Editor’s Note: We asked TPG Architecture to weigh in on current workplace trends by using specific projects that they’ve worked on. This is Q&A with the team tackles many questions designers and their customers are asking.
Amidst the rise of hybrid work, attracting staff back to the office has become the focus for companies worldwide. How can design effectively draw employees back to the office and enhance their work experience?
Maggie Giaccone, NCIDQ, Senior Associate: A successful approach to designing for a hybrid workplace recognizes that everyone has a unique work style, and a traditional desk setup may not suit everyone. As a result, designers have embraced a variety of warm materials, textures, and hospitality-style furniture to accommodate these newer configurations and create a sense of comfort. By creating environments that cater to diverse work styles, designers ensure that all employees can immerse themselves in spaces that inspire and support their individual needs, ultimately boosting productivity and satisfaction.
We took this approach with our project for French spirits group Rémy Cointreau, integrating organic textures and natural elements into the design. We positioned an inviting bar space near the entrance with a range of seating options—from bar stools to plush lounge chairs—ideal for work, meetings, and evening events. Adjacent pantries provide essential amenities for gatherings on the terrace, transforming the office into a multifunctional space. In the corner lounge, employees can take breaks, brainstorm ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations, further fostering Rémy Cointreau’s collaborative culture.
What design elements can make an office space more appealing to employees?
Samantha McCormack, Managing Executive, RA, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP: We’ve seen a big shift away from the minimalist, white-on-white office environments of the early 2000s and toward greater emphasis on design elements that bring joy back into the workplace in a refined way. Vibrant colors, cozy upholstery, and bold wall coverings provide a balance between comfort and visual interest without overwhelming the professional domain.
On one recent project, our team experimented with single-color rooms and gradient color walls to create dynamic and stimulating spaces to work in. These rooms serve as a conversation piece, which can help make the office experience more engaging. Incorporating these elements into conference rooms or common areas can transform them into focal points that break up the monotony of traditional office spaces. On a smaller scale, accents, such as bright pillows or unique art pieces, can add a layer of softness and vibrancy while remaining easy to update or replace.
What types of amenities are being integrated?
Santanna Cowan, Senior Associate, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP: Across the board, we are integrating amenities that boost productivity and enhance physical and mental well-being to attract and retain talent. For example, at Cohen & Steers, we have incorporated tech-free rooms for recharging, staircases as central design features to encourage more active work patterns, and a variety of work areas and seating options with access to daylight and views, providing employees with choice and control over their work environments.
The addition of enclosed phone booths, flexible collaborative furniture, quiet work rooms, and video presence rooms with integrated technology, allow employees to choose their workspaces based on personal preferences and needs. This flexibility is crucial in enticing employees back to the office. Additionally, intentional planning for future growth throughout the office allows for adaptation and evolution based on how the space is used over time. Modular furniture, for example, allows for easy reconfiguration as headcount grows or needs change, and scalable tech infrastructure can help ensure a more seamless transition to new upgrades or platforms. This strategy allows the workplace to respond to changing needs and preferences, further facilitating the attraction and retention of talent.
How do you address the challenge of balancing quiet and social spaces in the workplace to accommodate the diverse needs of neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals?
Ricardo Nabholz, Managing Associate and Studio Creative Director: As employees transition back to the office after months of remote work, many find the shift from their quiet home environments to bustling, office spaces designed for collaboration overwhelming – and the solitude they enjoyed at home is now being factored into their workplace experience.
To address this challenge, we’ve been designing alonement-friendly spaces, which go beyond traditional phone booths. It’s like “the smoke break for the era of people who don’t smoke,” reflecting the shift in how and where employees decompress. These spaces may look like inviting library nooks, discreet speakeasies, or serene greenhouse areas filled with plants allowing employees, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, to step away from the office buzz and reset.
At Brookfield Oaktree Capital Management, the new layout features no private offices, making it crucial to integrate breaks in the plan for quiet and privacy. We enclosed and repurposed an interior elevator bank into a corridor of booths and greenery, creating areas where workers can retreat and recharge. By thoughtfully balancing quiet and social spaces, we are not only enhancing employee well-being but also fostering a more adaptable and inclusive workplace.
How can creating a more personalized workplace environment impact a company’s ability to attract and retain top talent?
Samantha McCormack, Managing Executive, RA, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP: Humanizing the office and focusing on what makes employees feel valued, rather than looking just at functionality, will set companies apart in the hybrid work era. Allowing moments for personalization can help in ensuring current and future employees are happy and engaged.
Personalization can mean the integration of comfortable furniture and thoughtful details like convenient charging stations, personal storage solutions, or other unexpected conveniences that contribute to a more human-centric experience. These small touches not only address practical needs but also improve the workday, making employees feel appreciated and like their needs are being met. Humanizing the workplace is also about building creativity and connection. By infusing the office with features that spark joy, companies can transform a typical work environment into one where employees sense genuine care and investment, ultimately enhancing their daily routine and overall workplace satisfaction.
How have designers addressed the needs of working mothers in today’s workplace environment?
Suzette Subance, Managing Executive, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP: Considerations that address the unique needs of working mothers are key to retaining women in the workforce. Wellness rooms that offer space for breastfeeding or pumping continue to be popular, but we’re also seeing more dedicated privacy suites that offer not only the sterilization and storage equipment necessary for a lactation room, but also ergonomic seating and work set-ups. This enhanced functionality allows working mothers to manage their personal needs without feeling rushed to return to their desks, which can make a difference in their day-to-day work lives.
This holistic approach—combining thoughtful design with operational flexibility—helps create a more inclusive and attractive environment for staff returning to the office after maternity or medical leave and eases the discomfort associated with the transition.
Hybrid workplaces have introduced a range of new employee-focused amenities and design considerations, but how are client-facing spaces being addressed? What design strategies are being used to enhance areas tailored to clients?
Suzette Subance, Managing Executive, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP: Today, many hybrid companies no longer require as many desks as they once did. This shift is leading to post-pandemic renovations that prioritize engaging client entertainment and meeting zones. Consequently, the focus is on what makes a great client-facing space, and how much of the office program should be dedicated to these areas to maintain a competitive edge. From jewel-box entryways and stylish lounges to dynamic conference rooms, many of the offices we have been designing emphasize these front-of-house spaces that reflect the company’s brand and leave a lasting impression on clients.
This evolution is exemplified in McCann Worldgroup’s redesigned workplace. The new design emulates the feeling of stepping into a five-star hotel, with an ambiance that extends to both visitors and employees. The café and new business area, inspired by the Whitney Museum, radiate a clean and warm charm, offering an inviting environment for external clients. This design approach not only enhances the client experience but also aligns seamlessly with the firm’s brand identity and values.
What are some surprising or trending spaces you’re seeing in today’s hybrid workplaces, and how do they enhance employee satisfaction and collaboration?
Santanna Cowan, Senior Associate, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP: In addition to some of the things we’ve mentioned, we’re also seeing the rise of VR spaces for immersive meetings and virtual coworking to allow employees to feel more connected, regardless of location. Innovation hubs and interactive media rooms are also gaining traction, supporting both in-person and remote collaboration and thereby enhancing creative work. Advanced hybrid meeting rooms also help to ensure seamless participation for remote attendees, utilizing tools like 360-degree cameras and spatial audio to create an inclusive experience for all.
Furthermore, tech bars offering in-office IT assistance, tech vending, and collaboration zones make support both accessible and engaging. Neighborhood drop-off zones with lockers, package drop-off, and hydration stations are also becoming essential for mobile employees, offering seamless transitions between work environments. Lastly, hybrid workplaces are fostering community through social spaces, concierge services, biophilic solarium areas, and even company stores—all aimed at making the office feel more like a destination than an obligation.