As non-essential construction has started again in New York, some design and construction firms are creating new ways to design and build space.

Office design is ripe for new ideas. While some firms are taking a "wait-and-see" approach to renovating space, others are reimaging what workspace will look like in the future. "The health concerns coming out of the pandemic will shape design and construction moving forward," according to Avison Young's New York City Third Quarter Design & Construction report.

For existing office space, the changes have been minimal outside of touchless fixtures and hand-sanitizer stations. "Companies are often not willing to invest the capital because we may return to traditional practices sometime next year," according to Avison Young. "However, these short-term measures have not reassured much of the workforce to return to [the] office, as many businesses are still permitting full or part-time work from home options through at least the end of the year."