Workspace Design Show 2025: 5 Standout Highlights Shaping the Future of Workplace Design

The Workspace Design Show 2025 brought together the best in workplace design, offering a dynamic platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of work. Held on 25 – 26 February 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London, the event was a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge products, insightful discussions, and forward-thinking design solutions.

Curated by event organisers Charlie Bark-Jones and Esha Bark-Jones, the show provided a comprehensive look at the workplace sector, featuring a diverse mix of exhibitors across furniture, lighting, acoustics, technology, and materials. With a bold and colourful exhibition floor, lively social spaces, and a positive atmosphere, the event perfectly captured the energy and creativity driving workplace design forward.

Through an inspiring mix of panel discussions, product launches, and networking opportunities, the Workspace Design Show once again proved why it is a must-attend event for those shaping the modern office landscape. There is room for the show to grow, offering even more businesses the opportunity to showcase their innovations, connect with key decision-makers, and influence the future of workplace design.

Here are our five key highlights from this year’s show.

  1. A Show-Stopping Stage & Thought-Provoking Talks

Far and away, the standout highlight of Workspace Design Show 2025 was the incredible main stage, which set the scene for an exceptional talks programme curated by Jodie Moore. Designed by Gensler designers Marco Gastoldi, Athina Metridou, and Chelsea Bernardez and sponsored by Umbrella Furniture, the Design Talks Area was not just a platform for discussion—it was an immersive experience in itself.

With the theme ‘Innovate the Senses,’ the stage design aimed to heighten engagement, creating an environment where design leaders could exchange ideas in a truly inspiring setting. At the heart of the concept was the sun, symbolising warmth and light shining onto each conversation. A dynamic backdrop of the sky evolved throughout the day, mirroring the natural circadian rhythm and reinforcing the connection between workplace design and well-being.

A huge thank you to Umbrella Furniture and Gensler for bringing this visionary space to life and making the Design Talks Area a truly unforgettable part of the show.

  1. IKUSMET by Daisalux – The Power of Discreet Design

In a show filled with bold, statement-making products, it’s often the subtle, intuitive designs that get lost in the noise—yet these elements are vital for workplace safety and inclusivity. One such highlight was IKUSMET, a refined and minimalist emergency signage solution from Daisalux, designed to integrate seamlessly and elegantly into any environment.

A variation of the IKUS model, IKUSMET features a methacrylate plate and aluminium profile that minimises its visual impact while maintaining clear and effective guidance. A milled vinyl detail enhances the aesthetics of its contrasting contour, ensuring clarity without compromising design. With new, more compact sizes and excellent performance in humid interiors, IKUSMET is crafted to complement the character of the architecture while remaining a discreet yet essential feature in any workspace.

Daisalux’s approach is guided by the responsibility that comes with being the light that guides people in the dark. Their signage solutions may be designed to blend in, but their impact on safety, accessibility, and architectural harmony is undeniable.

  1. M Moser’s ‘ReClaimed’ Lounge – A Showcase of Sustainable, People-Centric Design

Throughout the Workspace Design Show 2025, one space stood out not just for its design, but for its energy. The ReClaimed lounge and bar, designed by M Moser Associates, was a bustling, multi-use hub, demonstrating M Moser’s expertise in workplace design and their deep understanding of how people work and interact.

True to its ‘ReClaimed’ concept, the lounge was a masterclass in sustainability and material innovation, reconstructing surplus materials into a sensory environment. During the day, it provided a welcoming space for attendees to relax, work, and connect, while in the evening, it transformed into a vibrant setting for the Workspace Design Show drinks party.

Reflecting on the space, Martina Bazzoni, Designer at M Moser Associates, shared:

“Our goal was to create a space that feels welcoming and encourages reflection. By repurposing surplus materials with a circular approach, the design highlights how sustainable choices enhance creativity, resulting in a space that’s both inspiring and well-suited to the show’s temporary nature.”

The ReClaimed lounge was a true collaborative effort, made possible by the contributions of leading brands championing sustainable design, including Andreu World, Atrium, Blast Studio, Camira, EcoScent, Ege Carpets UK, Modus | B Corp™, Oasis Plants, Osol, Planq, and Smile Plastics.

As Gurvinder Khurana, Director at M Moser Associates, put it:

“Designing spaces that support people, inspire creativity, and champion sustainability is at the heart of what we do. The ReClaimed lounge was a perfect opportunity to showcase how workplaces can be both functional and responsible, without compromising on innovation or experience.”

A space that was constantly in use, ReClaimed was a powerful demonstration of how thoughtful, sustainable design can create engaging, people-centric environments—even within a temporary setting.

  1. Hotbox – Innovating the Future of Flexible Workspaces

With 20 years of experience in workplace design, Hotbox has built a reputation for creating sustainable and innovative products that empower flexible working. At Workspace Design Show 2025, they previewed two exciting new products—further proof that they continue to evolve with the needs of modern workspaces.

The first reveal was the Hotbox 4 Mini, a compact version of their innovative Hotbox 4 desk caddie. Designed for agility, it transforms any surface into a functional workspace, making it an essential addition to any agile office. With a handle that doubles as a tech riser and an internal organisation system designed for flexibility, it enables workers to set up their workspace in seconds, promoting a highly organised and ergonomic way of working.

The second preview was a brand-new felt design, a product that maximises Hotbox’s expertise and deep product knowledge. This new iteration showcases their commitment to sustainable materials, smart organisation, and intuitive design, offering workers an even more adaptable solution for managing their daily essentials.

In today’s hybrid and flexible work environments, Hotbox products continue to redefine workspace mobility, ensuring that wherever you choose to work, you can do so with efficiency, comfort, and style.

  1. Plant Designs – Bringing Biophilic Design to Life

Some stands showcase products—Plant Designs created an experience. Their immersive ‘jungle’ walk invited visitors to step into a sensory biophilic tunnel, bringing to life the journey of plants from the wild to the workplace. This hands-on experience actively engaged visitors, reinforcing the powerful impact of biophilic design on well-being and productivity.

Plants are more than decoration—they are essential for healthier workspaces. According to a N.A.S.A. study, plants can remove up to 87% of common airborne toxins in just 24 hours, improving air quality and reducing respiratory issues, fatigue, and even burnout. With people needing around five litres of oxygen per minute, live indoor planting offers a natural way to enhance workplace wellness while also creating visually inspiring environments.

Plant Designs’ award-winning office plant design and maintenance services transform workplaces into thriving green spaces, blending aesthetics with proven health benefits. Their Workspace Design Show stand was a showcase and an experience that truly demonstrated the power of nature in the workplace.

Photography by Office Curator

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About Alys Bryan

Alys is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Her training and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Editor
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