News & Events

1. Sustainability is becoming more outcome-focused

One of the strongest messages throughout the conference was that sustainability is evolving beyond collecting every accreditation available. Instead, clients are increasingly selecting the certifications and strategies that best align with a project’s objectives, constraints and long-term performance.

The focus is shifting towards practical, measurable outcomes that deliver genuine value for occupiers, investors and developers.

Viability remains the biggest challenge

Viability continues to dominate conversations across the commercial property sector.

Rising construction costs, funding pressures and tighter project economics mean every design decision must demonstrate value. Engineering teams are increasingly expected to balance performance, sustainability and occupier expectations while protecting project viability.

This reinforces the importance of early multidisciplinary collaboration to identify cost-effective engineering solutions before challenges become constraints.

3. Amenities continue to influence workplace decisions

Location alone is no longer enough.

Successful workplaces are increasingly defined by the destinations around them, with access to cafés, restaurants, gyms, public spaces and outdoor amenities remaining key drivers for occupiers. High-quality external spaces and roof terraces also continue to differentiate premium office developments, particularly in major cities.

4. People are driving workplace design

Perhaps the most consistent theme across the conference was the continued focus on people.

Rather than designing solely to achieve sustainability ratings, developers and occupiers are placing greater emphasis on creating workplaces that improve wellbeing, enhance user experience and deliver long-term value. The quality of the workplace experience is increasingly becoming as important as the building’s technical performance.