About this episode

This episode explores the future of the office through design, culture, and human connection with Jennifer Janus.

What if the future of the office isn’t about mandates… but about making people actually want to be there? In this third episode of my State of the Office in 2026 Workplace Series, I sit down with Jennifer Janus, President of Pophouse, to explore workplace through the lens of interior design, culture, and human connection. This conversation goes beyond real estate—it gets to the why behind the office. Key takeaways from the episode: We’ve moved from “return to work” ? “reinvention” The question is no longer if the office matters, but what it’s for. Design drives behavior Well-designed workplaces are seeing double the utilization—experience matters. The office is part of an ecosystem When people come in, cities thrive—restaurants, retail, and community all follow. Amenities must be intentional—not gimmicks From social spaces to wellness and even play (yes… pickleball), the goal is connection and energy. Mandates don’t work—magnetism does If people don’t see value, they won’t stay. The best workplaces pull people in. Partnership is a competitive advantage The best ideas—and best spaces—come from collaboration across disciplines. Flexibility is the future-proof strategy Design for…

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