State of the Office 2026 - Interview with Jennifer Janus

<p>What if the future of the office isn’t about mandates…</p><p>but about making people actually want to be there?</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation goes beyond real estate—it gets to the why behind the office.</p><p><br></p><p>Key takeaways from the episode:</p><p><br></p><p><strong>We’ve moved from “return to work” ? “reinvention”</strong></p><p>The question is no longer if the office matters, but what it’s for.</p><p><strong>Design drives behavior</strong></p><p>Well-designed workplaces are seeing double the utilization—experience matters.</p><p><strong>The office is part of an ecosystem</strong></p><p>When people come in, cities thrive—restaurants, retail, and community all follow.</p><p><strong>Amenities must be intentional—not gimmicks</strong></p><p>From social spaces to wellness and even play (yes… pickleball), the goal is connection and energy.</p><p><strong>Mandates don’t work—magnetism does</strong></p><p>If people don’t see value, they won’t stay. The best workplaces pull people in.</p><p><strong>Partnership is a competitive advantage</strong></p><p>The best ideas—and best spaces—come from collaboration across disciplines.</p><p><strong>Flexibility is the future-proof strategy</strong></p><p>Design for change, not permanence.</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is a deep dive into how design, culture, and business strategy are converging to reshape the workplace.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re thinking about your office, your people, or your next move—this one’s worth your time.</p><p><br></p><p>I’d love to hear from you . . </p><p>What’s actually bringing people back to your workplace right now?</p><p><br></p><p>Drop your thoughts below or message me at <a href="catalloscott@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">catalloscott@gmail.com</a> —your input helps shape where this series goes next.</p><p><br></p><p>And if you find value in these conversations, share it with someone navigating the same questions.</p><p><br></p><p>#FutureOfWork #WorkplaceStrategy #OfficeDesign #Architecture #InteriorDesign #Detroit #Leadership #HybridWork</p><p><br></p>