How to design a modern office for international teams?
In an era of remote work and global teams, we are increasingly designing state-of-the-art offices and conference rooms that bring together people from all over the world. However, what works in New York may not work in Tokyo. Why? Because work space and the way we use technology is also a matter of… culture.
Smart office solutions for the continent
Imagine a conference room in downtown Seoul. Walls finished in natural wood, subtle lighting, a camera discreetly built into the ceiling. No one plugs in an HDMI cable – everything works automatically. The team enters, the presentation begins. No chaos, no delays.
Two days later, the same designer visits the client’s office in Berlin. There in turn – big screen, high acoustics, full spatial freedom. Technology must be flexible – and fast to use. In New York – dynamic pace, minimal number of clicks, integration with Microsoft 365 calendar and automatic meeting start. All controlled from a single touchpad.
One room, three different expectations. Same mistake: copying solutions without context.
Meeting culture in Asia, Europe and the US - how to arrange a conference room?
USA:
Quick, purposeful meetings with a clear agenda are prevalent in US companies. According to an Atlassian study, the average meeting there lasts 30 minutes – and most often takes place in a hybrid format. Functionality matters: intuitive controls, zero barriers. Halls often have a simple technical structure and are integrated with booking systems.
Asia:
In Japan, South Korea or China, meetings tend to be more ceremonial and hierarchical. What is important is the quality of the presentation, the culture of silence and respect for seniors. AV is supposed to be “invisible” – but absolutely reliable. Very sophisticated automation systems are often implemented, and any disruption (e.g., echo) can be perceived as disrespectful.
Interesting fact: In Japan, more and more companies are using artificial intelligence to transcribe and automatically translate meetings between languages.
Europe:
European companies emphasize comfort and aesthetics. In Germany, precision reigns – both in agenda and acoustics. In France, the form and tone of a meeting can be more formal, but flexible. In Central Europe, systems that integrate Teams, Zoom and other platforms are popular – with high AV quality and hybrid capabilities.
Why doesn't one format work globally?
Because technology is not everything. AV must support the way of communication.
A room that works perfectly in a New York office may be useless in Tokyo – not because something is badly designed, but because it it is designed in the wrong context.
How to design AV for international teams? AV systems for companies.
Who are the users? How do they communicate? What platforms do they prefer?
In Poland, we often mix Zooma and Teams, while local platforms like Tencent Meeting are also popular in Asia.
We take into account the culture of communication.
Do users prefer a one-table discussion or a more formal “presenter-listener” arrangement?
In Asia, systems that give more control to the presenter are preferred. In the US, the opposite is often true.
We design ahead of time.
AV is not just about microphones and projectors – it’s also about acoustics, lighting, how to enter the room, seating arrangements, and user interface.
In Tokyo, the system should run itself. In Berlin – allow manual control. In London – work well from tablets and mobile devices.
And how do we do it at Bestau? A comprehensive smart office project.
We work comprehensively – from the first idea to the finished, working room.
- We help develop a functional concept and vision for the space
- Together with our partners we create architectural and construction project
- We design the entire technological infrastructure (AV + IT)
- We implement, integrate and configure systems
- We provide post-launch support – training, service, development
We work with architects, builders and client teams to create cohesive, modern meeting rooms that not only sound and function well, but support work culture, trust and user comfort.
Looking for an idea for a modern office that impresses and works globally?
Let's talk.
