What does it mean to design a workplace that people actually want to come back to?

In this episode, I'm joined by Michael Leng, Interior Design Lead for Cox Architecture's NZ studio, to talk about the human side of workplace design, from designing across the senses to the value of authenticity in a space.

Michael shares his thinking on what draws people back to the office, the importance of cross-generational collaboration, and why staying true to what an organisation believes in matters more than following the crowd.

Show links:

Discover COX Architecture Aotearoa
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

Explore more of our Designing for Workplace insights and design guide
Visit the Jacobsen website

Copyright © 2026 Designing For. All rights reserved.
Music: Backing track licensed via Envato.

With over 25 years in commercial design, Jacquette Barrington has watched the workplace evolve from status-driven floorplates to spaces designed for community and experience. In this episode, she shares what it really takes to bring people back to the office and why you can't force it.

Jacquette talks about designing for spontaneous connection, the role of mentorship in the industry, and why culture doesn't just happen by accident but has to be intentionally designed for.

Show links:

⁠Discover STACK Interiors

Connect with Jacquette on LinkedIn⁠

⁠Explore more of our Designing for Workplace insights and design guide⁠⁠

Visit the Jacobsen website⁠

Copyright © 2026 Designing For. All rights reserved.Music: Backing track licensed via Envato.

Designing For is a brand new mini-series by Jacobsen.

Across each mini-series, we sit down with some of NZ’s top creative minds in architecture and design to talk through how their field is changing, the projects they're proudest of, and where they see the future of design in Aotearoa heading.

This season it’s all about workplace.

Subscribe now to be the first to know when new episodes drop!

Hosted by: Amie Berghan

Music: Backing track licensed via Envato.

Copyright © 2026 Designing For. All rights reserved.