offices, there will be much more glass
and transparency.”
Computers and other technology will
definitely affect design considerations, he
continues. “The floor will be under-laid
with networking/electrical components
and HVAC that will allow maximum
flexibility and the opportunity to
reconfigure the space instantly,” Holmes
predicts. “Sound masking and other
features will improve tremendously.
This design concept will allow anyone
to reconfigure the space and be
operational immediately.”
“As the amount of square feet per person
drops, the need to have more power
outlets increases due to higher density,”
adds Boddez. “All brokers at JLL have
laptops; most workstations are designed
to accommodate a docking station for
the laptop along with one or two large
monitors. All JLL offices have Wi-Fi and
employees are automatically connected
to the Wi-Fi network in any JLL office
simply by logging into your computer.”
“Connectivity to the company’s server,
software, and internet (Wi-Fi) continues
to be critical,” says Langhoff. “What
is increasing is the need for flexibility
in how we get access to this. Due to
the increased collaboration of the sales
force, group meetings have moved out of
conference rooms and private offices into
huddle areas, break rooms, and coffee
shops. Wireless access to the company’s
systems is expected and it is expected
with little-to-no delays.”
SUSTAINABILITY PLAYING KEY ROLE
SIORs note that in addition to the
aforementioned issues, sustainability
will also have an impact on the future
design of brokerage office space. “We
will see use of reclaimed materials and a
major focus on energy efficiencies,” says
Holmes. “Stand-up and treadmill desks
will be quite prevalent. There will be a
major focus on ‘wellness.’”
Larsen adds that we will see “continually
more energy efficient space” in the
future. “As costs become more in line
you can build LEED versus traditional,
like reusable dry wall, energy efficient
lighting, and things that turn off when
not in use,” he says.
“Sustainability continues to be a
common topic in commercial real estate
and it will be for a long time,” notes
Boddez. “Brokerages that are looking
to take a leadership role in sustainability
