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What Separates Good from GREAT Workplaces | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 9
Can workplace design actually save lives?
In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, host Sylvanna VanderPark welcomes Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership at HOK. With four decades of design experience, Kay shares how thoughtful design impacts not only productivity but human safety, behavior, and inclusion. This powerful conversation explores real-world stories, the science behind effective office design, and what companies must do to truly support neurodiverse teams. From life-saving design decisions to building spaces people actually want to return to, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based insight for architects, interior designers, and workplace leaders.
Whether you're navigating return-to-office challenges or designing for diverse work styles, this episode offers real strategies that go far beyond aesthetics.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Great spaces are built with human behavior and evidence-based design at the core
• Designers can impact lives - sometimes even save them - through thoughtful planning
• The return-to-office challenge is only 40% about space, and 60% about leadership and culture
• Neurodiversity must be considered in workspace planning to drive inclusion and engagement
• Personalization options - like shielding and temperature control - can transform work experience
• Environmental-based working is rising as people choose spaces based on sensory needs
• Offices that lack natural energy, movement, or biophilia hinder wellbeing
• The “perfect desk” doesn’t exist, but a variety of tailored zones can serve everyone
• Generational shifts reveal different levels of self-awareness about neurotypes and triggers
• AI can’t replace human-centric design that accounts for behavior, safety, and function
🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design: https://sholink.to/novalink
Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact
📅 New episodes release every 2nd Thursday at 6 AM ET / GMT-4.
Join host Syl VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders.
Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4x47wvr2
💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact.
Produced by APodcastGeek
https://apodcastgeek.com
View all episodes
By Sylvanna VanderParkCan workplace design actually save lives?
In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, host Sylvanna VanderPark welcomes Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership at HOK. With four decades of design experience, Kay shares how thoughtful design impacts not only productivity but human safety, behavior, and inclusion. This powerful conversation explores real-world stories, the science behind effective office design, and what companies must do to truly support neurodiverse teams. From life-saving design decisions to building spaces people actually want to return to, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based insight for architects, interior designers, and workplace leaders.
Whether you're navigating return-to-office challenges or designing for diverse work styles, this episode offers real strategies that go far beyond aesthetics.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Great spaces are built with human behavior and evidence-based design at the core
• Designers can impact lives - sometimes even save them - through thoughtful planning
• The return-to-office challenge is only 40% about space, and 60% about leadership and culture
• Neurodiversity must be considered in workspace planning to drive inclusion and engagement
• Personalization options - like shielding and temperature control - can transform work experience
• Environmental-based working is rising as people choose spaces based on sensory needs
• Offices that lack natural energy, movement, or biophilia hinder wellbeing
• The “perfect desk” doesn’t exist, but a variety of tailored zones can serve everyone
• Generational shifts reveal different levels of self-awareness about neurotypes and triggers
• AI can’t replace human-centric design that accounts for behavior, safety, and function
🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design: https://sholink.to/novalink
Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact
📅 New episodes release every 2nd Thursday at 6 AM ET / GMT-4.
Join host Syl VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders.
Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4x47wvr2
💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact.
Produced by APodcastGeek
https://apodcastgeek.com