Shaping the Future: Toni Piskac on Innovation in Office Design

For me, collaboration is at the heart of everything—both with clients and professionals from different disciplines. In today’s increasingly complex projects, this approach is essential to achieving the highest possible quality. Beyond that, working together is a source of inspiration and motivation that contributes significantly to a project’s success.

I firmly believe that high-quality design and material selection are fundamental to longevity and sustainability. Designers have a responsibility in this regard. What’s particularly important to me is an honest approach to materials—using them in ways that respect their inherent properties.

Photos: tnpx / Labelfarm Marek Ullrich

The working world is evolving faster than ever, while long-term predictions are becoming increasingly uncertain. This means that office concepts must be designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind from the outset to remain future-proof.

For a long time, the office industry confined itself within a self-imposed framework of standards and regulations. Of course, ergonomics still play a crucial role in office design. But work itself has changed—moving away from purely desk-based tasks towards interactive collaboration, from individually owned workstations to diverse workplace options within an office landscape, and from a focus on individuals to a connected community.

Photos: tnpx / Labelfarm Marek Ullrich

Omnio was already a well-established product in the retail sector when we were commissioned to adapt it for office environments and develop a flexible modular system tailored to this market. Our challenge was to combine our expertise in workplace design with Visplay’s deep knowledge of retail environments. The core structure consists of round tube supports and shelf frames, with the distinctive Y-connector defining its visual identity.

One of our key questions was how to utilize the space between the four support posts in the digital age—without merely offering conventional storage solutions. We addressed this by integrating a wide range of functional elements. The goal was never to introduce yet another shelving or storage system. Given the current challenges in the real estate sector—shorter lease terms and rising construction costs—it was crucial to develop a solution that ensures sustainable economic viability for office fit-outs beyond a single lease period.

Today’s tenants expect flexible, contemporary office furnishings that can quickly adapt to changing workflows. These expectations formed the foundation for Omnio Office. The objective was to create a spatial system that is easy to modify, provides visual and acoustic zoning, and seamlessly integrates technical functions such as power supply, lighting, and climate control.

The development process began with a test installation in Visplay’s own office. This led to the creation of mobile units designed for agile work methods, as well as combinable static units for fundamental space structuring. Our initial findings were immediately incorporated into further refinements. The real test came with our first project for an innovative software development company in Frankfurt. There, Omnio Office proved its ability to structure spaces effectively while integrating functional elements in a flexible way. We’re particularly proud that this achievement was immediately recognized with a German Design Award.

Project LORENZ Life Sciences Group awarded with the German Design Award.

When designing office spaces, our goal is to create environments that support functional workflows while also fostering a sense of well-being—spaces where people feel comfortable and can reach their full potential. However, we often encounter rigid, uninspiring office layouts that offer little motivation for employees to leave their home offices.

That’s why we develop tailor-made concepts in close dialogue with users, ensuring that future ways of working are supported and team needs remain central to the design.

It’s always about balancing focused work with interaction, whether in formal or informal settings. Over time, the need for creative and collaborative spaces has increased significantly. Our aim is to understand emerging work styles and translate them into spatial solutions.

To achieve this, we structure office spaces into zones tailored to different activities and equip them with the necessary tools. At the same time, office design is an opportunity to make a company’s identity tangible for employees and visitors alike—through a thoughtful combination of colors, materials, and lighting.

Unlike many visually similar products, Omnio Office is not just another shelving or storage system—it is a flexible spatial structuring system. It helps organize work environments, provides visual and acoustic zoning, and can be intuitively adapted to changing needs. Additionally, it integrates technical functions such as power distribution, lighting, and climate control.

Omnio Office enables diverse applications—from organizational elements like coat racks, printer stations, and lockers to visual communication surfaces with monitors, whiteboards, and pinboards. It also supports different workplace needs, including collaborative and retreat spaces with standing tables, lounge areas, and focus booths.

One of its standout features is its electrification capability. By running cables through the base, Omnio Office removes traditional spatial limitations. Power can be distributed via the round tubes and accessed at multiple points for charging stations, lighting, or other integrations.

Another significant advantage is its modular flexibility. The system includes mobile elements that interact seamlessly with fixed units. Most importantly, all components are reusable and can be reconfigured in new layouts—making Omnio Office not only versatile but also exceptionally sustainable.

The future of workplace design lies in flexibility and adaptability—even for needs that may not yet be foreseeable. Work environments must be designed to evolve quickly and effortlessly.

At the same time, there is a growing demand for recognizability and high-quality spaces—offices that feel inviting and inspiring for the people who use them every day.

Of course, it’s always exciting to design completely free of limitations and create highly individual solutions. However, such concepts often become outdated quite quickly. Given today’s economic constraints and the unpredictability of future changes, designers must develop solutions that reflect both a company’s identity and the needs of the people working there. At the same time, these solutions must meet functional workplace requirements while remaining flexible enough for future adaptations. Therefore, it’s essential to engage deeply with the specific needs of clients and users to create sustainable, forward-thinking office environments.

We are continuously involved in a wide range of office projects. Moving forward, we expect to see a shift from new construction towards renovation and transformation of existing buildings. We play an active role in these change processes—helping companies translate their evolving needs into spatial solutions. However, our work isn’t limited to office projects alone. We also consult for companies and design products. This year, we’re particularly excited about the launch of a highly innovative, solar-powered riverboat named slow.