Workplace Design Trends 2025 - My Predictions
- Gareth Davies (Designer)
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
As we begin 2025, workplace design is set to undergo significant changes, particularly around employee's needs. I am no mystic, otherwise I'd have done the lottery and become a millionaire by now, so my predictions are simply my opinion of trends I believe that will shape our workplaces in 2025:
1. Designing for the Neurodiverse
Inclusivity continues to gain importance in workplace design, with a growing focus on supporting neurodiverse individuals. Employers are increasingly aware that diverse cognitive needs require sensitive and thought-out design solutions. Examples include:
Quiet spaces to aid concentration.
Sensory-friendly lighting and materials.
Flexible layouts to cater to various user needs.
Sensory assisting technology devices to aid in quiet focus working.
With more and more of us being diagnosed as neurodiverse (many of my friends and family now coming forward with a diagnosis), supporting people in the workplace isn’t just about accessibility; its about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, creating a culture of inclusivity. I have seen so many examples within projects over the years where those who experience these difficulties are forced into quiet rooms for isolation as a permanent solution, or are excluded from communal spaces with tall acoustic blockers. I believe this trend will only continue to grow in importance and I'm excited to explore how I will design for the needs of the neurodivergent in upcoming projects.
2. The "Age of the GreigE"
Bold colours may have had their moment, but 2025 is poised to embrace the "age of the greige." This neutral blend of grey and beige offers the perfect combination of warmth and sophistication for a variety of workplace interior spaces. Greige works beautifully with:
Natural textures like wood and stone.
Soft accents in muted blues or greens. Anything pastel related generally works.
Minimalist furniture designed with both form and function in mind.
This calm, understated aesthetic promotes focus and creativity, appealing to a variety of tastes and can also enhance the experience of the user i.e. the user becomes the colour and vibrancy of the office.
Pantone Colour Institute have also released their colour of the year 2025 as 'Mocha Mousse' which is a blend of warming browns with rich undertones. This colour will likely be used widely within offices to retain that sense of home and comfort in our workplaces.
3. Sustainability Goes Beyond Green
Sustainability in design has evolved beyond the use of eco-friendly materials. It's not all about making designs green, using products that contain recycled materials and placing plants or trees all over the building. It should come down to the longevity of our designs and the reduction of carbon emissions to make a space truly sustainable.
I once listened to a video from Michael Diamant, an advocate and advisor of traditional courtyard urbanism/new traditional architecture, state the following "The classical way of building is way more ecological than a modernist way because buildings last for hundreds or thousands of years. They don't last for thirty years and then they are torn down to build a new building. The modernists think that an ecological building is one built with ecological materials, That's totally falsehood!" He goes on to explain that our initial way of thinking is to just throw green materials or cover a building's roof with grass and trees to be able to call it sustainable, when in reality we need to look at the overall cycle of the building long after it's built.
In 2025, I foresee a more comprehensive approach will be expected, focusing on:
Creating durable, adaptable designs to minimise waste before, during and after construction.
Choosing locally sourced materials to reduce carbon emissions.
Adopting circular economy principles and policies, which ensure the recycle and repurpose of materials/furniture.
AM I A WIZARD...?
Workplaces are evolving from static spaces into dynamic ecosystems that reflect the values and requirements of their users. In 2025, I can see that successful workplace design will prioritise inclusivity, timelessness, sustainability, and adaptability. By embracing these trends, companies can create inspiring spaces that support both their teams and their goals.
What do you think? Have any thoughts on your trends of 2025?...share them below and leave a comment.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on this years' trends and I hope to have more posts on design like this in the coming months.
Thank you for reading.
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