Q+A: The Evolution of the Modern Office

Today’s professional landscape runs the gamut from smart, innovative coworking spaces to more traditional offices that foster collaboration—all increasingly furnished with amenity offerings that reflect the ethos of the companies that occupy those spaces. For landlords, office design trends are driven by a desire to attract tenants. For tenants, trends are driven by the desire to create company culture, improve the product, and create an environment that’s both productive and enjoyable for employees.

We spoke with Pablo Quintana, design principal of architecture and consulting firm Stantec’s Washington, D.C., branch about the office design trends he’s been observing, as well as the psychological and sociological motives that inspire them.

LoopNet: Let’s talk about the evolution of the open-plan office. It’s come a long way, and today’s workforce wants to refine it further.