By Chamel Sánchez
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO– Karen Troncoso, an architect with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, is CEO of Fernández Troncoso, SRL (FERTROSA) and DBA: Home Staging by Karen. Specializing in sustainable design and home staging, she has transformed countless projects with the goal of improving people's quality of life and maximizing productivity.
The architect highlights that 2025 brings new expectations regarding office design trends. Spaces are expected to be highly decorated and personalized, with a focus on LEED or WELL certifications as key indicators. There will be greater integration of nature, recycled materials, and smart technologies to create eco-friendly and productive environments.
She also spoke to Mujer de Concreto about current designs and their evolution. “I believe that closed cubicles and static spaces will be a thing of the past. Instead, we will see open and collaborative spaces, with biophilic elements that connect people with nature. Technology will play a fundamental role, but always at the service of people and not the other way around,” the expert emphasizes.
Troncoso emphasizes that the combination of technology and nature will be one of the fundamental pillars of office design in the coming years.
Impact on well-being
Office design impacts the physical and mental well-being of employees. Elements such as natural light, scented candles, plants, and organic materials reduce stress and increase productivity. Warm colors and pleasant textures create comfort, while furniture layout influences mood. From a home staging perspective, well-thought-out decor fosters a positive and collaborative environment. Greenery helps to relax and creates ideal spaces for disconnecting and recharging.
Technology will play a key role in office design, with greater integration of home automation and artificial intelligence to optimize spaces and improve energy efficiency.
Keys to modern design
Coworking has become a trend in recent years, especially after the pandemic, due to the need for flexibility in workspaces. In the real estate sector, space reservation systems and technological solutions are increasingly being implemented to allow environments to adapt to changing needs.
Office design in 2025 will be entirely user-centered, aiming to create spaces that promote employee well-being. This will prioritize natural light, greenery, and rest areas, along with ergonomic furniture and technology that facilitates collaboration.
Essential in the real estate and construction sector
Offices embrace the essence of nature with greener and more harmonious spaces. (Photo/Shutterstock).
In the real estate and construction sector, it is essential to have spaces that foster collaboration and creativity.
• Flexible meeting spaces
Modular meeting rooms that adapt to different needs.
• Collaboration areas
Open spaces with technology to facilitate teamwork.
• Material samples
Display of materials used in projects so that clients can visualize the final results.
Karen Troncoso. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
• Corporate elements
Logos, images, and decorations that reinforce the company's identity.
An office in this sector should reflect the company's values and convey professionalism, innovation, and sustainability. It should be attractive and welcoming, instilling confidence in both clients and employees. Furthermore, it should inspire trust and security, which can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials and appropriate lighting.
The integration of technology, such as interactive displays and virtual simulators, will allow for a more immersive visualization of projects, enhancing the customer experience. The offices of the future will be more human-centered, sustainable, and adaptable spaces, where technology is seamlessly integrated to improve employee productivity and well-being.
Open spaces filled with nature foster creativity and well-being in the workplace. (Photo/Shutterstock).
The main challenge in office design will be to find a balance between aesthetics, functionality and sustainability, ensuring that spaces are inclusive and accessible.
Troncoso concludes by inviting professionals in the sector to reflect on the creation of healthy and productive workspaces, adopting sustainable practices in their projects.
Trends 2025
Current design trends are geared towards creating warmer, more inviting spaces with a stronger connection to nature. This year, unique approaches are emerging, such as integrating outdoor areas into office design. Vertical gardens, terraces, and interior patios not only beautify spaces but also improve air quality. Wood flooring or wood-look vinyl wall coverings are excellent choices for creating comfortable environments, as are nature-inspired decorative accessories like plants and artwork. These not only contribute to sustainability but also allow for the creation of more personalized and attractive spaces.
Originally published in Mujer de Concreto.
