A few radical changes in working conditions have transpired over the course of the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, many non-essential jobs went remote, and now, as restrictions are easing (or have been entirely removed) throughout the world, many employers are coming to terms that it might be more cost-effective and comfortable for their employees to work from home or abroad. These changes in working conditions and the necessity to look toward the future of work are reflected in Toronto-based studio Nivek Remas' renovation project. Prior to COVID-19, the firm was planning on leasing out new office spaces to accommodate the ever-growing team. During the pandemic, however, Nivek Remas took on a project to renovate the founder's home—located in Cabbagetown—to include an office for the studio which now occupies 1,250 square feet of the residence.
Image Credit: Scott Norsworthy
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Hybrid Workspaces
- Companies are increasingly considering creating hybrid home-office workspaces to adapt to a post-pandemic world.
- Remote Office Design
- Design firms are innovating and exploring new ways to integrate remote workspaces into homes with practicality and aesthetics.
- Home Office Technology
- Companies are developing home office technologies targeting remote workers to improve productivity, comfort, and wellness.
Where This Applies
- Interior Design
- Interior designers have an opportunity to incorporate functional home-office workspaces into homes through renovations and redesigns.
- Real Estate
- Real estate companies can create hybrid home-office spaces to cater to the growing demand for remote workspaces and boost property values.
- Technology
- The technology industry has an opportunity to create innovative products and software that improve remote work experiences and cater to home office environments.
