Lessons in shaping spaces, leading people and building the future with Peter Kerr

Peter Kerr isn’t just shaping buildings – he’s shaping the that way we live and work inside them.

As Chair of the British Council for Offices in Scotland, Peter has spent years at the intersection of design, business, and community. From advising on workplace evolution to championing smarter, more sustainable spaces, he’s had a front-row seat to the changing face of modern offices.

But beyond the titles and projects, Peter’s story is about leadership, adaptation, and the people who make spaces truly come alive. In this interview with Nuwsletter, he opens up on the lessons that he’s learned, the challenges ahead, and why the future of the office is about so much more than four walls.

Your path into leadership

I have always been curious about how things work, so engineering was a natural starting point. Early in my career, I found myself enthused by designing systems in buildings, something that allowed me to have a real, tangible impact on how people experience spaces. I didn’t necessarily see myself stepping into leadership roles, but I’ve always been motivated by the chance to make things better and really if I was ever to have personal impact and implement my ideas taking a leadership role is the only way.

Shaping the future of work

The rate of change in the world of work has been extraordinary. Just five years ago, the focus was largely on efficiency and reducing footprint. Today, the conversation has broadened to include wellbeing, experience, flexibility, and environmental impact. One of the most striking shifts is how we now view the workplace, not as somewhere you are required to go, but as somewhere you choose to go with intention. That redefinition has significant implications for how we design, use, and value space. The BCO’s research, particularly following the pandemic, has helped to frame and inform this evolving perspective.

Hybrid and human connection

Offices today need to do more than function; they must inspire. The traditional white box model no longer works. Spaces now need to connect emotionally and culturally. While hybrid working is here to stay, human connection remains essential. Increasingly, workplaces are being designed around key moments, including collaboration, mentoring, and fostering a sense of belonging. In Scotland, there is growing recognition that flexibility and culture are not in opposition. They are deeply interconnected. The most effective spaces support both individual focus and collective energy.

Biggest misconception

A common myth is that the office of the future will be entirely virtual or significantly downsized. The truth is more nuanced. Offices are not disappearing. They are evolving. It is not about having less space, but about having the right space. High-performing organisations recognise that the physical workplace remains central to innovation, identity, and integration. However, it must be underpinned by flexibility, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Moments of challenge

Like many in the industry, the onset of the pandemic was an immense challenge. Almost overnight, our assumptions about space, presence, and productivity were turned upside down. But it also became a period of acceleration, a push to rethink and reimagine how we work. Personally, I leaned on collaboration. Support from peers across the BCO, clients, and colleagues reminded me that resilience is not about going it alone. It is about collective adaptability. Looking ahead, another major test will be how artificial intelligence reshapes professional services. Fewer job opportunities in some sectors are inevitable.

Sustainability and purpose

Sustainability is no longer optional. It is essential. From embodied carbon and energy performance to biodiversity and social value, we are seeing a shift towards more holistic thinking. In Scotland, where net zero ambitions are especially high, there is a growing expectation that workplaces reflect the values of the businesses they serve. That means embracing transparency, accountability, and long-term adaptability. The BCO’s evolving technical guidance continues to play a vital role in supporting this journey.

Personal leadership lesson

Hire for cultural alignment. If someone is not invested in what your business stands for, it is unlikely to work out. Encourage people who want to learn and be coached, those who are curious and engaged. Ultimately, the workspace you shape as a business reflects your values. A weak cultural identity often leads to weaker business outcomes.

Resilience in practice

When things go off course, as they inevitably do, I try to anchor myself in two things: perspective and people. Trusted colleagues and honest conversations help me navigate difficult moments. It is also about staying grounded in your purpose and remembering the ‘why’ behind the work. That clarity helps me refocus and keep moving forward. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Looking ahead

With the pace of technological change, it is difficult to predict five years ahead, let alone ten. However, I believe the workplace will continue to evolve rapidly. A decade from now, I hope offices will still be places of connection, culture, and collaboration. Our cities will also change, becoming greener, quieter, and more connected, with cleaner public transport and smarter urban spaces. I would like to think that the workplace will play an even more meaningful role in that future.

Advice for the next generation

Stay curious. Keep listening and keep learning. Always design with people at the centre. The best environments are not necessarily the most extravagant or high-tech. They are the ones that help people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether you are shaping space, culture, or policy, focus on what helps ideas flourish and communities connect. That is where the real impact lies.