NII presented several new launches at Salone del Mobile. Developed for contemporary workplaces in constant evolution, the pieces reflect the brand’s philosophy of “ingenious design.” This approach combines functionality, comfort and clarity of form to support the many ways people meet, work and interact today.
A Shift in Work Culture
The collection focuses on flexibility and dynamic configurability. It creates spatial frameworks that encourage interaction and collective exchange. Hirotaka Tako, the creative director at NII, explained that the way people work is changing rapidly. This change is driven by flexible styles, digitalization and a focus on human capital.
Companies are rethinking the role of the office. Trends now emphasize comfort and more inviting work environments. “At NII, we believe that the office should be more than just an alternative to home or cafés,” Tako said. He argues that it should be a place that attracts and inspires people, similar to entertainment venues. It must be a space where people gather, connect and inspire one another.
The brand translates its philosophy as design that sparks creativity. It is about creating environments filled with energy and inspiration. These spaces connect people, stimulate ideas and support new challenges. The goal is to subtly guide how people move and interact within a room. Through multifunctional structures and carefully considered details, “ingenious design” becomes a philosophy that introduces creative shifts in the relationship between people and space, bringing new energy and unexpected connections into the workplace.
This focus on “ingenious design” aligns with a broader industry pivot away from purely utilitarian layouts. While many manufacturers have rushed to add sofas and soft seating to catalogs to mimic residential comfort, NII attempts to integrate that comfort into structures that still look engineered and precise. It bridges the gap between feeling at home and staying focused at work without sacrificing a professional aesthetic.
Design as a Stage
Tako emphasized that the brand aims to create a sense of surprise, where something that feels almost impossible is brought to life through design and engineering. Unlike conventional office furniture, which often prioritizes standardization for efficiency, NII redefines furniture as something that activates space itself. It functions as a stage that brings out people’s creativity and relationships. The pieces offer a sculptural presence that complements their surroundings, delivering new value that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the office.
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New Launches and Collaborations
Several new collections were unveiled at the fair, including the HAKUSAN stacking chair designed by UK design studio Industrial Facility. As a new archetype for a chair, this design achieves a balance of comfort, stackability and cost through a minimal set of components. Its forward-moving silhouette, created by the integrated frame and armrests, functions as a design icon that reflects a carefully considered weight balance, helping to minimise the load when carrying the chair. A range of CMF options is available, from natural wood paired with sharp metal accents to refined tone-on-tone finishes.
Another launch piece, the BIWA lounge task chair, was designed by ITOKI’s Japanese designer, Kohei Wada. Despite its enveloping lounge-style form, this task chair supports comfortable work with a well-defined ankle-tilt mechanism. Its distinctive shoulder rest, connected by a transparent neck and appearing to float, supports a range of relaxed postures. A variety of configurations is available, including low and high versions, glides or casters, and finishes ranging from one-tone options to polished bases and leather upholstery.
The ALLROUND stool, designed in-house by Hirotaka Tako, offers a simple yet uncommon profile with built-in casters. It moves smoothly and freely, like a hovercraft, encouraging active communication. While constructed entirely from metal for durability, its generously rounded edges ensure a comfortable and approachable user experience. The seat, neck, and base can all be disassembled, allowing for flat-pack shipping.
NII collaborates with a diverse group of professionals, including architects, product designers, and experts in visual communication and hospitality environments. The brand works with designers who respect and connect with its philosophy, using ongoing dialogue to express values across cultures and creative fields. For this presentation, collaborators included Tedd Bracher, Rodolfo Agrella, Jun Aizaki, Industrial Facility, Kohei Wada and AMdL Circle.
Balancing form and structure came with its own complexities, but through collaboration across different languages and cultures, the brand brought to life collections such as BITMAP, PIGNA, PARLAMENTO and CONNEXA. These products aim to express NII’s distinctive character while maintaining a high level of quality.
