Cubicles, Open Plans and the Future of Workplace Design with Bethanne Mikkelsen
Workplace design has seen significant shifts over the years, from the dreaded cubicle farms of decades passed to open plan offices and the hybrid model we’ve been hearing in the wake of the global pandemic. But where is workplace design now and where is it headed in the future? In this episode, Bethanne Mikkelsen, senior principal at Ankrom Moisan’s Portland office who co-leads the firm’s office community and retail studio, to discuss this evolution of the office and what’s driving workplace design today and into the future.
Learn about Ankrom Moisan's 5 strategic shifts for a thriving workplace as part of their "The Office as Ecosystem" series of articles:
- The Office Gets Personal
- The Commute-worthy Workplace
- The Not-so-office Office
- New Ways to Meet
- Culture-first Employee Engagement
Meet Our Guest
Bethanne Mikkelsen, Senior Principal, Ankrom Moisan
Bethanne Mikkelsen, Senior Principal and Office Studio Co-Leader at Ankrom Moisan, brings extensive experience in designing corporate offices, mixed-use, retail, and healthcare spaces. Her primary focus lies in developing innovative design solutions and aiding clients in analyzing strategic project and real estate decisions through a collaborative leadership approach, resulting in projects that distinctly reflect each client's unique goals.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.