie Devereaux with Skyline at KI Wall Showroom.
With sustainability front and center at NeoCon 2025, we saw a strong push toward smarter, more responsible design choices. From modular construction to low-waste production and recyclable materials, the industry is seemingly rethinking its environmental footprint.
One standout example: KI’s sustainable architectural wall systems, featuring Skyline’s decorative glass patterns translated from Pallas Textiles. These walls offer more than just visual appeal—they’re built to last, reconfigure easily, and disassemble cleanly, helping reduce unnecessary waste. Considering that construction and demolition generate over 145 million tons of debris in the U.S. each year, thoughtful solutions like this are more than a trend—they’re the future.
Pictured above, Skyline’s Communications Director, Jessie Devereaux, dialogues with Nate Quintal, Senior Product Marketing Manager with KI Wall.
NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days never fail to show us where commercial design is headed. This year, we were excited to see trends that reflect empathy, adaptability, and responsibility—values that align closely with our own work at Skyline. We’re honored to play even a small role in shaping these spaces, and we can’t wait to see where design goes next.
