How workplace designers are getting people back in the office

Rémi Calvayrac: The way we’re approaching projects is what’s changed the most. Previously we worked with specialized teams from one area of the client’s business. But now, managing the processes of stakeholder governance and decision making is more complex. We’re having to bring the whole organization to the table, and do extensive research, to deliver what’s required from a hybrid workplace perspective.

It's all because the office has become a strategic asset. What I mean is that organizations have realized the workplace is not just a fixed overhead and somewhere to put desks.

Adrian Davidson: I agree. Traditionally, departments such as IT, HR, and real estate were quite siloed. But companies have realized it needs to be like an orchestra – we’re playing different instruments, but we’ve all got to be playing the same tune to get the workplace functioning efficiently. Our role is to be the conductor, pulling everything together for the client.

Some firms were early adopters of flexible activity-based models, but COVID-19 fundamentally changed the way people work. Collaborating with both in-person and remote colleagues throughout the day is one of the biggest challenges. To support these seamless transitions to different types of work, we’re creating more dynamic spaces and using technology to support hybrid video meetings.

Levels of comfort and acoustics have also increased in importance. We’re all more sensitive to noise after working at home – so we’re introducing more soundproof booths or pods for calls or focused work.

Rémi Calvayrac: Companies are becoming less insular. They’re developing more of a sharing economy that considers social value. They’re seeking connections with local neighborhoods. For example, can we open our restaurant or gym to the public at evenings or weekends? It’s tricky, because of security issues, especially cyber security.

You can see the shift in the investor side, too, with many more mixed-use developments. Adaptability is crucial as we can’t predict the next 30 years, we need to plan for agility.

Adrian Davidson: Certainly there’s more mindfulness of sustainability, not designing spaces for single use and utilization of the circular economy - repurposing buildings, furniture and materials.

Companies have a willingness to be more inventive, they’re starting to engage and open up to show a friendly face to the city and the public. It’s more of a retail mindset that showcases brand.

We’re already working with some clients who want to use private spaces for public benefit and no doubt we’ll see more of that in future.