The Top Office Design Trends Shaping Workplaces in 2026

Top Office Design Trends in 2026

When thinking about this year’s trends, the team and I looked back at the predictions from the previous year to see how many were realised in the projects we’d worked and supported on. The list below is a blend of existing trends that have evolved over the last 12 months, and emerging trends that we anticipate will take shape in 2026. These are:

1. Providing comfort and control
2. Encouraging movement
3. Embedding inclusivity
4. Elevating experience through activation
5. Building for adaption
   

In practice: designing for comfort and control

Paysafe’s London office demonstrates how powerful this can be in practice. Their workplace includes a dedicated quiet zone marked by curved wooden slats that define the boundary of the space without fully closing it off. This gives people the option to move away from the main desking area while still feeling connected to the wider floor.

The quiet zone mirrors the functionality of a typical workstation, but it offers far greater control. Users can adjust lighting and temperature to suit their needs, and the acoustic treatment helps to soften sound from the core working areas. These elements work together to give employees more agency over their environment, supporting focus, comfort and the confidence to choose the space that best suits their task at hand.

In practice: encouraging movement in the workplace

Photobox’s London HQ is a clear example of how this design principle can come to life. Their office spans four floors, each with a distinct purpose, and the basement operates as the main social hub visible from all levels above. By intentionally avoiding a full set of amenities on every floor, the design encourages people to travel between levels throughout the day. Additional internal staircases were introduced to strengthen connectivity and make these journeys feel intuitive rather than effortful.

This approach breaks the habit of nesting by giving people meaningful reasons to explore the space. It also helps social areas work harder, supporting everything from quick catch‑ups to larger gatherings, without falling into the trap of being purely decorative. Movement becomes part of the workday, which strengthens culture, improves communication and makes time in the office more purposeful.

In practice: a holistic approach to inclusivity

PRI’s London office demonstrates how inclusive design becomes stronger when shaped directly by users. Through a workplace consultancy process that engaged employee networks across disability, LGBTQ+, sustainability and wellbeing groups, PRI built a deep understanding of the diverse sensory and functional needs within their organisation. These conversations informed practical decisions, from the placement of quiet zones and the design of the wellness room to lighting tone, acoustic separation and the zoning that helps people navigate the space with confidence.

This level of engagement created a workplace where inclusive features feel natural rather than supplementary. Clear spatial cues, adjustable lighting, sit‑stand desking for all and a variety of sensory environments help users understand where they can work and how each space supports them. Design equity removes friction, strengthens belonging and ensures the workplace works for everyone, not just those with specific needs.

In practice: how to activate spaces

Moorhouse’s London office shows how activation can shape everyday behaviour. Their space was designed around a central spine of collaborative settings, but it’s the cultural onboarding and gentle behavioural cues that make these areas truly work. Teams are encouraged to use the forum-style seating for stand-ups and drop‑ins, while the open workshop benches became a natural home for project work.

Because people understand the purpose of each zone from day one, the space quickly developed its own rhythm. Activation turns design intent into lived experience, transforming a floorplan into a workplace that feels intuitive, energising and genuinely supportive.

In practice: adaptable workplaces

YouTube’s Creative Studio is a strong example of how this can work in practice. Their workspace is built around highly adaptable production, editing and collaboration areas that shift depending on campaign cycles and content needs. Modular furniture, mobile equipment, and flexible lighting rigs allow the team to reconfigure the environment quickly without specialist support. This adaptability gives YouTube the freedom to test new workflows, adjust room functions and scale creative activity without major intervention.

When a workplace can flex without disruption, teams feel more supported and businesses can make decisions with greater confidence. Adaptability becomes part of the workplace culture – a signal that the space is designed to grow with the organisation rather than hold it in place.

The workplace in 2026 will be defined by a shift in expectations. People want environments that feel supportive, intuitive and trustworthy, and businesses need spaces that can adapt as quickly as their teams and priorities evolve. The trends shaping this year all point toward the same goal: workplaces designed around behaviour, autonomy and long‑term relevance.

Comfort and control help people manage their energy. Movement and multi‑use areas strengthen culture and connection. Inclusive, equitable environments ensure everyone can navigate the space with confidence. Activation brings design intent to life, while strong Day One thinking protects the business against unnecessary disruption.

When these principles work together, the workplace becomes more than a setting – it becomes an active partner in performance. Organisations that invest in environments shaped around real behaviour and genuine user needs will feel the benefit through stronger engagement, clearer culture and a space that remains resilient for years to come.