(Above image: Diageo Gurgaon workplace. Photo by Shubham Sharma)

This article originally appeared in the February 23 issue of officeinsight.

Think about your first real job. What stands out in your memory? For me, I reminisce about co-workers who became friends, the exhilaration (and occasional terror) of presenting to clients, and the joy of collecting a paycheck after unpaid college internships.

I also think about my cubicle. It had a 6-foot-tall, frosted sliding door, and let me tell you, I cherished that door. During periods of focused work, I slid it shut; when I was open to collaboration or chit-chat, I kept it open.

I’m not a cubicle door evangelist, but I do believe in what qualitative and quantitative data shows: People crave workplaces that are adaptable, allowing for choice and control, with spaces for social connection, quiet focus, collaboration, and inspiration. It’s no secret that our physical workspaces affect our productivity, engagement, and satisfaction, and the design industry is uniquely positioned to make workplaces work better for everyone.

Below, you’ll find three award-winning corporate spaces across the globe that were recognized in two IIDA design competitions, the 2025 Best of Asia Pacific Design Awards and Global Excellence Awards. See what makes these workplaces stand out, and how they uniquely meet employee needs while aligning with client goals.

Diageo Gurgaon Workplace

Gurgaon, India

“Celebrating life, every day, everywhere” — that’s the motto of British spirits and beer company Diageo. M Moser Associates, the design firm behind Diageo’s new flagship office in India, was tasked with ensuring the space embodies that ethos. The office is festive, functional, and filled with a sense of place. Honoring Indian heritage and crafts, the design team wove in elements like Lakhori brickwork, Jali screens, and handmade tiles. Pathways throughout the space lead to shared hubs, which encourage chance interactions, while operable partitions and modular furniture allow for adaptability. There are areas for focused work and collaboration, including conference rooms and a sunken space for informal brainstorming; a bar and lounge for casual tasks and social events; and a wellness suite with spaces for yoga, multi-faith prayer, and quiet reflection

Corporate Office in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

A global tech company in South Africa set out to create a space where employees want to be. After all, the goal was to get everybody back in the office full time. IA Interior Architects partnered with a local firm, Design Partnership, to create a corporate campus that blends regionality with biophilia, flexibility, and connection. There’s a real sense of welcome here, from the colorful, comfortable lounges to inviting dining spaces. Bespoke installations from African artists add a local touch, and covered outdoor terraces feature a traditional South African braai, or grill (braai also refers to the social, cultural tradition of gathering around a barbecue). Designers worked with conservation botanists to bring native plants to the campus grounds, including 20 endangered species, and interiors are full of natural light, greenery, terrariums, and even a fish tank.

South32 Corporate HQ

Perth, Australia

If you can believe it, this used to be a food court. Now it’s an eye-catching corporate headquarters for Australian mining and metals company South32. Design studio PAPER, in collaboration with interior designer Camila Giacoia, leaned into the site’s raw, industrial bones, but softened it with natural materials and earth tones. Wood is everywhere. So are plants. More than 1,600 of them, actually — half brought over from the company’s old office. A variety of work settings allow employees to choose their own adventure. There are prefabricated timber pods for meetings, solo work, and phone calls; unassigned desks; library-style areas; a “refresh zone” for movement and mindfulness; and circular nooks that are perfect for breaks, impromptu brainstorms, or casual conversation. Those nooks are wrapped in hemp panels and anchored by custom rugs inspired by Australian wildflowers.

Learn more about IIDA design competitions