GCUC Podcast Recap: Keke Patissier

Who is Keke Patissier?

Keke Patissier is the visionary CEO and co-founder of Koho, a firm dedicated to creating workspaces that foster productivity, creativity, and wellness. Koho focuses on integrating modern design principles with practical solutions, ensuring that each workspace meets the unique needs of its users. In this episode of the GCUC podcast, Keke discusses how design can transform not just spaces, but how people work within them.

Just a few takeaways from this episode: 

1. Workplace Design Beyond Aesthetics

According to Keke, the design of a workplace is much more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating environments that influence how people feel and function within a space. She explains, “Design should be intuitive and cater to the way people naturally move and interact. It’s not just about making things look good; it’s about creating spaces that work for people.” Koho’s approach centers around user-centric design that prioritizes functionality alongside beauty.

2. Creating Flexibility for Hybrid Work

The rise of hybrid work models has significantly changed the way office spaces are designed. Keke emphasizes the importance of flexibility, noting, “Today’s workspaces need to adapt to a variety of needs. People want the option to move between different work environments throughout the day—whether that’s a collaborative area, a quiet nook for focused work, or a more traditional desk setup.” Koho’s designs reflect this shift, with a focus on creating versatile spaces that can evolve as needs change.

3. Sustainability as a Core Principle

Sustainability is a central focus for Koho’s projects, and Keke discusses how integrating eco-friendly practices into workplace design is a priority for the company. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Our spaces are designed with materials and processes that have a reduced environmental impact, because we believe that businesses should operate in a way that’s responsible to the planet,” Keke explains. This sustainable approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also resonates with clients who value environmentally conscious design.

4. The Importance of Wellness in Workspace Design

Keke highlights that wellness is increasingly becoming a key factor in workspace design. “People spend so much of their time in workspaces, so it’s important that these environments promote well-being,” she says. Koho focuses on designing spaces that incorporate natural light, green areas, and ergonomic furniture to enhance the overall wellness of those using the spaces. This trend towards wellness is becoming a core consideration for many companies looking to improve employee satisfaction and productivity.

5. The Future of Office Spaces

Looking ahead, Keke offers her perspective on the future of workspaces, emphasizing that design will continue to play a crucial role in how we experience work. “The office isn’t going away—it’s just changing. The key is creating spaces that people want to be in. Spaces that offer flexibility, creativity, and a sense of community,” she explains. Koho’s designs are geared towards making workplaces destinations, not obligations, and this philosophy is shaping the future of their projects.

This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone in the coworking, architecture, or design industries. Keke’s insights into how workspace design can enhance functionality and support new ways of working are particularly valuable in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape. Her thoughts on sustainability and wellness also provide a forward-thinking approach that many businesses will find relevant as they rethink their office spaces in a post-pandemic world.

Keke Patissier’s conversation on the GCUC Podcast is a fascinating exploration of how workspace design can influence the way people work and interact. Whether you’re a coworking space operator, business leader, or design enthusiast, Keke’s expertise in creating spaces that support flexibility, wellness, and sustainability will leave you with actionable insights on how to optimize the environments where people work.

Listen to the full episode with Keke Patissier, CEO and Co-Founder of Koho here and learn more about how design is shaping the future of workspaces!