Work(place) as destination, not obligation
Not long ago, the idea of “going into the office” was synonymous with harsh fluorescent lighting, fixed cubicle-style desk arrangements, and routines driven more by habit than intention. Morning chatter by the water cooler, commuters clutching plastic travel mugs, and the morning radio show during the commute all a part of that arduous transition from "real life" to "work mode." For many, this meant offices tucked into the suburbs and exurbs of our built environment isolated in seas of asphalt and characterized by migraine-inducing commutes, a uniform + functional architecture, and segregated land uses devoid of place. But that model has fractured and in its place, a new vision is emerging.
Contrast that environment with the qualities of a memorable offsite or retreat - think a hotel tucked away on a picturesque mountainside or a lavish retreat center perched on the shores of a scenic waterway. Think of an environment filled with peace, calm, and tranquility that feels nothing like your company’s office. But why can't this be your office?
The best workplaces today don’t just function for the cogs of the work machine, they feel like destinations worthy of your time and travel. Whether you’re in the office three days a week or once a month, the office should be a place where you're excited to go and empowered to do your best work. Inspired by their favorite places of calm and respite, employees are increasingly demanding beauty, optionality, and hospitality in their work environments. A few examples of what that can look like:
Aesthetic Escape – Inspiring design, curated finishes, natural light, and beauty. [NeueHouse]
NeueHouse is a private work and social space that caters to creators, innovators, and thought leaders. Memberships range from open office 'Salon' memberships up to 'Atelier' dedicated desks and 'Studio' private offices & suites. At the heart of the product is a boutique-hotel like atmosphere complete with custom millwork, plentiful cozy lounge seating, lush greenery, and art installations - each location cinematic, bright, & airy set within the context of architecturally significant buildings. Beyond the office, the space is complete with a rooftop restaurant, bar, art gallery + event space, and broadcast studio. Part workspace / part social club and worthy of a commute, the space sets the stage for connection, collaboration, and opportunities for networking & cultural programming.
NeueHouse at Venice Beach (Venice Beach, CA) | Design and Image via NeueHouse
Programmed Connection – Human-centered activation: events, wellness, surprise & delight. [Second Home]
Second Home is another community focused workspace and cultural venue that leans into the respite and the retreat. Bold curves, colors, and patterns meet mid-century furniture and quite literally thousands of living plants. Creative, artsy, and wellness-forward, Second Home offers up everything from day passes, to hot-desking, and reserved offices + desks. Referred to by some as a "hothouse/greenhouse for creativity", the spaces host curated programming to foster community, creativity, and inspiration for members and visitors alike. Move over water cooler or stale Costco snacks, Cosmopolitan Magazine described Second Home as 'The best office on earth' (holding out until they tour the inventory on Mars or another distant planet).
Second Home (Spitafields, London) | Design and Image via Second Home
Effortless Functionality – Tech that works. Desks when you need them. Spaces that adapt and inspire. [Industrious]
Of course, the great minds at Industrious are taking these considerations into account everyday in decisions from subtle shifts in our network strategy to bold moves in FF&E selections + hospitality offerings.
Look no further than our recent opening in Malibu, California (23465 Civic Center Way). Designed by Industrious' internal design team with assistance from NELSON Worldwide, the beautiful, warm, and welcoming space is characterized by:
Effortless Tech: Bookable rooms, integrated AV solutions, and seamless technology in an environment that blends resort aesthetics with workplace utility.
Adaptable Spaces: An inspiring space for every team, every function, and every task. This is not just your average cookie-cutter copy/paste or one-size-fits-all solution.
Experience is Key: Truly amenitized coworking and hospitality-infused operations take the "work" out of your workday and allow you to focus on what's most important.
Industrious at Malibu (Malibu, CA | Design and Image via Industrious
It matters to us because it matters to our members. We know they see tangible boosts to attendance, engagement, and talent attraction because of the thoughtfulness of our spaces and places. This also importantly makes workplace real estate decisions a strategic lever, not just a fixed cost as those individuals importantly "vote with their feet."
As the line between work and lifestyle continues to blur, so too must the line between office and offsite. Much like your favorite boutique hotel or scenic retreat destination, the future of work(place) design isn’t sterile or static, it’s vibrant, human, and alive with intention.
It's pretty simple: the most thoughtful work(places) invite people in not simply because they have to be there but because they want to be. Only then can you truly be empowered to do your best work.
