For over two decades, our team has shaped the environments where employees work, collaborate, and innovate.
We’ve seen design trends come and go, but the post-pandemic shift is the most profound yet.
The office is no longer a mandatory daily destination; it’s increasingly becoming a destination of choice.
Its new purpose? To foster connection, culture, and creativity in ways that remote work cannot.
The future of work is intentional. Every square foot must earn its keep by actively enhancing employee well-being and supercharging productivity. Based on our two decades of experience in interior design, large-scale event production, and custom fabrication, here are the five key trends defining the high-performance modern office.
1. Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outside In
Phoenix teaches us the immense value of nature. Biophilic design integrates natural elements: light, plants, wood, stone, and water, into the built environment.
This isn’t just about a few potted plants. We’re designing living green walls, specifying materials with natural textures, and maximizing access to natural light.
The result? Reductions in stress and thus, an enhanced cognitive function.
Our custom fabrication shop often creates stunning natural-element focal points, like a reception desk made of reclaimed wood or a sculptural partition mimicking organic forms, that become the heart of a space.
2. Hyper-Local Branding & Custom Fabrication
Your office should be your most powerful brand ambassador. Gone are the days of generic, sterile spaces.
We work with clients to weave their unique story into the physical fabric of their office. This is where our custom fabrication expertise shines.
We’ve built everything from a massive, laser-cut feature walls across the country for Accenture, to a custom, topography-inspired LED light installation for TikTok’s Phoenix office.
These one-of-a-kind elements create an immersive experience that reinforces company culture, instills pride, and makes the office a place people are drawn to.
3. Tech-Integrated “Smart” Spaces
Seamless technology is non-negotiable. Productivity plummets when employees struggle to connect, share, or present.
Modern design must integrate intuitive tech: wireless sharing, smart booking systems for rooms, ambient noise masking, and excellent connectivity everywhere.
At Highway 85, we design with a “technology-first” mindset, ensuring infrastructure is elegant and invisible, supporting work rather than complicating it.
4. Prioritizing Well-being & Amenity Spaces
The line between work and life has blurred, and the office must support the whole person. This means prioritizing mental and physical well-being through design. Think mother’s rooms, wellness rooms for quiet time, and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
These are not frivolous perks, they’re critical investments that show employees they are valued, reducing burnout and boosting retention.
The office has been reinvented. It’s now a strategic tool for attracting top talent, inspiring your team, and driving business forward.
By embracing these human-centric design trends, you can create a space that doesn’t just house your people—it empowers them.Ready to build a future-proof office that boosts productivity? Our national reach means we can bring 20+ years of design innovation to your city. Schedule a discovery call here.
