“Unique is the New Universal”

Aitken: “Tearing down walls and partitions, increasing density and pushing for greater employee interaction doesn’t always result in a more collaborative work environment.”

SAN DIEGO—Many elements of the creative workplace that were once considered unique have morphed into universality, allowing for workplaces that appeal to office users’ expectations, WRIGHT Management’s Debra Aitken tells GlobeSt.com. An industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Aitken recently joined the project and facility management firm as director of workplace strategy.

In her new role, Aitken will advise clients on workplace strategies and serve as project lead on large commercial design and construction projects. Most recently, she served as project manager with Cushman & Wakefield’s Project & Development Services group, where she drove design and construction projects for investor, landlord and tenant clients both nationally and internationally. We spoke with her about the move and the challenges architecture and design firms face when designing creative workplaces.