The Evolution of Workplace Design: From Taylorism to Tomorrow’s Workplaces.
The spaces where we work tell the story of our societies—how we view productivity, collaboration, and even human potential.
Workplace design has come a long way, moving from the rigid efficiency of early offices to the dynamic, experience-driven environments we see today.
At Hoxton, we believe a well-designed workplace is more than just a functional necessity; it’s a reflection of a company’s culture, a space that inspires, fosters innovation, and enhances well-being.
For me, my passion for workplace design started with furniture—from Mackintosh to Eames, Knoll to Hay, Aeron chairsto Framery booths—and has only grown as I’ve seen the power of great design to shape how we work.
But workplace design hasn’t evolved in a straight line. Different industries, regions, and trends have shaped it in unique ways. So, let’s take a journey through time, across geographies and industries, to explore how our workplaces have evolved—and where they might be headed next.
The Early 20th Century: The Birth of the Office.
Taylorism and the Factory-Inspired Workplace (1900s–1920s).
At the start of the 20th century, workplaces were built for efficiency, not experience.
Inspired by Frederick Winslow Taylor’s theories of scientific management, early offices resembled factory production lines. Workers sat in long rows, performing repetitive tasks under the watchful eye of supervisors in private offices.
There was no concept of workplace well-being—the focus was purely on maximising output.
Furniture of the Era
• Mackintosh’s high-backed chairs introduced design into the workplace but were more about status than comfort.
• Heavy wooden desks and rigid chairs were standard across Western offices.
Cultural Differences
• Europe: Offices followed hierarchical layouts, with private offices for executives and shared spaces for clerks.
• Asia: Japanese companies favoured open-plan layouts (which persist today), reinforcing group identity and teamwork.
The Mid-20th Century: Modernism, Cubicles, and Cultural Shifts.
The Rise of Modernist Office Design (1930s–1960s).
By the 1930s, modernist architecture and design were reshaping office spaces. Corporate America was embracing sleek, functional aesthetics, while European designers pushed the Bauhaus-inspired philosophy of form following function.
Cultural References: ‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015).
If you want a snapshot of this era, Mad Men nails it—Eames chairs, Knoll sofas, and private offices for the top brass. Employees smoked, drank whiskey at their desks, and secretaries worked in the background, reflecting an era where the office was a status symbol rather than a collaborative space.
Furniture Innovations
• The Eames Lounge Chair (1956) transformed executive offices into stylish spaces.
• The Aeron Chair (1994, Herman Miller) set new standards for ergonomics.
• Knoll, Vitra, and Fritz Hansen introduced minimalist, functional office furniture.
The 1970s–1990s: The Cubicle Era and Corporate America.
The Cubicle Boom (1970s–1990s).
By the 1970s, cubicles were introduced by Robert Propst at Herman Miller as a way to provide workers with more privacy. Instead, they became a tool for cramming more employees into less space.
Cubicles dominated corporate America for the next three decades, leading to the infamous cubicle farm.
The Shift in Workplace Amenities.
• Cafeterias became a staple in large offices, offering basic meals but no real sense of “experience.”
• Employee lounges were rare breaks weren’t exactly encouraged.
Cultural References: ‘Office Space’ (1999) & ‘The Office’ (2001–2013, UK & US).
Both Office Space and The Office (UK & US) brilliantly satirised this era, capturing the monotony of fluorescent lighting, grey cubicles, and the dreaded TPS reports.
The 2000s–2010s: Open Plan, Experience-Led Workplaces, and the Tech Boom.
The Open-Plan Revolution (2000s–2010s).
The tech industry led a major shift—open-plan offices replaced cubicles, and office spaces became places of experience, not just work.
Office Experience Spaces
• The Google and Facebook campuses introduced slides, nap pods, and free meals.
• Kitchens replaced cafeterias—companies began offering barista stations and fully stocked pantries.
The Rise (and Fall) of WeWork & Coworking Spaces
• WeWork transformed coworking into a lifestyle—but over-expanded and collapsed.
• Flexible office providers like Industrious and Fora stepped in to refine the model.
Cultural References: ‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010).
Ugly Betty was a snapshot of the early Apple generation, with bold colours, Mac desktops, and open-plan creativity. It marked a shift away from beige cubicles to workplaces that embraced branding and vibrancy.
The Present & Future: Hybrid Work, Smart Offices, and Beyond.
Hybrid Work and the Purpose of the Office.
Today, the office is no longer a place to simply work—it’s a space for culture, collaboration, and connection. The best-designed workplaces prioritise:
1. Flexible workspaces – Different zones for focused work, socialising, and hybrid collaboration.
2. Smart offices – AI-driven environments that adapt to employees’ needs.
3. Sustainable design – Recycled materials, modular furniture, and energy-efficient buildings.
Furniture That’s Defining the Future
• Framery Phone Booths – Solving noise issues in open offices.
• Standing Desks – A shift towards healthier working.
• Adaptive Workstations – AI-powered desks that adjust based on posture.
At Hoxton, we’re excited to be part of this ongoing evolution—helping businesses create workplaces that aren’t just functional but inspiring.
Final Thoughts: What Inspires You About Workplace Design?
From Mad Men-era boardrooms to Google-inspired open spaces, every workplace has a story.
Want to talk about your office? Get in touch.
Join the conversation: What’s your favourite era of office design? Let us know your thoughts!