There are soooooo many predictions about what the future office is going to look like, how often people will work from there and the newly discovered importance of having a physical space that employees can work from and its affect on company culture. We by no means have all the answers, but have an idea of what the future will look like- and it’s unique, flexible and bright! Read on for more…
After countless webinars, talks and articles in prominent magazines like WSJ and The New Yorker it’s clear that the office will never look the same. And honestly, for that, we are grateful. Yes GRATEFUL! After working from home for over a year and enjoying some of the benefits like no commute and the personal comfort that a home provides versus an office, it’s clear that it is time for change.
In terms of design, we believe the pendulum will swing even more towards “Resimercial”. Offices will become more like Soho Houses with flexible spaces and hot desks whose main purpose will be a social hub for employees to meet IRL, collaborate and socialize (everything we don’t have now). The absence of this has made it all the more clearer just how important this is- for company culture, productivity and employee wellbeing. Another point we want to make as it relates to design is the need for warmer, more comfortable offices that mimic the comfort of home and don’t feel cold and sterile. Everyone has gotten so used to the comfort that WFH brings that they will want this in the future office.
In terms of scheduling, for smaller businesses we envision two to three set days a week where employees will come to the office and the remainder will be from home. This ensures that no one feels left out if say 5 employees are in the office and one is working from home. For larger companies, we believe employees will be able to come and go as they please with social activities planned or all hands on deck meetings where everyone will attend.
The most surprising thing about this year of WFH is just how important the office is- especially for our personal well-being. Getting dressed and leaving to go to work outside the home has a new excitement and value around it. As does socializing with colleagues throughout the day and enjoying those spontaneous interactions that we all miss right now. People are lonely, and the office is a way to bring everyone together in community which is all something we could use right now.
OUR MOST RECENT OFFICE DESIGN PROJECT
This sunny, light filled office in the heart of Union Square, NYC was a beautiful collaboration with our client- The NRP Group. Our contact for the project was Jonathan Gertman, NRP’s VP of Development and is his trust in us and his goal of making the space an inspiring experience for employees made this a dream project. The ease of collaboration can be seen in the final outcome- a complete success. Check out our feature in Commercial Observer and a full project overview on our site.
Gala Magriñá Design works with clients that understand the importance of creating a beautiful space and want to work with a no-nonsense design team that is able to clearly chart the best way forward. What separates or approach from other designers is our extensive knowledge of how people live and how best to create a customized space that nurtures that. We aim to merge cool and beautiful interiors with a holistic, mindful and intuitive approach to design that results in powerful, healthy spaces that elevate and transform people’s lives. For more information please visit galamagrinadesign.com.