The evolution of office design
Over the last 25 years, office design has undergone a major transformation – the result of a rethink of what a workspace is and who it’s for. Today’s offices are no longer simply seen as workplaces and that’s something which is reflected in their interior designs. Having delivered office fit-outs for the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed this shift first hand. To mark our 25th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at how the office has evolved over the years.
Open-plan workspaces herald a collaborative culture
In the early 2000s the trend for open plan layouts came to define the office sector, seeing rows of desks in large open spaces replacing individual cubicles and private enclosed office spaces. Office interior design was, for the most part, driven by functionality.
By the mid‑2010s, designers started experimenting with softer materials, warmer palettes and more varied spatial layouts. Over time, as technology untethered people from their desks, workplaces began to open up and so we started to see the introduction of collaboration zones, breakout areas and informal meeting spaces.
The rise of hybrid working accelerated demand for versatile spaces designed around different styles of work and collaboration, transforming the office in ways we could not have anticipated 25 years ago.
The rise of the resimercial trend
One of the most popular trends in recent years is resimercial design – the blending of residential comfort with commercial functionality. Think cosy nooks, café‑style seating, barista‑quality coffee points and even gym‑inspired end of trip facilities. These elements create a ‘home‑away‑from‑home’ feel that supports both productivity and wellbeing.
This shift reflects a broader cultural change: people expect workplaces to feel welcoming, intuitive and adaptable. The office is no longer a rigid environment, rather it should be designed to be fluid and match the different needs of its users.
Nature, texture and tactility take centre stage
Biophilic design has moved from a new trend to a core staple of office design – in fact the majority of projects we’ve worked on recently include some biophilic elements. And it’s not just a ‘nice to have’, research has shown that natural elements from planters to living walls, can boost wellbeing, creativity and focus. Organic materials and earthy colour palettes also help to soften interiors and reconnect people with nature.
Alongside this, designers have embraced texture: ribbed panels, reeded finishes, curved forms and tactile timber profiles appear across receptions, meeting pods and feature walls. These details add depth and character, elevating even minimalist spaces and taking office design to the next level, transforming it from pure functionality.
ESG continues to reshape today’s office
Perhaps the most significant shift in recent years is the integration of ESG principles into workplace design. Sustainability has increasingly become a core driver influencing choice of materials and even manufacturing processes, taking into account the long‑term impact of such materials on the environment. Clients are placing greater emphasis on responsibly sourced products such as recycled materials to reduce the embedded carbon of their projects.
In addition to sustainable design, incorporating elements such as end of trip facilities, inclusive washrooms, accessible layouts and wellbeing‑focused zones also play a central role in meeting ESG goals to ensure offices are open and accessible to all. The most effective offices are built with its users in mind, adapted to meet their needs.
Over the last few years, we’ve been involved in creating versatile design-led workplaces that prioritise the needs of office staff which demonstrate how thoughtful joinery, sustainable materials and bespoke detailing can transform the way teams work and interact.
We’ve seen it all over the last 25 years! Speak to our team today to see how we can work together on your next office fit-out project.
