A Strategic Hire to Design the Future of Work

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – December 04, 2025 – In a move that signals a deeper strategic focus on the evolving workplace, Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, a key player in Omni Workspace's portfolio, has appointed Jessica Volkenant as its new Regional Vice President of Sales for the Minneapolis market. While leadership changes are common, this appointment is a telling indicator of how established industry leaders are positioning themselves not just for growth, but for relevance in an era of profound disruption in commercial design.

Volkenant’s arrival, effective December 2, 2025, is about more than filling a leadership vacancy. It represents a deliberate bet on deep, nuanced experience to navigate a market grappling with the long-term impacts of hybrid work, a flight to quality in commercial real estate, and a growing demand for human-centric, sustainable environments.

The Bet on Proven Experience

In an industry where success is measured by the ability to translate abstract trends into tangible, functional spaces, experience is a critical currency. Jessica Volkenant brings over two decades of it, with a background spanning contract furniture, interior design, and account management. This isn't just a resume; it's a deep well of institutional knowledge that Atmosphere is tapping to fortify its position in its home market of Minneapolis.

Her mandate is clear: guide the sales team, drive growth strategies, and ensure a memorable client experience. According to Jeff Anderson, Executive Vice President of Sales, the choice was intentional. "Jessica brings years of proven success in the commercial interiors industry with a career trajectory that exemplifies growth, direction, and results," Anderson stated. "Jessica is known for her strong revenue generation focus, her ability to build lasting client relationships, and her strategic approach to business development."

This emphasis on strategic development and client relationships is crucial. The modern sales process for commercial interiors is less about transactions and more about long-term consultation. Clients in corporate, healthcare, and education sectors are no longer just buying desks and chairs; they are investing in environments that attract talent, foster well-being, and enhance productivity. Anderson’s confidence that Volkenant will "elevate our market presence" and "strengthen our A&D market engagement" underscores the expectation that she will act as a bridge between the company's capabilities and the complex needs of architects, designers, and facility managers.

Navigating a Market in Profound Transition

Volkenant steps into her role at a pivotal moment for the commercial interiors industry. The post-pandemic workplace is still taking shape, forcing companies to rethink the very purpose of the office. The dominant trend is a move away from static, uniform layouts toward dynamic, flexible ecosystems that support a hybrid workforce. This includes creating a balance of collaborative zones, quiet areas for focused work, and technologically integrated spaces that seamlessly connect remote and in-office employees.

As one of the country's largest dealers for Steelcase, a leader in workplace research and product innovation, Atmosphere is well-positioned to address this shift. The challenge lies in execution—guiding clients through the complex process of reimagining their physical footprint. This is where leadership becomes paramount. It requires a sales approach grounded in empathy and deep understanding of organizational psychology, not just product specifications.

Furthermore, sustainability has shifted from a niche interest to a core business imperative. The demand for eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and recycled metals, coupled with biophilic design principles that integrate natural light and greenery, is reshaping project requirements. These designs are proven to enhance employee well-being and productivity, making them a smart investment for forward-thinking organizations. Volkenant’s team will be tasked with communicating the long-term value of these human-centric and environmentally conscious designs, moving the conversation beyond initial cost to long-term return on investment.

Minneapolis: A Resilient Hub of Opportunity

While national trends provide the context, the appointment is firmly rooted in the specific dynamics of the Minneapolis market. The Twin Cities region boasts a resilient and diverse economy, home to 16 Fortune 500 companies and a thriving ecosystem of healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing firms. Despite national conversations about the decline of downtowns, Minneapolis is actively pursuing revitalization.

The city's commercial real estate market is currently defined by a "flight to quality," where companies are abandoning dated, amenity-poor buildings in favor of modern, well-equipped spaces that can entice employees back to the office. This creates a significant opportunity for a firm like Atmosphere. While office vacancy rates have been steady, the simultaneous growth in the region's industrial, retail, and healthcare sectors provides a diverse landscape for new projects.

Atmosphere's deep roots in Minneapolis give it a home-field advantage. Volkenant's role will be to leverage that advantage, deepening relationships within the local business community and capitalizing on the ongoing economic diversification and urban renewal efforts. Her success will depend on her team's ability to provide sophisticated solutions not only for corporate headquarters but also for the specialized needs of healthcare facilities prioritizing patient well-being and educational institutions designing the classrooms of the future.

The Omni Workspace Growth Playbook

Zooming out, this strategic hire is a clear reflection of the growth strategy employed by Atmosphere's parent company, Omni Workspace. Omni operates as a holding company, curating a portfolio of brands—including Aurora Procurement Solutions for hospitality and Meso Built for prefabricated construction—to offer clients comprehensive, end-to-end facility solutions.

Omni’s playbook isn't about micromanagement; it's about strategic enablement. By investing in strong, experienced leaders for its individual brands, it empowers them to dominate their respective market segments. The recent expansion of its portfolio through acquisitions and new brand launches demonstrates a clear ambition to be a one-stop partner for organizations undertaking complex facility projects.

Volkenant herself seems to embrace this vision. "I've always been impressed with the reputation Atmosphere has built in our industry, and now I'm looking forward to being a powerful brand ambassador for them," she noted. This statement highlights an understanding that her role extends beyond sales targets; it’s about championing the brand's value proposition within the broader ecosystem that Omni is building. As companies increasingly seek integrated partners who can manage everything from procurement to installation, having strong, credible leaders at the helm of each service line becomes a powerful competitive differentiator. This appointment is a calculated move to ensure that as the future of commercial spaces is designed, Atmosphere is holding the pen.