10 Minutes With… Elm Workspace’s Richard Hofen

For more than 12 years, Richard Hofen has been helping organisations create workplaces that enable teams to perform at their best. As Sales Director at Elm Workspace, he has seen first-hand how the office has evolved from somewhere people simply worked to a place that supports creativity, wellbeing, culture and connection. 

Working across the commercial and education sectors, Richard has helped clients transform everything from individual offices to large-scale workplace projects. We caught up with him to discuss the trends shaping workplace design in 2026 and why successful projects always start with people, not products. 

What do you enjoy most about helping clients transform their workspaces? 

For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the difference a well-planned workspace can make day to day. It is not just about furniture or finishes. It is about understanding how a team works, what is frustrating them about their current space, and creating an environment that makes life easier, more productive and more enjoyable. I still enjoy seeing a tired or underused environment become somewhere people genuinely want to be.

What are businesses looking for from their offices in 2026 that they perhaps weren’t prioritising five or 10 years ago?

Businesses are looking for workplaces that give people a reason to come in. That means good technology, wellbeing, social connection and focused work. In 2026, the office is less about desks and more about creating a destination where teams can connect, share ideas, meet clients and strengthen culture.

How are organisations adapting their workspaces to encourage people back into the office?

The key is choice. People do not all work in the same way throughout the day, so successful offices offer a variety of settings, including quiet areas, meeting rooms, touchdown spaces, breakout zones and social hubs. If the office offers something better than working from the kitchen table, people are far more likely to use it. We are also seeing greater attention given to acoustics, comfort and technology.

Are there any emerging trends or innovations that you think we’ll be seeing a lot more of over the next few years?

I think we will see more adaptable environments and smarter use of technology. Businesses want workplaces that can evolve alongside their needs. Modular furniture, improved video conferencing, acoustic pods and reconfigurable layouts will become increasingly common. Sustainability will also continue to influence product choices and lifecycles.

Can you share an example of where good workspace design has genuinely transformed the way a team works?

One good example is the University of Oxford’s King Edward Street project. Designed across three floors, it included fixed and flexible desks, height-adjustable workstations, focus pods, mobile furniture, biophilic elements and acoustic features. It demonstrates how design can support different working styles within the same environment.

What are some of the biggest mistakes organisations make when planning an office refurbishment or fit-out?

The biggest mistake is starting with products before understanding the problem. Choosing desks, chairs or finishes too early can mean the space looks good but does not solve the issues the business has. The best projects start with questions: How do people work now? What needs to change? Where are the bottlenecks? What does the business need from the space in three or five years’ time?

Have there been any standout furniture or workspace products that clients are particularly excited about at the moment?

Clients are particularly interested in adaptable products. Acoustic pods, height-adjustable desks, modular seating and mobile furniture remain popular because they allow workplaces to evolve with changing needs. We are also seeing strong demand for products that support wellbeing, hybrid meetings and informal collaboration.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for many organisations. How is this influencing workspace design decisions?

Sustainability is now part of the conversation from the outset. Clients want to know where products come from, how long they will last and what can be reused or recycled. Wherever possible, we look to retain existing elements, specify durable materials and minimise waste throughout the project.

For businesses considering a refurbishment, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give before they begin the process?

Do not rush the brief. Take time to understand what is and is not working in your current space, speak to the people who use it, and be honest about what the business needs from the workplace.

What’s the one feature or design element you’d include in every workplace if budget and space were no object?

I would include a well-designed collaboration and breakout area. Done properly, it becomes the heart of the workplace, somewhere people can connect, exchange ideas and build relationships. Those moments are much harder to recreate remotely.

To find out more about Elm Workspace visit: www.elmworkspace.com To get in touch with Richard, email: Richard.Hofen@elmworkspace.com