We’ve popped the champagne and have swept away the good and the bad of last year to make room for new beginnings in 2025. In the midst of an ever-evolving world of technology, culture and behavior changes, one thing remains constant: the need for spaces that connect us, empower us, and help us reflect the values we hold. Amid the buzz about the ‘future of work’ and ‘design trends,’ three powerful themes stand out—ones that should shape our decisions and which we cannot ignore in 2025:
Creating Experiences Over Things
The holidays are a perfect example of overconsumption. Do we need another t-shirt or air fryer gadget in our home? Probably not. We need thoughtful experiences and personal connection, just like in today’s spaces and workplaces. Whether it’s the experience employees have while interacting together or the experiences that leaders, manufacturers and designers bring to their colleagues and clients, human connection is at the core. Trends fade, technology ages, materials deteriorate, but impactful encounters and meaningful relationships will endure.
Does that mean that beautifully engaging spaces with interactive technology, adaptive architecture, and flexible acoustic lounge pieces to encourage connection don’t matter? Absolutely not. People still need highly equipped work areas for focus and efficiency. Spaces set the stage, but culture must thrive through the conversations and experiences of its people.
If workplace leadership views lively interactions in cafe spaces or working crisscross on sofas as unproductive, it undermines the very purpose of flexible design and risks leaving spaces underutilized. This balance requires more than just thoughtful design—it demands intentional change management and building a culture where people have autonomy and feel respected and empowered.
Gensler’s “10 Workplace Trends for 2025” authored by Janet PogueMcLaurin and Louis Schump, emphasize this, stating, “Immersive experiences engage all the senses, drawing individuals into narratives that resonate personally and leave a lasting impact.” Today’s best spaces are defined by how they make people feel connected, through both thoughtful design and a supportive culture.
Prioritizing Equitable Spaces
Equity remains a top priority, as IIDA highlighted with its “Collective Design Special Series: The State of EDI”, ranked as their number one Most-Read Articles of 2024. This 3-part series webinar included industry leaders from HOK, DLR Group, IA Interior Architects, Perkins & Will, and other educators and industry veterans who reinforced the importance of including the voices of all people and design’s potential to improve communities and society.
Are our teams truly representative of the diverse clients and communities we serve? Are we embracing diverse perspectives over one-size-fits-all solutions? Are we leveraging technology to invite more people to the table and create a level playing field in both design processes and spaces? It’s encouraging seeing neurodiversity awareness, universal design, WELL, and IIDA’s EDI conversations shaping the design process with purpose and impact. This commitment to prioritizing people over processes and authenticity over appearances ensures that equity initiatives leave a lasting impact.
Turning Values into Action
Today’s clients are more informed and discerning than ever. They’re not just looking for statements about sustainability or equity—they’re looking for these beliefs to be put into action. According to a study by LinkedIn, 87% of US respondents stated that they would not work for an organization that does not share their values.
Companies that merely market values without living them risk losing credibility and trust. Greenwashing and culturewashing? No, thank you. A company’s core values must resonate through its people and be visible in design, culture, and every interaction—spoken or unspoken. In 2025, let’s talk less and do more.
I’m excited to carry these principles into my new role as Director of Design Strategy at OFS. I’ve started by listening intently—to the sales team, the design community, and to challenges and opportunities within the industry. I’m eager to connect with talented designers who share a passion for making an impact and designing for positive human values. By understanding the needs of my role and uncovering important industry values, I am eager to take new leaps and initiate meaningful and actionable strategies. What truly matters is not what we say but the actions we take.
With the corks popped and the New Year in full swing, 2025 invites us to carry the energy of new beginnings into everything we do and design. As the world evolves, it’s clear that spaces are more than just a collection of walls and furniture—they are a living expression of who we are and aspire to be. We cannot ignore the need for creating experiences over things, prioritizing equitable spaces, and turning values into action. The spaces we create can be anchors of connection and progress. Cheers to a fresh new start, and a continued effort to raise the bar.
Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind. IIDA, is an interior designer, published children’s book author, advocate for equity in the workplace, and Director of Design Strategy at OFS. With a passion for helping people and designing for human needs, Maria strives to make a positive impact on the world through her work and mentorship. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman