In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of the office has undergone a profound transformation, prompting organizations to rethink how physical space can best support productivity, collaboration and culture in a hybrid work environment. As companies across the metro Milwaukee area move into new spaces, office design has become a key tool for attracting talent and fostering engagement. BizTimes asked four organizations about how they recently approached designing their office spaces.

Considering how dramatically the office market has shifted since the pandemic, what are the best practices for designing efficient and effective office space in 2025?

Acts Housing recently moved to the MGIC headquarters in downtown Milwaukee.

Michael Gosman, president and CEO: “By late 2024, Acts’ office on North 24th Street could no longer meet the needs of our growing team, now 50 people strong. Our new office provides room for our team to collaborate, innovate and better support families through coaching, lending and real estate services. With open spaces for teamwork, quiet areas for focus and technology-enabled meeting rooms for both in-person and virtual meetings, this space equips our staff to continue walking alongside Milwaukee families on their journeys to stable, sustainable homeownership. It is also meaningful that we can make great things happen for families with barriers to homeownership from the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown.”

Zimmerman Architectural Studios led design work for a 2023 renovation of A.O. Smith’s corporate headquarters in Menomonee Falls.

Steve Raasch, president and CEO: “The key insight we’ve embraced is simple: design places where employees want to be. We have noticed common opinions from company leaders, that their teams are better when they are together. They don’t want to force their employees back to the office, but want it to be a positive choice, and they want that togetherness to feel natural and purposeful. The A.O. Smith office remodel prioritized flexibility through open workspaces, collaborative zones, and private focus areas that adapt to different work styles. Natural light floods the space, while biophilic elements and water-inspired themes reflect A.O. Smith’s brand identity and enhance well-being.

“The most successful office designs today center on choice, amenities and purposeful work. By incorporating versatile furniture, energy-efficient systems and spaces that tell a company’s story, we’ve designed environments that draw people in rather than mandate their presence. When employees choose to come to the office because it enhances their work experience, productivity and collaboration naturally follow.”

This summer, Hausmann Group moved its metro Milwaukee office from Pewaukee to the Town of Brookfield.

Kate Current, vice president of client strategy and employee benefits: “When designing our new office, we knew it had to reflect how work has changed, especially with our hybrid model. Remote work has its perks, but it can’t replace the in-person connection, collaboration and culture a great office can offer.

“We began by putting our people first. We created a space that facilitates collaboration, featuring open areas for spontaneous conversations and teamwork, plus quiet areas and flexible desks for focused work. Adaptability was equally important. Modular furniture, integrated technology, and multipurpose spaces help us easily shift between team huddles, client meetings and larger gatherings. And we didn’t forget the vibe. Natural light and cozy gathering spots make the space feel welcoming and reflect who we are as a company. It’s not just about where we work, it’s about how the space supports our values and helps our culture shine. By keeping people, adaptability and culture at the heart of our design, we’ve built an office that’s ready for whatever the future of work brings.”

Allspring Global Investments moved its local office with 300 employees from Menomonee Falls to Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward this spring.

David Bullock, head of real estate and corporate sustainability: “Allspring’s offices have been thoughtfully designed to embody the company’s culture and brand identity, resulting in workplaces that are both operationally efficient and welcoming to clients and employees. Our new office standards emphasize hospitality-inspired common areas, featuring locally sourced artwork, abundant natural light and distinctive architectural elements. Additionally, the design incorporates dedicated quiet areas and a range of conference rooms of various sizes to accommodate both virtual and in-person meetings.

“When we moved our office to downtown Milwaukee in early 2024, we had a clean slate to implement our design concepts and I’m particularly proud of the cafe area with its large windows, vibrant murals and modern lighting.”