SAN DIEGO—As employers compete for talent and landlords compete for tenants, they share three common goals: attract, engage and retain, and current Downtown office trends are driven by these goals, Ware Malcomb's director, interior architecture and design, Catharine Hughes tells GlobeSt.com.

Hughes, who was recently promoted to this role from studio manager, interior architecture and design, and is the 2017 president of the San Diego chapter of CREW, has more than 30 years of experience working in the Downtown San Diego market. We sat down with her for a chat about current Downtown San Diego office trends, amenities and how landlords are attracting tenants.

GlobeSt.com: What are the current Downtown San Diego office trends?

Hughes: It is an exciting time to be involved in office design in Downtown San Diego. Design in our market has always been driven by the economy, and today, good design is in demand. As employers compete for talent and landlords compete for tenants, they share three common goals: attract, engage and retain. Current Downtown office trends are driven by these three goals.

Attract—To attract a new generation of tenants and employees, our clients are shifting away from traditional cubicles and private offices towards more creative-office environments. Through exposure to a variety of work environments via television, the Internet, and social media, today's workforce has a greater desire and appreciation for the latest design. Current trends include the reclaimed aesthetic of exposed architectural and structural elements such as bare brick and raw-metal mullions, first seen in the design of incubator spaces. Textured finishes, soft-handed craftsmanship and soft-radius furniture create a warmer, more-comfortable working environment. We are seeing an increased focus on designing for the comforts of the individual.

Engage—Open plans and breakout areas have become staples in the office space, but an individual's job function and workstyle may lead to the need for second and third workspace options. Many of our clients are looking for open office, lounge seating, conference rooms and outdoor patios to provide employees with opportunities to engage with one another and collaborate. Executive suites have changed from a maze of halls leading to walled offices to fun, creative glass offices with a variety of workspace options. Technology allows employees to move from an open-office work station to a private room or lounge seating, depending on the work that needs to be done. A creative-office environment promotes a team atmosphere in which employees can take pride in achieving goals together.

Retain—Providing a creative-office environment that fosters employee engagement is good business. Healthy, happy people are the best employees. Along with alternative work-style options, employees are looking for an office culture that supports health and wellness through exposure to nature. Fitness centers and outdoor amenities that provide breaks from the indoor office environment are becoming more common.

GlobeSt.com: What are landlords are doing to attract tenants?

Hughes: One of the more common trends we are seeing from landlords is updates to building entrances, lobbies and common areas. On-site amenities such as fitness centers and conference spaces are being added to appeal to tenants. Landlords are also starting to change the way they build out spec suites. Twenty years ago, spec suites were typically inoffensive spaces designed for a generic tenant. Now, they are dynamic, creative environments ready for tenants who are looking for an office that reflects their culture and image.

GlobeSt.com: What amenities are office tenants demanding?

Hughes: Today's tenants are looking for flexible environments to accommodate different working styles. Shared break areas, business centers and living-room-style lounge areas all provide opportunities for alternative workplaces. Amenities such as patios and balconies are highly sought after by tenants looking to provide employees with access to the outdoors. The renewed focus on the individual worker is good for business and good for design. I am excited to see what the next five years will bring to San Diego's downtown office environment.

Instant Insights /

The Three Common Goals of Downtown Office Stakeholders

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