Designing the Office of the Future

1 AIA Learning Unit (GHT-ME-100521)

1 GBCI CE Hour (0920024923)

As DC continues to attract the biggest names in business, how will our architects, designers, and engineers design the ideal future office space to welcome workers back to the office?

This session will explore future workplace design trends, the social and ecological implications of our hybrid world, and how design teams can plan for maximum flexibility for user needs. From an increasing desire for shared/convertible spaces to linking AI and virtual environments, expert panelists Rod Letonja, Practice Leader & Associate Principal for Perkins&Will; Megan Lubina, Associate and Senior Mechanical Engineer for GHT Limited; and Meghan McAvoy, Associate and Sustainable Programs Manager for GHT Limited will examine the data driving the trends. Our panelists will close the session with a discussion of building equitable experiences for all through future design.

  • Learning Objective 1: Understand how communal flexibility is critical to future workplace design, and how thoughtful architectural & MEP design can contribute to these goals without increasing utility costs to heat and cool larger spaces.
  • Learning Objective 2: Recognize how different HVAC systems like Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) can achieve performance goals in flex-use office space.
  • Learning Objective 3: Understand how drivers like climate change and COVID are changing future workplace design.
  • Learning Objective 4: Learn how future workspace design should incorporate multiple sustainability strategies, including LEED, WELL, and Fitwel, to appeal to future worker concerns.