DBSJ featured in the new Spaces to Places report: From Hype to Operational Real Estate
10th June, 2025
We’re proud to be featured in the new Spaces to Places report, From Hype to Operational Real Estate, which dives into the pivotal shift underway in the UK’s flex office sector.
As expectations around what a modern office should be continue to evolve, hospitality-led design, smarter service delivery and a flexible mindset are emerging as essential to long-term success.
Hospitality-led design has always been central to our work. We create spaces that not only look exceptional, but also feel welcoming and support wellbeing, raising the bar for experience-led workplaces. Flexibility is fundamental. We’ve delivered numerous flex offices across the UK, each tailored to shifting patterns of use and occupier needs.
The report also underscores the growing demand for data-driven service and greater transparency. With our integrated design, build and aftercare offering, we help customers deliver high-performing, adaptable workspaces that meet the needs of both occupiers and investors.
As the sector matures, we continue to shape the future, combining forward-thinking design with expert delivery to create offices that truly work for the way people work today.
From Hype to Operational Real Estate report key findings
Today, more than 228 UK serviced offices have four or more locations in the UK. That level of fragmentation creates both opportunity and confusion. As the sector professionalises, the market will naturally consolidate around 10-15 strong, scalable providers with proven business models, trusted brands and consistent delivery.
The direction of travel is now clear.
• Hybrid lease models and management agreements are on the rise.
• Landlords are becoming brand-led providers, creating their own managed offerings.
• Managed space is growing rapidly, driven by occupiers seeking flexibility and landlords needing to fill space as traditional leasing lengths decline.
To succeed in this new phase, landlords, providers and investors must embrace the core principles of operational real estate:
• Branded, scalable, data-driven service delivery
• Investor-grade transparency and alignment
• Responsiveness to evolving hybrid work and customer expectations
Learn more about the future of of flex offices in the report From Hype to Operational Real Estate.
Are you looking to transform your space into an exceptional flex office that supports productivity, collaboration and well-being? We can help you.
