Farah Addada, Associate Director – Workplace Strategy, Interior Design & Change Management, Project & Development Services UAE, JLL, combines her passion for workplace strategy, interior design, and change management to create tailored, human-centric spaces in the Middle East. With a focus on aligning design with corporate goals, she champions sustainability, well-being, and adaptability in workplace transformation.

What inspired your passion for workplace design, and how has your journey evolved in the Middle East?

My passion for workplace design stems from the fact that we spend a significant amount of our time in these spaces. I believe it’s essential that the designs prioritise the needs of the people who occupy them over mere aesthetics. One of the appealing aspects of workplace design is the relatively quick turnaround for project completion; you can see your vision come to life quite quickly. Additionally, my upbringing in the Middle East has influenced my design aesthetic. The region’s unique topography and rich cultural heritage continually inspire my work.

Can you share insights on how you approach workplace strategy and change management for major corporate clients?

It is essential to first understand the core DNA of the company, including its people, its operations, and what has worked or not worked over the past five years. Equally important is grasping the company’s vision and goals for the next 5 to10 years. By collecting and analysing this data, you can create a workplace that enhances operational efficiency and aligns with the company’s vision. This, in turn, leads to greater employee satisfaction and better staff retention. At JLL, we have found that this approach can result in a 30% improvement in efficiency and a 40% increase in employee satisfaction.

How does your regional knowledge influence your design process and solutions for clients in the Middle East?

Having primarily designed offices in the Middle East, I have a good understanding of how to manage projects, drive change, and influence companies to adopt more effective work styles. Each region and client is unique, therefore there has to be a level of individuality when it comes to designing a space. This is why the stage of data collection is important in order to understand and develop a tailored solution for each client.

What role does lighting design play in transforming workplace environments, and how has your advanced education in this field shaped your approach?

My decision to specialise in lighting design stemmed from the realisation that proper illumination is essential to showcasing a space as intended. The field includes mastering light temperatures, understanding various lighting layers, and knowing how to create the right ambiance for different activities. This specialised knowledge allows me to create more cohesive and impactful designs, elevating the overall user experience in the spaces I shape.

What are the key challenges in corporate transformation projects, and how do you overcome them?

Without a clear vision, transformation efforts may lack direction. To address this challenge, we assist clients in developing a clear and compelling vision and strategy, effectively communicating it, and ensuring that all initiatives align with these overarching goals.

Another challenge we face is managing stakeholder expectations, which involves balancing the diverse needs and expectations of various stakeholders. Our solution is to engage stakeholders early and frequently, manage their expectations realistically, and adapt plans as necessary based on their feedback.

How do you balance creativity and technical detailing in delivering bespoke solutions for clients?

We are quite fortunate in the UAE to highly skilled craftsmen, along with a very capable technical team at JLL. We rarely encounter ideas that are too difficult to execute. However, it’s essential to focus on creating a unique, bespoke design that takes into account the feasibility which includes budget, programme, and lead times.

What trends do you see shaping the future of workplace design in the Middle East, and how are you adapting to these changes?

According to JLL’s recent “The Future of Work Survey 2024,” several key trends are shaping workplace design in the Middle East and around the globe:

  • Focus on High-Performance Environments: Workplaces need to support more complex work requirements driven by AI adoption, top talent attraction, and managing hybrid work models. This includes creating tech-enabled, adaptable spaces that can support different needs throughout the week.
  • Emphasis on Social and Collaborative Spaces: The main reason many people are returning to the office is to connect with others. This means workplace design should focus not just on formal meeting areas but also on how people can interact, build relationships, and share ideas in more relaxed settings.
  • Sustainability and Wellbeing: There is a growing emphasis on energy efficiency, decarbonisation, health and wellbeing, sustainability certifications, climate resilience, and circular economy principles in workplace design. Companies are willing to pay a premium for spaces that have leading sustainability and well-being credentials that cater to the staff.
  • Flexibility and Choice: Providing a variety of work settings to support different tasks and work styles is essential. This includes a mix of focus areas, collaborative spaces, social zones, and amenities.