With the once-postponed “Freedom Day” fast approaching, a further round of debate will ensue about the proportion of staff returning to their offices against those who prefer or are given no choice in working from home. What is the best solution?

As far as the architectural profession is concerned, most accept that the creativity which is at the heart of our trade thrives best in a physically collaborative environment. And most architects have a hankering to return to their studios for the majority of the working week.

The picture is very different among the profession’s client base, certainly as far as the housing sector is concerned. While private developers and contractors are generally back in their offices, most local authorities and the majority of housing associations have no plans to return.

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