David Stegmann from Ask Nestor discusses 'happy buildings' with host Søren Vasø in this episode of Spatial Experience Design. We explore how Ask Nestor focuses on creating environments where people love to live and work through technology integration, allowing them to deliver strategic hospitality, diverse services, and engaging events. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding client interactions, improving operational efficiency, and creating frictionless experiences. We also touch on broader trends like post-COVID workspace transformations, the role of AI in building management, and the economic drivers that push companies to innovate and optimize their spaces for better tenant satisfaction and retention.
Key Topics:
-
- Smart building technology for tenant retention
- Adaptive office design for hybrid work
- Integrated workplace management systems (IWMS)
- Enhancing tenant experience with intelligent environments
Moving Beyond Basic Spaces
The modern office is more than four walls and a key card. The way we interact with buildings has changed, and to drive engagement, we need to rethink how a space feels. Does it support the way people work? Does it make daily tasks easier? Does it create a sense of community?
That’s where happy buildings come in. Instead of measuring success by square footage and rent prices alone, companies are shifting their focus to the experience inside. Leasing space alone does not create engagement. To build long-term tenant loyalty, organizations must create environments where people choose to be.
Creating Environments People Love
A “happy building” makes life easier and more enjoyable for the people inside it. First impressions matter, whether that’s a friendly greeting or an easy, app-based check-in. Technology plays a huge role in setting the tone for everyone who enters your building. People shouldn’t have to fumble with different apps for basic tasks. One system should handle everything from booking a desk to navigating a building.
Convenience is another key factor. When a building supports simple, everyday needs, like dry cleaning pickup, room reservations, or food delivery. Smart tech applied in a hospitality context removes small frustrations that add up over time. Beyond convenience, well-designed spaces foster collaboration and connection. Events, networking opportunities, and shared experiences create a sense of community, making the space more than just a workplace.
Smarter Buildings, Better Experiences
AI is changing how buildings work and how people move through them. Instead of juggling multiple apps for parking, room booking, and building access, imagine one intelligent platform that understands your needs. If you always grab a desk in the quiet zone, the system will automatically reserve one for you. A workplace assistant could track peak dining traffic and suggest a better time to eat, reducing wait times and improving flow. Instead of scanning five different QR codes to access different areas, a single system could handle everything, reducing friction and making movement through a place much more intuitive.
The Business Case for Smarter Buildings
You might be thinking, this all sounds great, but is it worth the investment? Property owners and landlords are already seeing the financial and operational benefits of prioritizing experience. Instead of losing tenants due to underutilized space, they’re using technology to help companies optimize how they use it—making workplaces more valuable, adaptable, and engaging.
Take this scenario: A company with 1,000 employees sees shifting attendance patterns, with 500 people in the office on a given day. Rather than downsizing, they work with landlords to redesign their space for flexibility. Instead of rows of empty desks, the office evolves to meet real needs: reservable hot desks for employees on flexible schedules, breakout areas for quick team discussions, quiet booths for focused work, and tech-enabled conference rooms designed for hybrid meetings. By designing spaces around real usage patterns, property owners create environments that attract and retain tenants while maximizing the value of every square foot.
The result? A workplace that evolves with its tenants rather than leaving space underutilized. The future of commercial spaces depends on intelligence, not just aesthetics. Reservable hot desks, adaptable work areas, and hybrid-ready conference rooms ensure that every square foot is put to good use. Smart systems enable employees to book meeting rooms, adjust lighting, or order lunch with a simple request. Buildings analyze real-time data to fine-tune temperature, lighting, and space configurations, making environments more responsive.
The more adaptable these environments become, the more valuable they are to the people using them—enhancing both tenant satisfaction and long-term property value.
Are You Designing for a Better Experience?
Buildings should be more than a place to show up; they should be a place people choose to be. Offices, stadiums, and residential spaces that prioritize experience will set the standard for success. The future belongs to those who reimagine how people interact with their environments.
How will your building experience impact people?
Additional Resources:
March 18, 2025
