Culture in the workplace: How strategic design shapes workplace culture

Workplace culture isn’t just built in meetings, policies, or company handbooks — it lives in the spaces where people work, collaborate, and connect every day. The layout of an office, the lighting, the choice of materials, and even the color palette send powerful signals about how a company operates and what it values. That’s where strategic design comes in — the deliberate crafting of a workspace that supports and strengthens company culture.

In a post-pandemic world where hybrid models, wellbeing, and inclusivity matter more than ever, design has become a vital lever for creating culture that sticks.

What Is Workplace Culture, Really?

Workplace culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that define how people interact and work together. It’s the personality of your company — and design is one of the most visible expressions of that personality.

A culture of innovation looks very different from a culture of tradition. A flat, collaborative organization designs differently than one with rigid hierarchy. Culture isn't just what you say; it's how your space makes people feel.

The Role of Strategic Design in Shaping Culture

1. Layout Reflects Values

• Open floor plans promote transparency and collaboration.

• Private spaces support focused work and respect for deep thinking.

• Agile workstations show trust in employee autonomy.Design sends cues about how people are expected to behave — whether they should be collaborative, independent, fast-moving, or structured.

2. Spaces Build Connection

Strategic design fosters human connection. Comfortable lounges, café-style kitchens, or informal breakout zones encourage spontaneous conversation — critical for building trust and teamwork. These are not just amenities; they are cultural incubators.

3. Design Enables Inclusion

Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident. Thoughtful design considers:

• Accessibility for people of all abilities

• Quiet zones for neurodivergent employees

• Prayer or wellness rooms for diverse needsThis communicates that everyone is welcome and supported — a cornerstone of inclusive culture.

4. Brand Expression Through Space

Your space is a physical extension of your brand. Wall graphics, colors, furniture style, and even scents create emotional resonance. When employees feel aligned with the brand’s identity, loyalty and engagement grow.

Real-Life Examples

• Airbnb built office spaces themed after real Airbnb listings to reinforce their global, people-centered culture.

• Spotify designed “squad” rooms to support its agile team structure — reflecting their culture of autonomy and experimentation.

• Zappos incorporated fun, quirky design elements to embody their core value of "Create Fun and a Little Weirdness."

These companies understand: culture doesn’t just happen — it’s designed.

Designing for Today’s Cultural Priorities

Modern workplace culture emphasizes:

🧘‍♀️ Wellbeing

Incorporate natural light, greenery, ergonomic furniture, and calming zones to reduce stress and support mental health.

🧑‍💻 Hybrid Flexibility

Design with a mix of hot desks, video conferencing pods, and collaboration hubs to accommodate in-office and remote teams.

🤝 Collaboration & Innovation

Include flexible spaces like whiteboard walls, brainstorming nooks, and tech-enabled huddle rooms to support creativity.

🌍 Purpose & Sustainability

Eco-conscious design — from recycled materials to energy-efficient systems — signals a culture of responsibility and ethics.

How to Start: Questions for Cultural Design Strategy

Before redesigning your office, ask:

• What behaviors and mindsets do we want to encourage?

• Are our current spaces helping or hindering collaboration?

• Do our employees feel seen and supported in this environment?

• Does the space reflect our mission and brand values?

Let your answers guide your design strategy.

Final Thoughts: Culture Is Built Into the Walls

Design is more than décor — it's a language. It tells your team how to behave, what to value, and how to feel. In many ways, culture lives in the walls, the lighting, the chairs, and the spaces in between.

If you want to build a strong, resilient, people-first company, you can’t afford to treat design as an afterthought. Culture is a strategy — and design is how you bring it to life.

Need help aligning your workplace design with your company culture?We specialize in creating workspaces that reflect your values, inspire your people, and evolve with your vision.