There are certain things that stick with you after you’ve gone home from something like NeoCon 2025. Of all the showrooms I walked through in THE MART in Chicago, the Haworth DesignLab is one of the things I remember most. I can almost hear my mind saying “Take me back. Let me look at all those pieces one more time.”

I want to gaze again at the seamed edges of Patricia Urquiola’s knotted up Uroboro, tall and commanding in the center of the room, but with a certain softness equally as appealing as its size.

I want to see the reflection of the track lighting in the glossy finish of Luam Melake’s Listening Chair (furthest on the right, in red).

I even want to order a coffee from the Beatrix Coffee Bar and make another round.

This diverse collection at NeoCon 2025 was curated by Patricia Urquiola. It includes work by emerging designers and highlights experimentation that may fortell the future of American design.

Luam Melake from New York is the mastermind behind the Listening Chair.

It’s genius; whoever sits in this seat can switch between four different positions, finding enduring comfort no matter the length of the conversation.

Cristina Moreno is from Los Angeles and her Mare Coffee Table is a true homage to nature.

Her hand-carved onyx surface is reminiscent of subtle ocean ripples as seen from above.

The resin-bonded Sand Chandeliers by Steven Haulenbeek, who is from Kalamazoo, Michigan, were high and white-lit against the ceiling. These chandeliers seem like a macro version of something micro you might find on the beach, washed ashore, battered from the sea, and gorgeous.

Marquel Williams is from Los Angeles. The Beam Lounger is inspired by the structural supports found in architectural buildings. Utility pairs with rigid industrialism here. Take a seat.

I like to think this collection got each one of these designers thinking beyond their comfort zone, finding a frontier, pushing a new edge. That is, after all, how the future is made.

Find more NeoCon 2025 3rings Show Coverage here.