In this episode of Workspace Unwired, BCO chief executive Samantha McClary sits down with Nicola Gillen, EMEA lead for Total Workspace at Cushman & Wakefield, and chair of the national judges for the BCO Awards, to unpack what truly defines excellence in today’s workplaces.

Drawing on insights from reviewing more than 100 buildings across the UK during her four years on the BCO national judging panel, Gillen shares a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how offices are evolving in a post-pandemic world.

The conversation explores a major shift in thinking, from inward-looking buildings designed purely for occupiers, to places that actively contribute to their communities, economies and environments.

Gillen highlights the growing importance of retrofit and reuse, the rise of human-centred design that caters to diverse working styles, and the increasing role of workspace as a catalyst for innovation and regeneration beyond London.

She also shares insights on why location and placemaking are more critical than ever, how the industry is responding to sustainability challenges, and why the BCO Awards process provides unmatched real-world insight by focusing on buildings that are already in use.

While Gillen offers some invaluable guidance for future award entrants on how to make their submission and show-and-tell shine for judges, what this episode is really is, is a call to action. A call to design workplaces with purpose, responsibility and long-term impact in mind and to rethink what value truly means in the built environment.

Listen in for key insights on why:

• Great workplaces go beyond the building: The best projects actively shape their communities, supporting regeneration, social value and economic growth.
• Reuse, retrofit and sustainability are central to delivering excellence: Retaining existing structures and reducing carbon is no longer optional—it’s becoming the industry norm.
• Designing for people means designing for everyone: Successful workspaces balance collaboration, wellbeing and focus, recognising the diverse needs of users.

Find out more about the BCO Awards at https://www.bco.org.uk/events/awards