As Perth businesses adapt to hybrid work, evolving employee expectations and tighter A-grade office supply, workplace design is no longer about aesthetics alone. The office has become a strategic business asset that supports productivity, collaboration, wellbeing, sustainability and long-term organisational performance.
Organisations are prioritising human-centric environments, flexible and hybrid-ready layouts, sustainable and circular materials, seamless workplace technology and design strategies that express brand, culture and local identity. Together, these trends are reshaping how Perth workplaces function, feel and perform.
Rather than reacting to short-term change, Perth organisations are moving toward data-led, future-focused workplace planning. Commercial Office fitout decisions around refurbishment versus relocation, space efficiency, adaptability and long-term sustainability are now central to workplace strategy, not afterthoughts.
In this article, we explore the design trends shaping Perth workplaces in 2026, including:
Human-centric workplace design
Refurbishment over relocation
Hybrid-ready, agile office layouts
Sustainability, circular design and future de-fit considerations
Seamless workplace technology integration
Warm minimalism and nature-inspired aesthetics
Cultural awareness, local identity and brand storytelling
Future-ready, flexible office fitouts
Together, these trends highlight how Perth businesses are designing workplaces that attract talent, strengthen culture and perform well into the future.
In 2026, employee experience is firmly at the centre of workplace design. Businesses are recognising that people perform at their best when they feel supported, comfortable and able to work in environments that align with their cognitive and physical needs.
Human-centric design goes far beyond ergonomic furniture or decorative greenery. It is about creating a holistic ecosystem that supports wellbeing, focus, collaboration and choice.
Key characteristics of human-centric workplaces include:
Why this matters in Perth
With Western Australia’s competitive talent market, particularly across mining, engineering, finance, technology and professional services, workplace quality has become a key differentiator for attraction and retention.
Axiom insight
Through employee experience interviews, behavioural observation and workplace strategy workshops, we design environments that enhance productivity, reduce stress and improve overall satisfaction.
Across Perth, organisations are rethinking how office space is used to support hybrid work, collaboration, wellbeing and innovation. At the same time, tightening availability of A-grade office space is reshaping decision-making, prompting businesses to carefully assess whether relocation delivers real value.
While some tenants and developers are regenerating former retail, hospitality and public-use buildings into workplaces often benefitting from larger single floor plates, higher ceilings and architectural character many organisations are finding that refurbishing their existing workplace is the more strategic and cost-effective option.
A Shift in Workplace Decision-Making
Reimagining a current space with a refurbishment allows organisations to reassess workplace layouts, upgrade technology infrastructure, enhance wellness initiatives and create stronger opportunities for teams to collaborate and connect—without the disruption of relocation.
By reallocating budgets typically spent on moving costs, incentives and downtime, businesses can instead invest directly into revitalising their workplace environment.
Key refurbishment trends emerging in 2026:
Re-planning existing floorplates to support hybrid and activity-based working
Technology upgrades that improve collaboration and flexibility
Furniture audits and selective re-use to reduce waste and cost
Phased refurbishments that minimise disruption to business operations
Scalable refresh strategies, from minor upgrades to full workplace re-plans
Why refurbishment matters in Perth
With space efficiency, flexibility and sustainability now central to workplace strategy, refurbishment enables organisations to maximise the value of their existing footprint while adapting to changing work patterns. It also reduces operational disruption, shortens project timelines and supports better long-term financial and environmental outcomes.
In 2026, refurbishment is no longer seen as a compromise, it is a strategic response to market conditions, evolving workforce expectations and the need for future-ready workplaces.
Axiom insight
Our workplace strategists have helped Perth organisations evaluate refurbishment versus relocation, designing workplace upgrades that enhance performance, improve employee experience and deliver long-term value without unnecessary disruption.
In 2026, Perth businesses are moving beyond flexible work policies to designing workplaces that genuinely perform under hybrid conditions.
Australian furniture designers are responding with flexible, modular systems that can replace fixed joinery. These solutions allow organisations to adapt layouts over time, relocate furniture if needed, and reduce costs associated with future change.
What hybrid-ready workplaces look like in 2026:
Activity-based zones that allow employees to choose spaces suited to their tasks
Unassigned seating and adaptable workpoints that respond to fluctuating occupancy
Tech-enabled meeting spaces that support seamless remote and in-person collaboration
Modular furniture systems with lose furniture over joinery that can easily be reconfigured without construction
Mobile collaboration tools, including writable surfaces, digital whiteboards and acoustic screens
Why these matter in Perth
Hybrid-ready workplaces optimize space utilisation, reducing underused areas, bridging communication gaps and improving team cohesion even when people aren't always in the office.
Axiom insight
By using workplace utilisation data, we design layouts based on real employee behaviour rather than assumptions.
Sustainability is no longer a branding exercise. In 2026, it is a core organisational responsibility driven by ESG commitments, stakeholder expectations and evolving regulatory requirements.
Sustainability mandates
With the introduction of the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards from 2026, many organisations will be required to report on workplace-related emissions, from material selection through to operational performance. This extends accountability beyond construction and into the full lifecycle of a workplace fitout.
As a result, sustainable workplace design now focuses on longevity, adaptability and responsible end-of-life outcomes, ensuring spaces can evolve over time without unnecessary waste or premature refurbishment.
Key sustainability trends emerging in 2026 include:
Circular furniture and materials designed for reuse, recyclability and long-term reconfiguration
Local sourcing to reduce carbon impact and support Western Australian suppliers
Low-VOC finishes and air-quality conscious materials
Energy-efficient lighting and climate systems that reduce operational costs
Design strategies that prioritise longevity and adaptability
Why sustainability matters in Perth
Preparing a workplace for the future now extends well beyond initial occupation, employees, clients and investors expect demonstrably responsible workplaces. Perth organisations are increasingly evaluating how spaces, furniture and materials can be reused, reconfigured or responsibly de-fitted as business needs evolve.
Sustainable fitouts reduce operating costs, protect asset value and help future-proof organisations against regulatory change.
Axiom insight
We embed sustainability principles into every stage of design from materials research to construction methodology delivering workplaces that are as responsible as they are beautiful.
Technology is evolving rapidly, but the most advanced workplaces don’t feel “high-tech”, they feel effortless. The goal for 2026 is for technology to be fully integrated into the environment rather than visible or intrusive.
Key tech directions to watch:
Why technology matters now more than ever
In high-performance workplaces, technology is a silent enabler, helping teams communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and move seamlessly between digital and physical modes.
Axiom insight
We integrate workspace technology at the strategy stage, ensuring your office is built on a robust, flexible and future-ready infrastructure.
Perth workplaces are adopting a design aesthetic that feels sophisticated yet grounded. 2026 is seeing a shift toward warm minimalism, a design language that blends simplicity with rich natural textures.
Trending design motifs in 2026:
Why this matters in Perth
Design is increasingly recognised as a tool for emotional well-being. Warm, grounded interiors help employees feel calm, connected and engaged, improving performance and satisfaction.
Axiom insight
Our designers specialise in creating environments that balance minimalism with humanity, ensuring every touchpoint contributes to both brand identity and employee experience.
Authenticity has become a powerful brand asset. In 2026, Perth workplaces are increasingly designed with a deeper awareness of place, culture and responsibility.
Cultural awareness in workplace design offers opportunities to thoughtfully and respectfully acknowledge First Nations people and their incredibly diverse cultures, while creating environments that feel inclusive and connected to Country.
Ways this is showing up in 2026 workplaces:
Why this matters in Perth
Your workplace is often the first, and most lasting, physical impression clients and employees have. A strong sense of identity enhances brand trust and deepens engagement, whilst the implementation of RAP honours Australia's first people, strategically taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
Axiom insight
We work closely with leadership teams to translate brand, culture and values into a physical environment that feels authentic, distinctive and future-focused.
One of the most important trends for 2026 is the shift toward future-ready workplace infrastructure. Perth organisations are prioritising fitouts that evolve with them rather than constrain them.
The office is now a destination for connection, collaboration and culture, supported by efficient layouts and robust technology.
Make Every Square Meter Work Harder
Palatial reception areas and multiple large meeting rooms are being replaced with discreet, hotel-style concierge stations and two-person enclosed, freestanding meeting booths. Post-COVID, the office has become a place to reconnect with colleagues and clients. New workplace design should promote collaboration, wellness and productivity, underpinned by highly efficient and functional technology. We are seeing a clear reduction in space requirements, with areas reserved solely for clients increasingly becoming a thing of the past.
Key elements of future-ready design:
Why this matters in Perth
Flexibility protects your investment. A well-designed workplace can transition with your business as teams, technologies and strategies evolve.
Axiom insight
Our strategy-led approach assisted by Axiom's wrkx INDEX ensures your workplace has the adaptability to support future growth, change and innovation, without ongoing costly refurbishments.
The office of 2026 is strategic, people-focused and deeply aligned with organisational identity. Perth businesses that invest in thoughtful, data-led workplace design will benefit from a stronger culture, improved collaboration, better employee wellbeing and a workplace built to perform well into the future.
Axiom Workplaces brings together workplace strategy, interior design and construction into one integrated, end-to-end solution, ensuring you achieve a workplace that supports your people and drives your business forward.
Ready to Transform Your Perth Workplace?
Whether you’re planning a relocation, refurbishment or complete commercial fitout, our team can help you design a workplace that delivers lasting value.