“Buy me a phone booth”

In 2010, two employees at an IT agency were weary from listening as their boss talked on his phone non-stop in the middle of their open office. These two workers, one of whom was Samu Hällfors, the future founder & CEO of Framery, found that this environment made it almost impossible to concentrate on their work. The noise was preventing them from getting things done.

They brought the issue to their boss – asking him to take his calls somewhere that wouldn’t disturb the rest of the office. He simply laughed and responded, “Well, buy me a phone booth.”

The idea was brilliant – a phone booth that provides a dedicated space for calls in the open office. But the duo soon discovered that nothing like this really existed on the market. So the only option would be to build one themselves.

That day, they quit their jobs, leaving the IT sector and setting out to become experts in acoustics and workplace improvement. They started their own business and, with their former boss as their first client, built the world’s first office phone booth.

Framery was born. 

A global problem

The friends soon realized that they were on to something. They discovered that workplaces and offices around the world had been suffering from the same unresolved problem – constant noise and distractions throughout the workday.

Between phone calls, ad hoc meetings, and casual chatter, workers in open offices had become overwhelmed. This distracting background noise caused a significant loss of concentration and focus – which takes time and energy to regain. 

And as a result, workers everywhere were less productive, less creative, and not reaching their full potential.

A silent solution

The first prototypes were ambitious and underwhelming. However, through many years of research, developments in engineering, and engaging with customers, they created Framery O – a soundproof workspace with excellent acoustics and quiet ventilation. And the sixth-generation phone booth was a hit.

People using Framery products noticed improvements to their concentration, their comfort, and the functionality of their workplaces. Soon, offices everywhere, including Microsoft, SAP, and Deloitte were installing Framery O pods to provide privacy and support for their workers.

Framery products were sold in the thousands – and Framery O became the best-selling pod in the world.

An agile response

The success of Framery O led to the addition of Framery Q and 2Q – which provided additional privacy for meetings and teamwork, solving many of the problems facing offices at the time. But with a rapidly expanding market, and changing trends of work, it was clear that the future would bring new challenges. 

As our expertise grew, we learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every industry faces their own unique types of workplace challenges. Solutions for open offices do not necessarily function in a multi-purpose space. And offices must adapt to new ways of working at an increasing rate. 

Framery One was launched in 2021 – paving the way for a new generation of smart and soundproof office pods that adapt and respond to user needs. And in 2024, Framery One Compact, Framery Four, and Framery Six joined Framery One – completing the smart pod family, and improving working lives everywhere with advanced Workplace Technology that make it easier than ever to work from the office.

A successful future

Today, we create workplace solutions that help offices everywhere solve problems far beyond loud bosses and distracting phone calls. But the innovative spirit and passion for excellence that started us on this journey still drive us forward. 

As industry pioneers, we set the benchmark for workplace privacy solutions –  from the world’s first soundproof office pod, to our family of sophisticated smart pods. As leaders in workplace innovations, we have a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing workplaces around the globe. As experts in acoustics and engineering, we create high-quality, sustainable workplace solutions that address the unique demands of modern work.

We remain dedicated to setting new standards in quality and functionality. We remain focused on research and analysis of workplace trends. And we remain committed to developing solutions that support successful workdays – today and into the future.