Discover how Thread Lab supports designers with smarter tools, shared resources, and space for connection and creativity.
Designers are constantly balancing creativity with complexity. They’re juggling tight timelines, evolving client expectations, and a growing menu of materials—from performance fabrics to cutting-edge composites. What they need isn’t just more samples, it’s smarter tools, shared resources, and a physical space that fosters connection and experimentation.
That’s where Thread Lab comes in.
We sat down with Aimée Jean, our Director of Design, to talk about what inspired Thread Lab, how it’s changing the way our teams work, and why the physical environment still matters.
What was the inspiration behind Thread Lab, and how does it support the creative process?
Aimée: The rise of amenity-rich workplaces and highly tailored environments has brought with it a sharp increase in the use of ancillary furniture: think lounge settings, custom cabinetry, and hospitality-inspired spaces. These elements require a broader, more complex range of material selections, from textiles and laminates to metal finishes, stone, and paint. It’s not just about picking a fabric anymore, it’s about curating a full palette that’s functional, durable, and visually cohesive.
That challenge is what sparked Thread Lab. We needed a space that could support this expanded scope and serve as a hands-on, inclusive hub for the entire design team. By combining tactile access to materials with digital tools and a curated environment, Thread Lab helps teams move from idea to execution faster, all without sacrificing creativity.
Why is having a shared, open space like Thread Lab important for today’s design teams?
Aimée: As more firms move to hybrid and digital-first workflows, the traditional sample library has started to shrink. But design is still a deeply tactile, collaborative process. Having a central, open space like Thread Lab reintroduces that physical touchpoint. It’s a place where team members can get inspired together, swap ideas in real time, and collaborate. It’s a space that encourages spontaneous creativity, which is oftentimes hard to replicate through screens alone.
How does Thread Lab differ from a traditional sample library?
Aimée: Thread Lab was intentionally designed to be more than a place to store samples. Yes, we have the essential tools of a working library—finishes, swatches, binders—but we’ve layered in elements that elevate the experience and make it more intuitive, more engaging, and more relevant to how designers work today.
The space includes branded elements, a curated wall of accessible textile master sets, and an evolving collection of finish materials pulled directly from current specification trends. We’ve also introduced tools that make collaboration easier, like a high-res camera for photographing and sharing finish palettes across teams or with clients. It’s a place to create; not just collect.
How does Thread Lab stay fresh and relevant with weekly updates and curated materials?
Aimée: Thread Lab isn’t static. Every week, we refresh the library with curated selections based on data from recent projects, vendor insights, and emerging design trends. This keeps the space aligned with what our clients are asking for, and what’s next in the industry.
We also maintain a clear library protocol and guide so that materials are easy to navigate. Designers can walk in and know exactly where to find what they need or discover something new they didn’t expect. That mix of structure and surprise keeps the space dynamic.
Can you describe the impact of having a dedicated space for finish meetings and client collaboration?
Aimée: When we bring clients into Thread Lab, it becomes a collaborative experience. Clients can touch the materials, see how finishes look together in natural light, and take part in the process in a way that’s hands-on and empowering.
This not only builds trust, it also speeds up decisions. When people can see, touch, and compare options in real time, they feel more confident and invested in the direction. It leads to fewer revisions, faster approvals, and ultimately, better results.
What’s the value of having “Ready to Go” finish palettes and sample boxes available to designers?
Aimée: Time is one of the biggest pressures in design. That’s why we created a library of “Ready to Go” finish palettes and sample boxes: pre-curated collections that can be used as-is or serve as a creative jumping-off point. These are especially helpful for fast-track projects, client presentations, or when inspiration hits but the clock is ticking.
They save time, reduce decision fatigue, and ensure consistency across spaces. But they also help spark new ideas. Designers often use them to remix and customize, building off a solid foundation to create something uniquely suited to the client.
How do the presentation tools in Thread Lab elevate the way designers and clients interact with ideas?
Aimée: At the center of this space is a stunning 135-inch LED wall, paired with an Epson Document Camera and Barco ClickShare for easy, wireless sharing. Designers can zoom in on physical fabric and finish samples and show them in detail on the big screen, helping clients make more confident decisions. The ClickShare system makes it simple to share from any device, plus, it can show content from two sources side by side, like floorplans next to material options. The Thread Lab also connects with Microsoft Teams so remote teams can join in, see everything clearly, and collaborate in real-time. To complement the tech, we’ve also included pin-up space and whiteboards giving teams room to ideate, sketch, and build on ideas together.
How does the inclusion of both Steelcase and open-line vendors influence the design process?
Aimée: We believe in working with the best tools available, and that means blending the power of Steelcase with a curated selection of open-line vendors. Having access to both gives designers the flexibility to meet a wide range of client needs, budgets, and aesthetic goals.
It also encourages creative exploration. We’re not boxed into a single brand—we can experiment, mix materials, and deliver solutions that are as strategic as they are beautiful. And because we maintain strong relationships with our vendor partners, we can trust the quality, availability, and performance of the products we recommend.
What do you hope designers take away from their time in Thread Lab?
Aimée: My hope is that designers leave Thread Lab feeling more inspired, more confident, and more connected to their work. Whether they’re sourcing materials for a client meeting, brainstorming a new concept, or just exploring for the sake of curiosity, I want the space to feel like a creative playground.
We’ve built it to encourage tactile discovery, because sometimes, the feel of a textile or the tone of a finish under natural light can spark a whole new idea. It’s about fostering creative momentum and making space for designers to think differently, explore fearlessly, and fall in love with the process all over again.
Come See it In Person!
Thread Lab was created to support the entire design journey: from inspiration to specification. It’s a place where great ideas take shape, where collaboration happens naturally, and where our designers can experiment with confidence. In a world that’s increasingly digital, it reminds us why physical space, and physical materials, still matter.
Want to see how it all comes to life? Reach out to bosthreadlab@red-thread.com to stop by, explore the space, and get your hands on the materials shaping the future of workplace design.
Aimée Jean, IIDA, NCIDQ | Director of Design
617.794.8649
ajean@red-thread.com
With 20 years of experience in both design and project management roles, Aimee has an in-depth understanding of every facet of the furniture industry. She loves using knowledge to collaborate with clients and partners to develop progressive design solutions that support & promote their business goals and culture.
In her current position as Director of Design at Red Thread, she leads the design team to drive our collective creative success and grow the role of the dealer designer. She’s passionate about sharing valuable design knowledge and insights with my employees, clients, and industry peers.
She’s passionate about her work and always eager to connect with others to discuss creative workplace solutions. Aimee joined Red Thread in 2011.
