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Hybrid Work Reshapes Office Future

Annie Draper and Whitney Burns on Shaping the New Trend of Hybrid Workstyles in Office Buildings

The pandemic brought about a significant shift in the way we work, with more employees now working from home, and hybrid work styles becoming increasingly common. As such, architects and real estate developers are now rethinking the way office buildings are designed to suit these new hybrid work styles. In this Wall Street Journal article, Annie Draper, director of operations and corporate relations and Whitney Burns, vice president - global client strategy, along with other thought leaders share insights into some of the trends that will transform the next generation of office buildings.

One of the key trends identified was increasing access to the outdoors, even in skyscrapers. Annie shares how architects are prioritizing access to outdoor spaces, even in high-rise buildings. As a result, many office buildings are now incorporating "touchdown" areas where visiting employees can log in and work. This trend towards flexible workspaces with outdoor access is expected to continue, making it easier for employees to work comfortably and productively in a variety of settings.

“A huge priority for us is to add outdoor space with new developments vertically throughout and as many floors as possible, whether it’s a skyscraper or a shorter stack,” says Whitney . In the past if there was a terrace in the building, it was only for that one lucky company. “We want to make it more accessible for all tenants,” Burns says.

The article highlights Texas Tower, located in downtown Houston, and its many amenities including a 12th-floor outdoor terrace available for all tenants to enjoy. The terrace is a perfect place for tenants to take a break from their work, enjoy fresh air and sunshine, or socialize with colleagues in a relaxed and scenic setting.

Read the full article to learn more about how hybrid work styles are reshaping the office.