Key Takeaways from NY Build Expo 2025
Flexibility, Amenities, and the Future of Workplace Design
Last week, we had the opportunity to attend NY Build Expo 2025 at the Javits Center, one of the largest and most influential construction and design events in the country. This annual event attracts over 35,000+ attendees, bringing together architects, developers, designers, real estate professionals, and construction industry leaders to discuss the future of built environments.
With hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of panel discussions, one theme stood out across multiple sessions: The workplaces of the future must be flexible, amenity-rich, and designed to accommodate generational shifts.
So, what does that actually mean? Let’s break it down.
Flexibility: The Key to Workplace Success
Flexibility in office design isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Think about it: the way we work today looks vastly different from even five years ago. Hybrid work, rapid tech advancements, and shifting employee expectations require offices to be adaptable, functional, and future-proof.
Leading experts from FXCollaborative, Fogarty Finger, and MENINO Design Studio stressed the importance of multi-use spaces that evolve with company needs. That means:
- Movable furniture and walls – Offices need to transition between team collaboration, individual deep work, and company-wide meetings with ease.
- Personalized workspaces – Adjustable desk heights, personalized lighting, and comfortable seating improve productivity.
- Modular design – Spaces should be built to flex as teams grow, contract, or shift focus over time.
As the workplace continues to evolve, companies must prioritize versatility. What works today might not work in five years, so adaptability is key.
Why Amenities Matter More Than Ever
Once upon a time, an office with a coffee pot and a water cooler was enough to keep employees happy. Today? Not even close.
If companies want employees to return to the office, they need to offer more than just a desk and a laptop. According to panelists from TPG Architecture, Brookfield Properties, and Mancini Duffy, companies are upping their game by introducing lifestyle-driven amenities that make the office experience more engaging and enjoyable.
What employees want in 2025:
- High-quality coffee & food options – Think barista-style coffee bars and on-site
cafés rather than vending machines. - Health & wellness spaces – Meditation rooms, fitness centers, and even nap pods are becoming increasingly common.
- Outdoor & green spaces – Rooftop lounges and open-air meeting areas help boost creativity and reduce stress.
- Comfortable breakout areas – Employees crave "me space" vs. "we space", meaning they want both private retreats and collaboration hubs.
The shift towards more thoughtful and engaging workplaces isn’t just about perks—it’s about building environments that employees actually want to be in.
Generational Shifts Are Reshaping Office Design
One of the most fascinating discussions at NY Build Expo was how different generations approach workplace design.
The Boomers came up in a corporate culture that valued private offices and cubicles—a structured, hierarchical environment. In contrast, Millennials and Gen Z grew up with open floor plans, digital collaboration, and the ability to work from anywhere. Now, with Gen Alpha beginning to enter the workforce, their tech-first, hyper-collaborative mindset will further push office evolution.
Key generational design preferences:
- Boomers (born 1946-1964): Prefer private offices, quiet spaces, and structured work environments.
- Gen X & Millennials (born 1965-1996): Favor flexible spaces, hybrid work options, and casual collaboration areas.
- Gen Z & Gen Alpha (born 1997+): Expect seamless tech integration, informal workspaces, and a strong emphasis on socialization and purpose-driven design.
The challenge for companies? Designing spaces that work for everyone. Offices must offer a balance between privacy and collaboration, structured and unstructured environments, and digital and physical workspaces.
Looking Ahead: How Companies Can Adapt
So, where do we go from here?
The reality is, offices can no longer be one-size-fits-all. They need to be flexible, engaging, and thoughtfully designed to support employees’ evolving needs.
At Poppin, we believe that workplaces should be as dynamic as the people who use them. Whether it’s modular furniture, customizable layouts, or multipurpose spaces, we offer solutions to help companies design for the future.
The Takeaway: The best offices are built with people in mind—and that means prioritizing
adaptability, amenities, and generational inclusivity. AI might optimize work processes, but it’s human-centered design that makes spaces feel like home.
Looking to transform your office? Find out how Poppin can help: https://www.poppin.com/pages/furniture-for-companies