In a time when companies are trying to entice workers to balance remote and in-office workdays, there’s never been more pressure to make the workplace “cool”. From “high-concept art” (1) at the Uber Headquarters to a reception space that transforms into a bar at night at Red Bull London, companies are implementing third-space qualities, luxe decor, and extra amenities into their offices. 

In 2026, cool isn’t just a descriptor of trendy spaces. It’s a balance of design, experience, and innovation. Rather than a laundry list of amenities and features, “cool” offices focus on a few key aspects of company culture, such as:

• Enforced boundaries between home and work
• Flexibility for PTO, appointments, and sick days
• Investments in professional development
• Clean, clutter-free workspaces
• A culture of accountability, kindness, and professionalism
• Fair and equitable compensation
• Kitchen areas with coffee, water, and snacks
• Opportunity for hybrid and remote work
• Standard benefits such as good health insurance, 401 contributions, and family leave

These fundamental elements of the modern, “cool” workplace set a standard for investing in employee wellness. An office can have all the bells and whistles and amenities that rival a resort, but without these core components, it struggles with employee satisfaction and retention. 

Image Credit: PR Newswire

Similarly, cool offices in 2026 also follow a range of modern design and architecture best practices. From brand environments with natural lighting to appliance-rich kitchens and visual branding, the best and “coolest” office design has a simple yet stylish framework that prioritizes flow and flexible spaces.

While these offices don’t always rival the amenities of museums, bars, or hotels, they provide trusted, reliable workspaces that focus on all of the unique ways people actually work and get things done. 

The HAVI Group, located in Chicago, is an office that delivers on both design and amenities. Built and styled to support day-to-day operations, HAVI’s design also pays tribute to employee ingenuity and its global workforce. Adopting a space “reflecting craftsmanship and deconstruction,” (2) The HAVI Group’s office includes large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the neighborhood, a fireplace, and custom millwork. 

The space also offers a variety of workspaces, including traditional desks, private meeting rooms, and communal town hall areas. With access to an outdoor deck offering skyline views on every floor, as well as in-office amenities such as a kombucha tap and a flavored seltzer machine, HAVI strikes a balance between innovation and comfort. A finishing touch is a branded mechanical flip board from Oat Foundry, a Picture Flap display.

Image Credit: Partners by DesignPartners

Following the latest design best practices, HAVI has opted for minimal technology outside of computers and necessary digital components. In place of what could have been a video wall or giant monitor is a custom mechanical installation. The Picture Flap serves as a custom kinetic “company wall”, branded with imagery of the Chicago skyline, HAVI brand colors, and photos of the company’s global workforce.

Driven by kinetic energy and mechanical motion, the Picture Flap rotates flaps to form an image, then transitions to the next design. The Picture Flap is also a sustainable design element, drawing significantly less power and heat than a screen.

The HAVI Group has made headlines for everything from global growth to its management style, with awards and accolades for its office redesign. The company won an award for Crain’s Coolest Offices in Chicago for 2023, with Rob Pieper, SVP of Corporate Strategy & Process, citing that the design was for creating “a sense of community, celebration, and collaboration in the new space.” (5)

Oat Foundry’s Picture Flaps are a refreshing way to bring motion and subtle sound into otherwise static offices. From magic mechanical movement to a modern, sleek design, we take pride in customizing and scaling our Picture Flaps to unique office spaces. The perfect balance of form and function, our Picture Flaps provide a signature focal point to any lobby or office.

Want more information? Request a free copy of Analog, our official lookbook.

Resources

1. Uber’s Culture Shift Is on Display in Its New Lobby
2. HAVI Named One of Crain’s Coolest Offices in Chicago for 2023
3. HAVI Acquires PMI Worldwide
4. HAVI, tms’s parent company, named US Best Managed Company for third year
5. tms and HAVI win coolest office award for new Fulton Market space