20/09/2024, London - Spacestor marked a major milestone with the 50th episode of Insights Live, its renowned discussion series that gathers leading architects, designers, and workplace professionals to explore the future of work. This episode featured prominent voices from the industry, delivering expert opinions on current challenges and emerging trends shaping the workplace.

Lewis Barker, Director of Global Strategy, Innovation, and Transformation at ServiceNow, opened the discussion by introducing his concept of the “Experience Equation,” which focuses on the interplay between people, place, and technology in designing hybrid workspaces. He emphasized that, in a rapidly evolving work landscape, businesses must tailor environments to specific employee needs, ensuring a human-centered design that fosters productivity and culture. Barker also highlighted the role of AI and technology, advocating for data-driven solutions that make spaces more adaptive and efficient.

Next, Collin Burry, Principal and Design Director at Gensler, explored insights from Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey. Burry stressed the need for diversity in workspace design to accommodate a wide range of employee preferences. He revealed that top-performing organizations often offer varied spaces, such as areas for relaxation, collaboration, and focus. He also addressed generational differences, noting that while each age group values different aspects of the workplace, there are overarching similarities in what makes an office environment attractive.

James Kerrigan, Principal of Design and Strategy at Jacobs, took a forward-looking approach, predicting the evolution of workplaces over the next 25 years. He painted a picture of offices transforming into more flexible, experience-driven spaces — comparing future offices to "Swiss-army knives" that serve multiple functions. He argued that the office should offer more than just a place to work, but instead deliver unique experiences that are not replicable at home.

Shifting focus to inclusivity, Don Watson, SVP of Global Real Estate, Facilities, and EH&S at Oracle, presented Oracle's commitment to universal design. He discussed how thoughtful design that embraces cultural and regional diversity enhances both employee engagement and productivity. Watson provided examples from Oracle’s global portfolio, sharing how inclusive design principles have been implemented to ensure accessibility and a welcoming environment for all employees.

Concluding the panel, Lindsay Wilson, President of Corgan, addressed the concept of the “Magnetic Office,” identifying what attracts employees to a workplace and keeps them coming back. Wilson emphasized that a successful office must go beyond function, offering spaces that create moments of delight, promote belonging, and provide privacy when needed. She explained that these principles help companies create environments that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant with employees.

The 50th Insights Live was a resounding success, providing valuable takeaways for workplace professionals and setting the stage for future conversations. Spacestor continues to lead the dialogue on the future of work as we all navigate an evolving workplace scene and define the office space of today.

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About Spacestor – Spacestor is the creator of architectural, space-defining furniture that seamlessly blends California cool with London Design. With a legacy spanning three decades, Spacestor first established itself as a key innovator of workspace furniture and design thinking in the United Kingdom, but today, the company holds offices in London, Manchester, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City - giving them a unique position to observe and learn from some of the most creative and successful global companies. From their long-term engagements with clients like Google, JP Morgan, and Pfizer, Spacestor knows how a sustainable workspace environment drives organizational goals, whether building great team culture in a hybrid world or exciting people to be back in the office again.