How an office is designed has major impacts to the productivity and life of a business. A new trend has emerged. The open-plan layouts that once symbolised collaboration and modern thinking are being reconsidered. 

At Workspaces is an Australian workplace design and office fit-out company providing commercial interiors, furniture, and end-to-end workspace solutions. CEO Brett McAllen says the open-plan environment has fallen out of trend. 

He says this change is being driven by a stronger expectation for workplaces to support both collaboration and concentration. While open-plan layouts are still common, they are increasingly being modified to better accommodate focused work and private conversations. “We continuously seek feedback on evolving workplace needs and demand for discreet phone spaces has emerged as one of the most important aspects of the workplace.”

McAllen says the absence of privacy can also directly affect how buildings perform in the market. Many businesses are now adapting existing open-plan offices rather than rebuilding from scratch, introducing phone spaces and privacy-focused add-ons into open-plan layouts. “Of course, this presents a challenge around cost, as open spaces are a much cheaper fitout,” he says. “However, the benefits outweigh the costs. More defined and discreet areas allow people to engage and participate in more comfortable ways.”

Just as important is how these spaces are integrated into the wider office environment. The most successful examples are those that feel like a natural extension of the workplace design, rather than isolated or disruptive. Beyond privacy, acoustics is the most important factor, ensuring sound is contained and external noise is minimised. Ventilation is also critical to ensure comfort and usability over longer periods.

The shift isn’t just limited to workspaces. It reflects a broader change in how people live and use space. For Kiwi homes, the key lesson is that open space alone is no longer enough. As homes take on work, study, and family life, privacy and quiet zones are increasingly important. Small, flexible spaces for calls or focus improve how a home functions. Acoustic control through insulation, rugs, and doors also matters more than layout alone. The best homes balance openness for connection with separation for concentration, rather than relying on fully open-plan living.

The main lesson from office design is simple. Spaces work best when they can do more than one job. Instead of locking spaces into one use, more designs now include parts that can change as needed. Sliding walls, movable screens, and furniture that serves more than one purpose help rooms shift between group use and quiet focus without major building work. Technology is also helping this change. Built-in power points, better Wi-Fi, and smarter lighting make it easier to create different zones in one open space. Whether it’s at work or at home, people need a mix of open areas for connection and quieter spots for focus, all within the same space.