Are Shrinking Offices a Done Deal?

The debate rages on—how to handle the push toward reduced footprints (bigger shoes?) when there's also a need for collaborative and quiet spaces? That's why we think it's the perfect time for our latest event: Bisnow's Creative Office Summit on June 17 at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Colliers’ executive managing director John Arnoldi, who'll be one of many expert panelists, says there are many companies that still need “concentration” space. Other speakers include Konrad Group co-founder Geordie Konrad, Ashlar Urban Realty partner Michael Scace, IQ Office co-founder Kane Wilmott, York Heritage Properties partner Robert Eisenberg, BrightLane president George Horhota, Hullmark Development VP Aly Damji, Google Canada facilities manager Andrea Janus, Allied Properties EVP Tom Burns and Oxford Properties VP John Peets. Avison Young SVP Rodney McDonald is the moderator.

While our event focuses on redefining the traditional office space, John tells us that “to make sweeping statements that every firm will reduce their footprint by ‘X’ percent is a bigger jump than we can take.” The future of office space is not a “cut and dried thing.” (Just look at any sci-fi movie. Nobody's vision of the future is the same.) For example, what about parking ramifications, and can floor plates handle a greater concentration of people? In the image is the new Oxford tower going up at 100 Adelaide St W.

Issues like new technology and transportation in the GTA have a huge impact on the creative office discussion. John's life makes him a bit of an authority on the topic. In addition to owning a cottage on Lake Muskoka, he lives in Cambridge, and splits his time between his home there and a condo downtown. (Good luck keeping the proper wardrobe in the right place.) The evolution in digital technology directly impacts how he does his job. But a balance between open areas and private offices "has to be met somewhere,” he tells us. Pictured: the newer 18 York St tower in Southcore.