By Gareth Griffiths
The modern workplace is no longer defined solely by desks and deadlines. From hybrid offices to the rise of the “coffice”, design now plays a central role in how people feel, connect and perform at work.
Corporate behavioural specialist, leading designer and author of My Yellow Room, Kim Williams, shares how emotional intelligence and design thinking are shaping the future of work.
How design and emotional intelligence intersect
Williams believes the office has shifted from obligation to attraction.
“The new office isn’t just a place you have to go. It’s a place you want to be,” she explains. People come together to collaborate, connect and feel a sense of belonging, not simply to sit at a desk.
From her perspective, effective design responds to human emotion first, then function. Spaces must support energy levels, focus and well-being if productivity is expected to follow.
Designing for wellness and productivity
At Kim Williams Design, projects are approached through a behavioural lens. Williams explains that light, acoustics, materials and spatial flow all influence the nervous system. When these elements work together, people naturally engage more deeply with their work.
“Productivity today depends on how a space supports human energy and mental focus, not just how many people it can hold,” she says.
Projects that reflect the shift
One example is the First Technology office project, where a traditional corporate environment was transformed into a flexible, human-centred workspace. Zones were created for focus, collaboration and downtime, each with its own lighting and acoustic identity.
Greenery, textured finishes and modular furniture softened the space and allowed teams to adapt it to different work modes.
In a very different sector, the Enamel Clinic project shows how precision environments can still feel emotionally reassuring. The same principles apply. When people feel calm and grounded, trust and performance improve.
The rise of the “coffice”
Coffee shops are increasingly doubling as workspaces, and Williams sees this as a natural evolution.
“Coffices are becoming community hubs. They are social, but they also need to support focus,” she says.
A standout example is Bakehouse Family Bakery & Pizzeria, where design balances warmth and hospitality with functional zones for working and meeting.
Design principles that make coffices work
Williams highlights three core elements that define successful coffee-led workspaces.
Acoustics
Sound absorption, soft finishes and varied ceiling heights help manage background noise without killing atmosphere.
Lighting
A blend of natural light and warm artificial lighting supports screen work while maintaining a relaxed mood.
Layout
Clear zones for solo work, informal meetings and social interaction allow people to choose how long and how they stay.
Colour also plays a role. Neutral shades and timber tones calm the mind, while controlled pops of colour add energy and creativity.
“The coffice isn’t just about caffeine,” Williams adds. “It’s about connection. The best spaces invite people to belong, not just plug in.”
