Facilitating Change – Futurespace

As an interior design practice specialising in workplace strategy, Futurespace harnesses a problem-solving, design-led approach to enhance the workplace experience. At a time when the traditional office framework is being examined, Futurespace is exploring this new landscape with a well-equipped and open mindset thanks to decades of work already under its belt.

Futurespace started out in the finance and tech sectors, working with companies such as Macquarie Bank, J.P. Morgan, Google, Microsoft and REA Group. Today, the portfolio also spans the legal, advertising, media and professional services industries. As Managing Director Angela Ferguson explains, “there is no cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all approach to the future of work.” To assess a client’s needs, Futurespace designs a strategy based on the company’s aspirations, leadership style and culture, informed by surveys and workshops. This is expanded upon with a “rigorous” creative process. “It’s not just about whim, fad or fashion,” Angela says. “It’s about how an interiority can support a business and its people in their day-to-day activities and behaviours.” Elements such as built form, materiality, biophilia, natural light versus artificial light, colour, furniture and ergonomics, neurodiversity and Indigenous recognition all come into play.

To assess a client’s needs, Futurespace designs a strategy based on the company’s aspirations, leadership style and culture, informed by surveys and workshops.

This extensive research-driven practice is strengthened by the work of Future X Collective. Launched by Futurespace, the strategic management consultancy aims to optimise the experience and practice of work through areas such as ‘Change Readiness’, ‘Performance and Wellness’, and ‘Leadership and Culture’. “Clients often know their business and their people really well, but in our experience, they need help with understanding the consequences that changes in one area may have on another element of the workplace experience,” Angela explains. “A client may be aware of fatigued and stressed employees, but unaware of how wellness programs could support people’s resilience, engagement and overall wellbeing – along with their readiness or ability to cope with any new changes.”

The effects of COVID-19 on workplace expectations, hybrid working arrangements and team culture are vast; it’s unchartered territory for companies wishing to pursue increased positivity and connectivity in a post-pandemic world. “This is definitely the most interesting time of my career,” Angela says. When it comes to the benefits of working from home, “the genie is out of the bottle, so this has fundamentally changed the meaning and purpose of the centralised workplace.” Futurespace helps clients tackle this unknown landscape with certainty and meaning, informed by a deep understanding of the workplace experience and employee expectations.

Futurespace helps clients tackle this unknown landscape with certainty and meaning, informed by a deep understanding of the workplace experience and employee expectations

The idea that our environment has a profound effect on positivity and productivity is Futurespace’s guiding principle. This dynamic approach could encourage a highly appealing future workplace identity, one that is more than an office – a space where positivity comes easy and inspiration flows.