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e recently had the pleasure of hosting Hadley Lord, a Workplace Strategist from MillerKnoll, for several days in the Pittsburgh market. The visit was packed with meaningful conversations—ranging from design strategy with our Workscape sales and design teams to thought exchanges with our A&D partners. One of the highlights? Touring the recently completed Pittsburgh Foundation offices, a project that exemplifies how strategic planning and thoughtful design come together to support the way people truly work.
The Pittsburgh Foundation space stands as a prime example of relationship-based work in action. Through an early and collaborative process, the team focused on understanding the type of work being done—then designed the environment around those needs. From workpoints that support focus and collaboration to social spaces that build community, this project reflects MillerKnoll’s research-backed approach: designing for how people work, not just where.
This thinking is more important than ever. According to MillerKnoll's Global Research + Planning team, 51% of global workers are in hybrid or remote environments, while the remaining 49% are full-time in-office. Even among hybrid workers, people still average 2.4 days per week in the office. That means the workplace must be more than just a backdrop—it must be a tool. And yet, many offices remain underutilized assets for improving business outcomes.
What draws people to the office now is less about obligation and more about connection. The data is clear: the office remains the best place for work that thrives on strong interpersonal relationships. It's where collaboration, mentorship, and community are most naturally built—especially when the space is intentionally designed for those interactions.
MillerKnoll’s framework of relationship-based work emphasizes this. Whether through adaptable spaces like plazas and cafés that foster casual connections, or meeting areas and work neighborhoods designed for strong team dynamics, the modern workplace must be flexible, inclusive, and people-centered.
By the end of the week, Hadley was already working “yinz” into her vocabulary—a sure sign that Pittsburgh made a lasting impression. We’re grateful for the time, insights, and energy she brought, and we can’t wait to welcome her back as we continue shaping spaces that work because they’re designed with purpose.
