From Huddle Spaces to Immersive Boardrooms

As 2025 draws to a close, businesses are already looking ahead to how technology will shape the workplace of 2026 and beyond. At Install Automation, we’ve seen first-hand how automation, lighting, and integrated AV solutions are transforming the way companies collaborate, present, and communicate — and next year is set to take that evolution even further.

1. The Rise of the Huddle Space

Gone are the days of booking large, formal meeting rooms for every discussion. In 2026, the focus is shifting firmly towards smaller, tech-enabled collaboration areas designed for flexibility and creativity.

Huddle spaces are now being fitted with compact, high-quality displays, beamforming microphones, and wireless conferencing systems that integrate seamlessly with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

At Install Automation, we’re integrating Lutron and Helvar lighting control with AV-over-IP video systems to allow automatic adjustment of brightness, sound, and screen configuration depending on the meeting type. The result is a space that feels effortless — a natural extension of how people want to collaborate.

“Smart control is no longer a luxury in commercial environments — it’s an expectation,” says the Install Automation design team. “The best systems are invisible to the user, yet always responsive to their needs.”

2. Boardrooms Become Immersive Experience Zones

The traditional boardroom is also undergoing a renaissance. Instead of being a static meeting space, 2026’s boardroom is an immersive environment designed to inspire confidence and clarity.

Expect to see curved LED walls, integrated acoustic treatments, and touch-based control interfaces that give presenters total command over lighting, sound, and visuals — all from a single driven interface.

For senior leadership teams and client presentations, this level of integration doesn’t just impress; it enhances communication and efficiency. At Install Automation, we’re already designing systems where video conferencing, lighting, and soundscapes adapt automatically as presentations transition from data review to discussion.

3. Intelligent Energy Management

Sustainability and operational efficiency remain top priorities for 2026. Smart automation systems are helping companies reduce energy costs and meet environmental targets by connecting lighting, HVAC, and occupancy sensors through a unified control platform.

These systems automatically adjust brightness, temperature, and ventilation based on real-time occupancy and daylight levels — ensuring that spaces are only illuminated or heated when needed. The result is lower energy consumption, reduced maintenance, and a more comfortable working environment.

Combined with remote monitoring and analytics, facilities teams can now gain valuable insights into energy usage, system health, and scheduling, all from a secure web dashboard — turning data into actionable improvements.

4. Unified Control: Simplicity at Scale

As office buildings and mixed-use developments grow more complex, simplicity in user control has become essential. Modern automation systems now bring together lighting, AV, climate, and shading under one intuitive platform, allowing users to manage entire spaces with a single touch or browser interface.

Whether adjusting lighting in a reception area, switching content on a video wall, or preparing a room for a presentation, the goal is the same — to deliver a seamless, secure experience that works reliably across every device.

For facilities and IT teams, this integration also means easier maintenance and scalability. A unified control backbone reduces the need for multiple remotes or software systems, providing consistent operation from small meeting spaces to enterprise-wide environments.

5. Looking Ahead

As automation becomes integral to commercial design, forward-thinking businesses are realising that the workplace experience is a competitive advantage.
From the way a boardroom feels to the quality of a virtual presentation, technology now underpins how clients and staff perceive professionalism and innovation.

Install Automation’s team continues to work alongside architects, developers, and IT consultants to deliver intelligent environments that are as efficient as they are inspiring.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business for 2026?

Whether you’re planning a new headquarters, redesigning a boardroom, or upgrading existing AV and lighting systems, our specialists can help you design a seamless, scalable solution.

Visit www.installautomation.com to learn more or contact our team to arrange a design consultation.