According to USA TODAY, in 2025, nearly 22% of Americans work remotely (compared to about 7% pre-COVID). This significant shift means it’s imperative to design multifamily amenity spaces that support productive, flexible work environments for remote workers. Without it, properties risk losing renters who are looking for these features in their next home.

Exactly what remote workers are looking for, however, is changing. Courtney Roessler, Design and Project Manager at Mitsch Design, calls it “working alone together.”

“People are craving a sense of energy and presence, without the pressure to collaborate,” Roessler notes. “To support that, our designs have evolved to include more variety: integrated work lounges, layered seating, and residential-style touches that invite people to stay longer, feel comfortable, and still focus on their own tasks.”

A Shift in Collaborative Environments

While collaboration isn’t disappearing, it’s no longer the primary focus in multifamily amenity spaces. In the past, shared spaces leaned heavily into open concepts and communal tables, but today’s residents are wanting something different. “We’re seeing a much stronger desire for focused, semi-private areas like booths, pods, or library-style tables with subtle separation,” Roessler says. “People still want the option to gather, but on their own terms.” This shift reflects a broader need for control over one’s environment. Residents want to decide when to engage and when to tune out.

Zoning Accommodates Work Styles

“Zoning starts with understanding how people move through a space and where they naturally pause,” she explains, “We like to create a rhythm between active and quiet zones by using physical elements like flooring changes, planter dividers, or ceiling features. We also think about proximity to food, natural light, and outlets to support longer stays. The best amenity spaces function like micro-neighborhoods, offering a range of ‘moments’ within one cohesive environment.”

Creating an environment where residents can ‘work alone together’ with no pressure to collaborate will elevate the desirability of your multifamily community. Whether you’re looking to remodel or are planning new construction, Mitsch Design can help transform your amenity space into a place where all residents can be most productive. Our team of interior designers, including finishes and furniture, works nationwide.

“We’re seeing a much stronger desire for focused, semi-private areas like booths, pods, or library-style tables with subtle separation.”
Courtney Roessler, Design Manager, Mitsch Design