Abstract
At this pivotal nexus within the global workplace, this study explores the influence of “this moment in time” on communication practices within hybrid design teams—a key dimension of evolving professional practice. Based on 45 semi-structured interviews with architects and interior designers across generational cohorts at a multidisciplinary U.S.-based firm, this research investigates how the hybrid work model reshapes the rhythms, rituals, and relationships fundamental to design collaboration and team interactions. Hybrid teams demonstrate flexibility across generational cohorts, yet the findings also underscore the temporal sensitivity and cohort preferences of communication choices. Results revealed that face-to-face engagement appeared valuable during early design phases—facilitating ideation, problem-finding, and rapid iteration—while hybrid methods proved effective in later project stages. The participating project teams emphasized the importance of intentional, synchronous communication in preserving cohesion, creativity, and performance. The findings introduce a framework of hybrid work in practice, underscoring Autonomy, Agility, Adaptability, Balance, and Bolstering as essential conditions for creative resilience. In contrast, hybrid perils relating to complexity, constraints, division, disengagement, and deprivation also surfaced in teams. Managing this tension requires strategic leadership, mentoring, and a reimagining of valuing time and tasks in design practice. The research advocates a shift from reactive responses to adaptively applying future-ready practices by situating hybrid work within a broad temporal framework. This study contributes to the discourse on how designers work in the evolving hybrid era to usher in inclusive, innovative, and time-conscious practices that can advance design and its global workplace cultures.
Presenters
Lindsey WalkerStudent, PhD, Design, Construction, and Planning, University of Florida, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Design Across Time
KEYWORDS
Design Communication, Design Process, Hybrid Work, Workplace Design
