Space for New Work
Interview with Alexander Große-Gung, Managing Director of neueRäume. GmbH
Changed work environments, digital processes, and the desire for stability – the office and facility furnishing industry faces complex challenges. Between home office, skilled worker shortage, and new requirements for work environments, reliable partners and a clear view of space and culture are needed. A young and dynamic company from Cologne demonstrates how this change can be actively shaped.
neueRäume. Gesellschaft für Objekteinrichtung mbH was founded in 2007. The goal from the beginning was to position itself not only in traditional furniture sales but also as a neutral advisor for modern work environments. It took some time for this idea to establish itself in the market. Today, the company sees itself as a strategic partner, often accompanying clients over many months. "We start with intensive discussions, ask a lot of questions, listen, and then develop a customized solution for the new work environment together with the client," explains Alexander Große-Gung, who has been managing director since 2023. It's not just about furniture, but about workplace analysis, workshops, and strategic space planning. The implementation of hybrid models is a major theme: Some employees commute over 100 km daily, while others work almost exclusively remotely. This reality must be reflected in modern office concepts without losing the company culture. neueRäume. also pursues a special model in client acquisition: Rather than relying on traditional marketing, they focus on networks and multipliers, such as those in the real estate industry. Brokers, project developers, or investors receive quick drafts to give potential tenants a better sense of space. "We often work in the background - if our consulting convinces, we re-engage with the client at the right time," says Alexander Große-Gung.
Digitalization with Prudence
AI is also making its way into the industry—albeit in a very differentiated manner. The company uses tools like planning programs to give customers a visual impression of the design concepts. However, the core remains analog: "A robust planning that is tailored to the individual needs of the customer cannot yet be achieved by AI," emphasizes Alexander Große-Gung. This gives rise to solutions that go far beyond the visual. More important than digital tools is the company's focus on the human aspect of spaces: "When we rethink spaces, it's about much more than just the space itself," says the Managing Director. The central question that new spaces pose is "What does a person really need to be able to work well?" This involves change processes that are co-designed and supported by the employees. "Changes are not successful through space alone—rather, it is essential to listen to people and understand the core of what they are actually after to unleash their full potential. AI and digital tools subsequently help process data - listening and understanding, however, we must (and want to) do ourselves. The new world of work is complex—and yet it holds a lot of potential," emphasizes Alexander Große-Gung. With experience, clarity, and intuition, new spaces guide companies through the change and create new workspaces with a future.