Co-Creation in Architectural Design

Everything starts with a briefing: a few meetings, a moodboard, some notes on desired outcomes—and off you go. But what if that’s just scratching the surface? What if the most impactful spaces don’t start with a list of requirements, but with a shared sense of ownership?

Why Co-Creation Matters

Design isn’t just about materials and layouts. It’s about people. And people are more likely to connect with a space when they’ve had a say in how it comes together. Whether it’s a team contributing ideas for their new workplace or a designer bouncing concepts off a client in real time, co-creation makes the process more dynamic, and the result more meaningful.

This approach is especially important in emerging design practices like neuroaesthetics and neuro-inclusive design, where understanding how people physically and emotionally respond to space is essential. These methods challenge designers to consider light, texture, pattern and spatial flow from a human-centred perspective. But because no two brains process space the same way, co-creation becomes critical. You can't design inclusive environments without involving the people you're designing for.

Learn more on neuro-inclusive design in our whitepaper

From Stakeholder to Story-Shaper

When people are involved from the start, not just as decision-makers but as co-designers, spaces begin to reflect their stories, their needs, their quirks. That’s when a classroom becomes a creative playground. An office becomes a team’s second home. A hotel room becomes an unforgettable experience. That’s the real power of co-creation: it turns stakeholders into story-shapers. And that’s how you go from ticking boxes, to designing for belonging.

Reference Case Targobank Carpet Tile Collection Litho

In a co-creative design process, flexibility matters. Being able to explore different options quickly—whether it’s layout, texture or colour—can help bring diverse ideas to life. That’s where modular flooring solutions, like carpet tiles, play a practical role.

Because they’re easy to install, remove and reconfigure, modular tiles make it possible to test out design directions and make changes along the way—without starting from scratch. This adaptability supports creative thinking and makes it easier to respond to input from multiple stakeholders.

Co-creation isn’t a trend. It’s a shift in mindset, from delivering designs to designing together. And when everyone at the table feels seen, heard, and valued, the result isn’t just a better project. It’s a space where people truly belong.