First and foremost, office tenants desire a walkable live-work-play environment. Live-work-play is defined as a development containing office space, restaurants, work-out facilities, green space, hotels, entertainment venues and a variety of housing options (apartments, condos, single family homes, townhouses, etc.).

The second thing office tenants are looking for is modern space with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass and large floorplates. Not only do office tenants enjoy the aesthetics of these features, but studies show that abundant natural light and high ceilings improve employee mood and productivity. Even older downtown warehouses converted into creative office space often outperform mid-century buildings with narrow windows and lower ceilings.

The next thing tenants desire is close, convenient parking. Suburban, mixed-use developments have accomplished this by building connected parking garages as opposed to large surface lots. This also strengthens walkability by keeping amenities closer together.

Larger tenants are looking for prominence both for branding purposes and employee recruitment. Placing a sign on top of a taller building along the freeway accomplishes this mission and adds credibility to the development. These tenants are also seeking efficient, wide-open floorplans that allow long-term flexibility.

A newer trend, reinforced through the pandemic, is the need for multiple working environments within an office space. This means in addition to a private workspace such as an office or cubicle, employees want alternative areas where they can work—cafés, lounges, high-top seating, outdoor terraces, and more. This shift in workplace dynamics is linked to another movement called Biophilic Design, which brings elements of nature and the outdoors into indoor spaces.

A requirement that should not be overlooked is ADA compliance. Many buildings make an attempt at accessibility during renovations, but it is very difficult to achieve full compliance without new construction.

In addition to the features outlined above, tenants are desiring Class A characteristics now more than ever. They want that “wow” factor to impress both employees and guests. These include, but are not limited to, high-end finishes, unique design features, glass walls, LED lighting, solid surface flooring, and high-efficiency heating and cooling.

Tenants are also drawn to technology readiness. Strong fiber internet, advanced building systems, secure connectivity, and smart building features (from lighting to climate control) are no longer optional—they’re baseline expectations for modern office users.

Ultimately, office tenants today view their space as an extension of company culture, not just a place to work. Decisions go beyond location and cost to which space best helps them attract talent, reflect their brand, and support long-term growth.