EP.20 / Michael White and Sarah Koos on the Workplace of the Future
In the final episode of Building LA Season One, we speak with Michael White, Co-Managing Director and Principal at Gensler, and Sarah Koos, a Senior Strategist at Gensler, about the evolution of workplace design post-COVID. They discuss Gensler’s redesign of its downtown LA office as a pilot project to explore new ways of working and optimizing space utilization.
Michael and Sarah highlight how the pandemic reshaped workplace strategy, leading Gensler to take a data-driven approach in reimagining office environments. Their findings showed that 40% of desks were previously unused at any given time, leading to a shift away from one-to-one desking toward more flexible and collaborative spaces. Employees were deeply involved in the design process, selecting configurations that best suited their teams.
The redesigned space, which features varied work zones, a reading room, and enhanced social areas, has been well-received and serves as a testbed for future updates to the broader Gensler office. This project also aligns with Gensler’s commitment to downtown LA, reinforcing their investment in the city's revitalization.
Looking ahead, Michael and Sarah discuss emerging trends in workplace design, including AI integration, sustainability, and fostering workplace culture. They also touch on the transformative impact of upcoming global events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics on LA’s infrastructure.
The conversation concludes with reflections on the creative diversity of LA, its evolving urban landscape, and the role of architecture in shaping the city’s future. Both guests express their enthusiasm for projects that contribute to the city’s vibrancy, with favorite locations including the Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market, and the Hollywood Bowl.
About Michael White
Michael is a Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Los Angeles office and Principal within the firm. Drawing on his extensive expertise in architectural design and real estate consulting and development, Michael has built a reputation as a leading strategic planner and design innovator, specializing in creative workplace campus environments. He has been responsible for some of today’s most innovative workplaces.
Michael has previously served on Gensler’s Management Committee and Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University, a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, and studied Fine Arts at the University of Texas, San Antonio. He has served as a Visiting Design Critic at Columbia University, The University of Southern California, The Ohio State University, and The University of Kentucky.
About Sarah Koos
Sarah Koos is a Senior Strategist at Gensler, specializing in workplace strategy and urban planning. With over a decade at the firm, she helps organizations align their real estate investments with business goals, culture, and employee experience. Passionate about human-centric design, Sarah leverages data-driven insights to create dynamic, functional workplaces. She played a key role in Gensler’s LA office redesign and is deeply invested in shaping the future of cities through innovation, collaboration, and thoughtful design solutions. Sarah holds a Master of Urban Planning from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami.
Topics Covered
How the pandemic reshaped workplace strategy and office design.
Gensler’s LA Office Redesign – A pilot project focused on optimizing space utilization and new work styles.
Data-Driven Design Decisions – Insights showing 40% of desks were underutilized, leading to flexible layouts.
Employee-Centric Approach – Involving staff in designing spaces that best suit their needs.
Commitment to Downtown LA – Gensler’s role in revitalizing the city and its urban landscape.
Future Workplace Trends – AI, sustainability, and workplace culture shaping office environments.
LA’s Creative and Urban Identity – Architecture’s role in shaping the city, including upcoming global events.
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