Gone are the days when office design was just about desks, chairs and a water cooler in the corner. Today’s workplaces are evolving fast—and the people who use them are demanding more than just functionality. They want comfort, flexibility and purpose-built spaces that make work feel good.

At Barry Turner & Son, we’ve seen this shift firsthand through the fit-out and refurbishment projects we’ve delivered across London, Kent and the South-east. More businesses than ever are asking for sustainable, wellness-focused environments that help them attract and retain top talent.

But what exactly does that mean in practice?

The 5 Key Trends Shaping Office Design Today

According to Savills, there are five major trends influencing what tenants expect from their workspaces—and they’re not going away anytime soon:

1. Health and Wellness: Offices that support physical and mental wellbeing—from air quality to access to daylight.

2. Sustainability: Features that reduce environmental impact, like energy-efficient systems and responsibly sourced materials.

3. Changing Landlord-Tenant Dynamics: Flexible leases and shared responsibilities for maintenance and upgrades.

4. Prime and Character Space: High-quality, well-located buildings with architectural interest or bespoke design.

5. Hybrid Working Support: A shift away from rows of desks towards mixed-use zones that suit collaboration and focus equally.

These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the new standard.

What Tenants Are Really Looking For

Businesses are no longer choosing offices based solely on postcode or square footage. Instead, they’re thinking about how a space reflects their values and supports their team.

As Savills notes, tenants increasingly want:

• Natural lighting that reduces eye strain and boosts mood

• Ergonomic furniture that supports physical comfort and productivity

• Biophilic design with natural materials, indoor plants and calming colour schemes

• Energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact

• Smart layouts that accommodate hybrid work with focus rooms, collaborative spaces and quiet zones

And most importantly, they want spaces that feel human—offices that people want to return to, not just tolerate.

How Barry Turner & Son Brings These Trends to Life

We’re proud to say that every office refurbishment or fit-out we complete is built around the people who use the space. Our projects across South London, East London and Kent are tailored to meet each client’s goals—whether that’s wellbeing, sustainability, or adaptability.

Here’s how we integrate modern design features:

• Wellness-first layouts: Maximising natural light, using non-toxic materials, and ensuring thermal comfort

• Sustainable upgrades: From LED lighting to recycled flooring and eco-friendly insulation

• Hybrid-ready zones: Flexible furniture, modular rooms, hot-desking, and acoustic partitions

• Green enhancements: Living walls, indoor planters, reclaimed wood finishes and filtered air systems

• Tenant-friendly fit-outs: Quick turnaround, low disruption, and options to phase work floor-by-floor

Our process always starts with a walkthrough and ends with a space that works—for now and for the future.

Building Better Offices Across London

We’ve worked with SMEs, startups, and growing enterprises looking to refresh their office image or completely rethink how they use space. From modernising character buildings in Southwark to fitting out flexible studios in Croydon, we’ve seen how great design can completely transform workplace culture.

Because it’s not just about ticking sustainability boxes or adding a few pot plants—it’s about creating a space where people thrive.

Ready to Redesign Your Office?

If your office still looks like it did in 2015, it’s probably not keeping up with the expectations of today’s workforce. Whether you’re renovating an old building, taking over a new lease or simply want to upgrade your current setup, we can help you get it right.

📞 Chat to our team today and let’s design a workspace that supports your people, your business and the planet.