The Journal

As more companies shift away from remote work, the office is being asked to do more. In 2020, 62% of employees worked remotely, and by 2023, that number had dropped significantly to 19.5%. But the expectations shaped by remote work haven’t gone away. If anything, they’ve set a new baseline. At home, people had access to comfort on their own terms: a stocked kitchen, their go-to coffee setup, a quiet corner to recharge. Returning to the office means more than just showing up. It means reconsidering how the workplace can support the full experience of a day.

Trauma doesn’t just live in our memories—it resides in our bodies, shaping how we physically respond to the spaces around us. When certain design elements trigger stress responses, the nervous system reacts automatically, often beyond our conscious control. What feels neutral to one person might feel overwhelming or unsafe to another, making it uniquely challenging to create environments where individuals with trauma histories can feel safe, supported, and able to function effectively.

The moment a guest steps into a space, it speaks to them. Is it open and inviting, or does it feel restrictive and cold? In the world of hospitality, every detail contributes to the guest experience. Design does more than fill a room—it leaves an impression that lingers long after the visit ends. A space well-tuned to the needs of its visitors not only guides them naturally but makes each interaction feel deliberate and meaningful. In this blog, our Project Lead, Makarena Alvarez, discusses the nuances of hospitality design—showcasing how thoughtful planning can transform a space into a destination guests are drawn to time and again.