Designing the future of work: 100 years of König + Neurath

Working environments have evolved dramatically over recent decades, shaped by a series of transformative moments that have challenged conventional ideas about office design. König + Neurath, a family-owned company established in 1925, has played a key role in this evolution, producing office furniture and systems entirely in Germany while offering integrated solutions for modern workplaces. Each piece of furniture and every office configuration is designed to be both intuitive and dynamic, reflecting the understanding that past solutions may not meet the demands of the future.

The company specialises in creating spaces where individuals and teams can feel supported and energised. Its designs combine efficiency and productivity with human-centred principles, aligning physical ergonomics with behavioural patterns. By harmonising furniture, spatial layouts and work processes, König + Neurath aims to foster collaboration, creativity and employee wellbeing, enabling organisations to maximise both performance and satisfaction.

From its origins as a small joinery, the company quickly focused on workspace design, quietly innovating alongside global movements such as Bauhaus and Art Deco. Today it is recognised as a leading provider of office furniture and room systems, producing bespoke pieces as well as extended series. Each project is individually tailored to a client’s needs, mapping the entire office journey from analysis and planning through production and long-term service while connecting disciplines and sharing knowledge to anticipate the workplaces of tomorrow.

Each product of König + Neurath can be adapted to the individual customer requirements. By creating a roadmap for the entire office journey that encompasses analysis, planning and production, through to long-term service, the company connects people and disciplines. The design and production of König + Neurath’s systems are centred at its headquarters in Karben, Germany, with additional showrooms across the country and representation in France, England, Austria, Belgium/Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The company employs more than 850 people, many of whom stay with the organisation for an average of 16 years, contributing their expertise to bringing each new working environment to life.

The 90,000sqm production facility in Karben serves as a model of modern office production, incorporating specialised zones for wood and metal processing, fabric cutting, sewing and assembly. Lean principles guide the workflow, supported by advanced digital processes, including a fully automated high-bay warehouse and collaborating cobots. This combination of human skill and technological innovation ensures high-quality outputs while maintaining efficient delivery timelines.

König + Neurath’s holistic approach extends beyond furniture to encompass the full office environment, integrating design, production and service into a cohesive system. By balancing functionality, aesthetics and employee wellbeing, the company continues to set benchmarks for modern office design – shaping workplaces that meet the evolving needs of individuals, teams and organisations around the world.

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