There is a sense of solidarity in the industry, but it’s something that is happening informally, through phone calls and messages – not some grand industry-wide initiative.

Pallavi Dean says her team at Roar has embraced remote working. Photo: Roar

The good thing about consultancy is that it lends itself really well to remote working, so between designers, we’re swapping tips on what works and what doesn’t.

Working from a home office has brought changes to Roar's day-to-day business and it’s working brilliantly. As a team, we are completely embracing remote working and are now conducting all internal and external meetings virtually.

Typically, as consultants we waste so much time travelling to and attending meetings, many of which are unnecessary. In many ways, the new reality of remote working is far more efficient and productive.

Design projects will also adapt in the future as a result of the pandemic. Two things will never be the same again. First, antimicrobial materials. Consultants have been pushing for these for years, but they always get value-engineered out. Not anymore.

Second, office design. Today, the vast majority of clients in this region (Middle East) still insist on ‘one person, one desk’ when designing their corporate HQs. Only a handful of pioneers are commissioning truly agile, flexible workspaces. But this will no longer be the case now.