Due to my profession in architectural design, I need to deeply understand my clients’ personalities as we envision their future together. Architects design spaces, of course, but we also propose the futures that clients need. Because of this, I often receive requests for career advice and have the opportunity to lecture at universities or be invited to seminars and interviews.

Through these many consultations, I’ve noticed something difficult to grasp at first: the essence of the problem. Often, it stems from the fact that one’s interpersonal relationships have become too stagnant, preventing them from recognizing their own unique qualities.

I am currently a tenant in a shared office, and truly, there is a wide variety of people here. Startup founders, remote workers, professionals from large corporations, government workers—people of various nationalities and ages.

The difference between this and a one-time networking event lies in “the daily building of small relationships.”

For instance, just having three conversations of three minutes each while making coffee leads to nine minutes of dialogue.

Through these repetitions, I have rediscovered many of my own strengths and formed unexpected collaborations. If you are currently unsure about your direction, I highly recommend trying a shared office—an environment that is inherently open.

For large corporations, it is crucial to create environments where natural interactions across many departments can occur. Opening branches in shared offices or encouraging workcations to experience different values will become vital investments in organizational well-being.

“Luck is brought by people”

It is often said in Japan that “luck is brought by people,” and I truly believe it. How we interact with people from different companies or towns while working will become a key element in future office design, and ultimately, in our happiness at work.