PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
For professional services firms, the pandemic has opened up key areas of change: mobility, choice and variety of spaces in the office, and health and well-being. By building upon these core principles in the years to come and focusing on the employee experience, management advisory and legal firms can attract the best talent and deliver great experiences for a diverse, multigenerational workforce.
Confidential Client, Washington, D.C.
01
Diversity and well-being will continue to prioritize inclusive design.
A broad definition of inclusive design embraces cultural diversity, as well as the mental and physical well-being of all employees. To attract and retain diverse talent, professional services firms should create an empowered and inclusive work experience based on choice and flexibility. Gender-neutral restrooms, mothers’ rooms, and other spaces are increasingly common to accommodate diverse needs.
02
The future legal office should support collaboration and social gathering.
To attract and keep talent, the legal industry must think of the office as a destination — or a type of work club. Spaces that promote knowledge sharing, mentorship and coaching, meetings, and collaboration will be the hallmarks of the new law office.
03
Reframing the office as a destination will remain an industry driver.
As the primary purpose of the workspace shifts to accommodate more collaboration, mentoring, and impromptu social gathering, professional services firms will continue to experiment with amenities. Team rooms, food service areas, work-focused lounges, informal meeting areas, and outdoor connections will continue to be part of the mix.
04
Operating in beta mode is a worthwhile investment.
As clients reexamine their portfolios, being in “beta mode” will become part of real estate thinking. Testing ideas by launching pilot programs can be low-risk, high-reward solutions that enable clients and designers to experiment and then pivot. By embracing new technologies and ways of working, professional services firms can better understand staff needs, find new ways of building and promoting firm culture, and test drive new concepts.
05
Now is the time to turn corporate net zero carbon commitments into action.
As pressure mounts to take action to prevent the worst effects of climate change, a growing number of management advisory firms have made net zero carbon commitments. Now is the time for real estate teams within these firms to establish a workplace design sustainability roadmap that aligns with these commitments and identifies measurable criteria. Roadmaps will prove to be invaluable, providing a prioritized set of applicable sustainability strategies, performance criteria, implementation methods, and clear governance.
Confidential Client, New York
“Smart professional services firms are looking to incorporate a hybrid work model that embraces mobility, increases amenities, and delivers a great workplace experience for a multigenerational workforce.”
—“Reset: The Future Law Firm Workplace,” Dialogue blog
Buccini/Pollin Group Headquarters Renovation, Wilmington, Del.
This commercial real estate developer’s headquarters exemplifies how purpose-driven design can breathe new life into older buildings. With a modern, hospitality-influenced
design aesthetic, the newly renovated workplace reflects the company’s brand and position as a leading office landlord while showcasing the site’s potential to future tenants.
The Manor, McCann Worldgroup, London
How Hospitality Can Revamp Financial Services and Professional Services Firms
With hospitality-inspired workplace design, financial firms can create a purpose-driven space that empowers employees, nurtures client relationships, and provides a competitive edge for attracting talent.
Reset: The Future Law Firm Workplace
The recent work-from-home experience has proven that attorneys can do without big private offices, lots of paper and files, and underutilized space. Now is the chance to reset the law office.
For Law Firms, COVID-19 Has Accelerated the Inevitable
The overnight shift to working from home is upending the model of how much real estate law firms really need.
“As we continue with a hybrid model, combining remote and in-the-office work, professional services firms will need to develop planned activities and programs that connect people and build culture and comradery.”
—“Reset: The Future Law Firm Workplace,” Dialogue blog
Ridgelinez
Tokyo, Japan
Gensler led the workplace design strategy as well as interior design and digital content creation at the new offices of Ridgelinez, a company committed to...
Confidential Real Estate Investment Firm
New York, New York
Located at One Manhattan West, this confidential real estate investment firm’s new workplace design reflects the maturity and stature of its company.
Accenture Innovation Hub Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Accenture’s Tokyo Innovation Hub is an experience-driven, state-of-art facility where employees collaborate with clients to turn new ideas into reality.
Timothy Bromiley
Professional Services Leader, Studio Director, Principal
Tim is a global leader in Gensler's Professional Services practice and is a leading voice in guiding the legal industry on workplace change.
Carlos Posada
Professional Services Leader, Principal
Carlos Posada is a global leader in Gensler’s Professional Services practice, who is based in London.
Mallory Taub
Sustainability Director, Climate Action & Sustainability Leader
Mallory Taub is a Sustainability Director at Gensler who collaborates across disciplines to lead the development of sustainability strategies.
