The workplace of the future is no longer just a destination — it’s an experience. As hybrid work becomes the norm, companies are rethinking what their offices mean for people, culture, and performance.
“There is a much greater focus on designing spaces that support the mental and physical health of employees, fostering a sense of culture and belonging,” says Daniel Du, Senior Principal, Design at Unispace Asia. “Workplaces today must reflect how people want to live and connect, not just how they work.”
Du shared these insights alongside other leading industry experts from Savills, JLL, Knight Frank, and CBRE in The Edge Malaysia’s September 2025 feature on the future of workplace design — highlighting how thoughtful design can strengthen employee well-being, engagement, and connection.
Designing culture into the physical space
Beyond aesthetics, great workplace design tells a story — one that embodies the company’s values and identity.
“Embedding cultural and emotional narratives into the physical design helps foster social cohesion and a shared sense of belonging,” Du explains. “This might be achieved through the use of artwork, company motifs, storytelling in design elements, and the inclusion of community-centric areas such as town hall spaces or multifunctional hubs for events and social interactions.”
Spaces that speak to culture and emotion build stronger teams — and help employees feel part of something bigger than themselves.
The artwork at an international exploration and production company in Singapore showcasing the local food scene and culture
From office to experience: a shift in mindset
Landlords and developers are reimagining what it means to create value. Today’s tenants expect more than efficient floor plans — they expect experiences that enrich daily life.
“Landlords must now offer more than just physical space,” says Du. “They should offer amenities that enrich the day-to-day experiences. This includes creating high-quality, hospitality-style environments with services like a concierge, as well as providing end-of-trip facilities, rooftop gardens and other respite spaces.”
This shift toward experience-led design positions workplaces as ecosystems that promote well-being, collaboration, and human connection.
Hospitality-style open space of an international law firm to increase client and employee engagement
Circular design: Building sustainability into the system
Sustainability is a defining element of modern workplace strategy. Unispace’s design approach integrates circular design principles — ensuring longevity, adaptability, and environmental responsibility.
“Circular design principles aim to extend the life cycle of products by designing them to be modular, adaptable and easy to repair or repurpose,” Du explains. “Designing a space with modular and repetitive components makes it easier to reuse or reconfigure items when a change is needed. When designed intentionally, these systems are not only environmentally sound but also cost effective over time, as they minimise the need for full replacements and support reconfiguration rather than demolition.”
Circular design isn’t just sustainable — it’s smart business. It allows workplaces to evolve alongside organisational needs while reducing waste and cost over time.
The green wall of HP in Gurgaon
The takeaway: Design with people in mind
The most successful workplaces are those that connect people to purpose, place, and possibility. For Du and the Unispace team, that means designing with empathy, intent, and imagination.
“At the heart of every great office,” Du concludes, “is a human experience — one that makes people feel valued, inspired, and connected.”
Human-centric design of Eazy to increase employee engagement
About Daniel Du, Senior Principal of Design, Unispace Asia
Daniel serves as the Senior Principal of design in Asia. He joined Unispace since 2022 and has been involved in both regional and global projects, including TripAdvisor, Smith & Nephew, HSBC and Takeda.
Follow Daniel Du on LinkedIn.
