10 Office Design Ideas for a Future-Facing Workplace

In biophilic design, every detail counts – from the materials selected to the layout of the space. Materials should not only be natural but also sustainably sourced, reflecting an ecological consciousness that resonates with many of today’s employees and clients. For example, 55% of people in the UK told NielsenIQ that living sustainably is important for society.

The design should also consider how employees interact with the space, encouraging movement and providing diverse settings that cater to different needs and tasks – be it collaborative projects or solitary deep work.

Pushing the boundaries of biophilia in workplace design was one of the key principles for Matillion’s office. It was designed to enhance connectivity and mimic the terrain of the nearby Peak District, with meeting rooms set as ‘islands’ to ensure diverse and dynamic journeys through the space. This design strategy disrupts normal office routines, offering new pathways and discoveries much like a walk in a natural landscape.

You can embrace this by moving away from fixed desks with office partitions. Open layouts are a vital component of collaborative spaces. If partitions are necessary, consider screens or sliding walls for better adaptability. Additionally, providing reliable spaces in transitional areas enables businesses to support the ad-hoc needs of employees in their day-to-day tasks and interactions.

You can see many more important elements of collaborative workspace design in Trainline’s office. Collaborative spaces include meeting rooms, informal areas and high benches alongside individual desks – supporting different ways of working in the office. Functional areas like meeting rooms and whiteboard spaces have also been brought into the middle of the property, making them easily accessible for all employees situated around the perimeter.

Idea 6: Add a luxury tint with premium details

Not all office design ideas need to be complex. Some can be simple, like using high-quality finishes. Whether it is marble inlays or brass door handles, they demonstrate attention to detail and luxury by providing subtle focal points.

There are multiple benefits of this approach. Firstly, it adds a luxury tint to your brand, relating to the point above. Clients will link the premium elements of the office design to their impression of your brand, products and services. It also enhances the experiences for employees, resulting in better morale and potentially better productivity.

A great example of this is the Bear Capital office, where bespoke details were added throughout the building. Reeded glass and a textured backsplash finish have been hand-picked for their tactile appeal. Elsewhere, finer details like leather door handles add a refined finish. It is luxurious yet minimal, demonstrating how you can have a premium feel without going overboard.

Idea 8: Create a journey with wayfinding

If you want to move people through your office space, wayfinding is another fantastic source of office inspiration. It creates a clear user journey through your space for visitors or employees.

Wayfinding can be implemented using subtle details like colour. Take a look at the Toyota Connected office, for instance, which uses different coloured threads to guide people through their user experience.

LED lighting is another option, as seen at DP World’s office. A continuous strip of lighting supports guests as they navigate the space, from the waiting area and business lounge through the office, where models and artwork tell them more about the brand and its history.

Multi-functional social hubs are one of the most significant features to enhance employee engagement while ensuring the office remains optimised from a functional standpoint.

Social space should be the beating heart of the office, where employees can build relationships that ultimately drive the business forward. These spaces should serve the purpose of bringing people together, be it at an individual level or company-wide.

Think tea points that can adapt to hold all-hands meetings, or stairs that also function as an events space like at OwnBackup. With two floors in the building, they wanted employees to be able to move around without having to leave the office. As well as plenty of social space, their office includes a wellness and relaxation room with massage chairs and changing rooms to get ready at the office before evening social events.