AIS announces that Sophie Palma has joined the company’s central team as the Chicago showroom manager and designer. Palma’s selection is in conjunction with the exciting opening of the new AIS showroom, on the busy third floor of THE MART, that will welcome its first visitors on June 10 at NeoCon 2024.

Palma comes to AIS with a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas where she also received her bachelor’s in interior architecture and a minor in business. She also earned a certificate in architectural acoustics from the university, providing a well-rounded and solid foundation for the role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sophie to AIS and to our stunning new Chicago showroom,” stated Wendy Gricius, vice president for AIS’ central region. “Her skill set, enthusiasm, and commitment to service align with our values, and it comes at an exciting time for her and the company. We couldn’t be more delighted to open the doors of our new, beautifully designed showroom – and Sophie is the perfect host to enhance our visitors’ experiences.”

Palma’s most recent position was with Gensler where she completed a co-op during her work to complete her master’s degree. In that role, she collaborated on healthcare, higher ed, and workplace projects gaining a breadth of experience which supports the company’s goals. In addition, she was the primary technical designer producing construction documentation and leading marketing efforts for Gensler’s project award submissions.

As she prepares to welcome visitors to the third-floor showroom, Palma remarked, “When I learned about the exciting products the company offers, and those that are planned, visited the new showroom, and got a deeper glimpse into the organization’s culture, I knew immediately that AIS is where I want to be. This company is looking to the future with creativity, thoughtful planning, and exciting growth – attributes that I appreciate. I am proud to be a part of it and I can’t wait to open our showroom doors in Chicago.”

ABOUT AIS

AIS, headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, is a leading North American manufacturer of commercial office furniture and boasts one of the most impressive stories of growth and success in the furniture industry. Founded in 1989, the company whose sales exceed $250 million annually is known for offering market-relevant, feature-rich product lines that entice designers and support the diverse needs of end-users while offering exceptional value. AIS is an innovator that leads the industry in sustainable lean manufacturing, lead-time performance and manufacturing flexibility. AIS’s BIFMA-compliant products meet or exceed industry standards for safety and durability. Products also are SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold certified.

The company’s Leominster headquarters and manufacturing facility boasts a rooftop of more than 10,000 solar panels, returning 30 percent or more of energy used to the power grid. AIS has permanent showrooms at its Leominster headquarters and in Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. With these and other locations across the U.S., the company has over 1 million square feet of office, showroom and factory space. AIS’ more than 800 employees represent over 32 countries around the world and make AIS one of the largest and most diverse employers in central Massachusetts. Over the past five years, AIS has created more jobs in the region than any other company. AIS and its employees also lead in giving back to their communities; the Boston Business Journal has recognized AIS with its Corporate Citizenship Award annually since 2019. For more information, visit ais-inc.com.