WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS 2025
Photography © Adam Grzesik
A look ahead
There are many driving forces that will shape workplace trends in 2025 and beyond. Amongst them evolving working patterns, ongoing advances in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), raised awareness around diversity and inclusivity, and greater emphasis on sustainability and designing for circularity. Here are the six key trends we expect to see on the back of these factors.
Beatriz Gonzalez Head of Workplace Interiors
Focus on Community, Collaboration And Wellbeing
The Drive to Accommodate Neurodiversity
Hybrid and Hospitality-Inspired Offices
Championing Circularity
Tech-Enabled Sustainability
The Rise of Retrofit
Focus on Community, Collaboration And Wellbeing
In the wake of hybrid and remote working, workplaces are no longer viewed simply as functional spaces, but as important social hubs, designed to fulfil our basic need for human interaction. As a result, workspaces are increasingly valued for their ability to shape the overall employee experience, and to reflect and reinforce organisational values and company culture. As such, creating spaces which offer
opportunities for engagement and collaboration will continue to be a key trend in 2025. In line with this, we expect the focus on wellbeing to continue, which can translate to anything from spaces for wellness classes and meditation and mothers rooms to the provision of medical facilities and amenities such as in-house dry cleaning services.
The Drive to Accommodate Neurodiversity
In 2025, a successful office environment is one that offers a variety of work settings so that every employee can feel supported and thrive at work. It is vital therefore for businesses to ensure the workplace is inclusive, tailoring it to meet the needs of the workforce, taking considerations for neurodiversity into account. As a workplace designer this means taking an informed and thoughtful approach to sensory design. A focus that we are already noticing, and one that we expect to see growing, is an increased trend on
the customisation of elements such as lighting, colour and noise exposure.
Of course, the best approach to creating an inclusive workspace is to engage with end users at the design stage, and we expect to see more designers harnessing digital tools to gain a greater understanding of user requirements. This data can be used to inform design decisions and ensure both operational and end user needs are met.
Photography © Adam Grzesik
Photography © Philip Durrant
Championing Circularity
In workplace design today, it is crucial to transition from talking about sustainability to actively embracing it. The impact of hybrid working means organisations are looking for even shorter-term leases, so they have the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of their workforce and future proof against economic challenges. The repetitive fittingout of workplaces is an incredibly cost and carbon hungry process. In response, the industry is looking towards innovative solutions, to ensure workspaces are flexible enough to adapt to future need.
We expect to see designers increasingly adopt holistic approaches that prioritise the re-use and repurposing of materials and products. In addition to designing with the end-of-life in mind, the use of material passports is also becoming more important, allowing businesses to track and manage the lifecycle of products effectively. Manufacturers are also starting to onboard takeback schemes, offering second-life products, to support a more sustainable, circular economy. This shift in mindset not only helps to reduce our environmental footprint but also fosters a future where sustainability can be ingrained into every aspect of a workspace’s lifespan.
Hybrid and Hospitality-Inspired Offices
As with other sectors, there is an increasing focus on providing a rich array of amenities at groundfloor level, creating spaces that generate additional value for landlords and developers. Co-working spaces are becoming increasingly desirable as they encourage collaboration and networking while creating opportunities to share resources and cost. These spaces can include cafes, and communal areas designed for training, presentations, and conferences. As well as making our buildings more
efficient, 24-hour spaces, incorporating thoughtfully designed shared amenities also creates opportunities to foster meaningful connections with local communities.
Photography © Billy Bolton
Tech-Enabled Sustainability
Technology has evolved beyond just being a tool for designers; tech such as AI and digital twin now plays a crucial role in assisting with the ongoing management of buildings, including predictive maintenance and optimising energy efficiency.
Once a building is complete, these systems can assist organisations in managing their properties more effectively by simulating real-world scenarios that help track sustainability goals, forecast running costs, and ensure operational objectives are met. As a result, in 2025 we look forward to seeing workplace sustainability standards being met with greater efficiency, and ease.
The Rise of Retrofit
In London alone, 60% of the existing office stock have an EPC rating of C or lower. As we approach 2030, adapting existing buildings to meet future demands is becoming increasingly vital to reduce carbon, ensure that buildings remain functional and compliant with evolving standards, and are equipped to meet the growing needs of diverse industries. Without retrofitting, many buildings will become stranded assets. These transformations not only address space requirements but also provide a solution to achieve future sustainability
targets. Creating opportunity for truly one-of-akind workspaces that can both be unique to, and help set an organisation apart while extending the life and relevance of existing buildings for many years to come.