Metrocon 2019: The Design Behind Privacy

Architects and designers can play a large role in the functionality and workflow of an office. In today’s environment of co-working, open floor plans and remote work, no two offices are suited for identical layouts.

Collaboration has been central to the erosion of the cubicle-centric office of the past but this has come with its own pitfalls. With every screen and conversation now out in the open in some offices, the issue of privacy has been a concern for some workers.

However, other forces make a return to the old ways unlikely in the eyes of Andy Vawter, VP of Business Development for MPS, LLC.

 

“I don’t think it will change. Again, because how do you give everyone a private office and afford to pay the bills? I think there’s probably a sneaky secondary reason, which is employers don’t trust all their employees to focus on their job all the time. So, if you gave them three walls and a door to shut, they might just be on Instagram the whole time,” he said.

Vawter was at MetroCon 2019 to explain the dynamics at play within different office layouts and what each model means for privacy, productivity and how price plays a role. The balance of collaboration and privacy is something each business will have to navigate on its own.

“Outside of a noise cancelling headphone, we’re still very elementary on how we can treat this in those other environments, but we’ve solved some very unique situations,” Vawter explained.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DXpedition
Icom Powers 3Y0K : Ham Radio’s Most Ambitious DXpedition to Remote Bouvet Island Part 1
July 11, 2025

Bouvet Island sits at the edge of the world. It is frozen, uninhabited, and almost impossible to access. Fewer people have set foot there than in space. That level of remoteness is exactly what makes it so valuable to amateur radio operators. The island ranks tenth on ClubLog’s list of Most Wanted DXCC entities,…

Read More
entrepreneurial success
The Hidden Key to Entrepreneurial Success: Build Momentum Through Personal Branding and Authentic Networking
July 10, 2025

What if the biggest pivot of your career started with a conversation?  In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham welcomes Fanny Dunagan, CEO and Content Strategist of PathLynks, LLC. Fanny shares her journey from high-pressure consulting in Singapore to founding her own media and branding company — and why learning to network…

Read More
Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

Rogue Marketing continues to lead with intention in a space often driven by noise. Q2 2025 reflected a strategic focus on substance, where each initiative supported long-term brand growth. The team transformed internal recognition efforts into enduring brand assets and refined event strategies through immersive, results-driven experiences. Website launches during the quarter balanced visual…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More