Corgan Taps Emily Strain to Lead Future of Workplace Design

DALLAS, TX – January 20, 2026 – In a strategic move reflecting the profound shifts in the modern workplace, leading architecture and design firm Corgan has promoted Emily Strain to Workplace Interiors Sector Leader. The appointment places a renowned expert in human behavior and data-driven design at the helm of a critical practice, signaling the firm’s intensified focus on shaping the future of office environments in a post-pandemic, hybrid-first world.

Strain steps into the role previously held by Lindsay Wilson, who will now dedicate her full attention to her responsibilities as firm President. This leadership transition sharpens Corgan’s strategic direction, empowering a specialized leader to navigate the complexities of modern workplace needs while allowing the firm's president to concentrate on broader corporate growth and market strategy.

A Strategic Shift in Leadership

The leadership restructuring marks a pivotal moment for Corgan, an employee-owned firm with a global presence and a history stretching back to 1938. Lindsay Wilson, who has served as President since 2018, had been balancing the top executive role with leadership of the Workplace Interiors sector. Her transition to a dedicated presidential focus is seen as a move to enhance enterprise-level oversight and drive the firm's overarching vision across its diverse portfolio, which includes aviation, data centers, and healthcare.

This change allows for more focused leadership in one of the most dynamic sectors in design today. The workplace, once a static container for employees, is now a strategic tool for fostering culture, collaboration, and engagement. Wilson, who has mentored Strain, expressed confidence in her successor's ability to meet this challenge.

“Beyond Emily’s strong expertise in strategy and design, she has a distinct understanding of how workplaces are evolving and seeking to elevate the employee experience. She knows firsthand what our clients need,” said Lindsay Wilson, President of Corgan. “Her vision and dynamic leadership have contributed to the success of our practice, and I am excited to see what she accomplishes in this new chapter.” This endorsement underscores a seamless transition designed to build upon the sector's existing momentum.

The Architect of the Human-Centric Office

Emily Strain’s career is a testament to the power of a human-centric approach. With 20 years of industry experience, including 18 at Corgan, she has been a driving force behind the firm’s evolution in workplace strategy. Her most significant contribution prior to this promotion was founding Corgan’s Workplace Consulting team, a practice dedicated to moving beyond aesthetics to uncover deep-seated client needs through a data-driven methodology.

This team, under her guidance, developed a flexible toolkit rooted in the study of human behavior, organizational strategy, and change management. The goal was to translate a client's core vision and business objectives into a high-performing physical environment. This approach has proven invaluable for a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 100 giants like AT&T, Citi, and Microsoft to agile tech startups. Her portfolio includes guiding major corporations such as TIAA and State Street in complex projects to align their physical footprint with their strategic business goals.

Strain’s philosophy challenges conventional thinking about office space. Her work, recognized by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and featured in publications like Interior Design and Work Design Magazine, consistently explores how physical environments can actively support performance and well-being.

“Where you work matters, and this is a pivotal moment for organizations as they determine what they want their workplace to be and how it should perform,” Strain stated. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with clients who are energized and ready to invest in workplaces that are meaningful, beautiful, and built for how people truly work.”

Designing for a New Era of Work

Strain’s appointment comes at a time when the very purpose of the office is being redefined. The widespread adoption of hybrid work has rendered the traditional five-day-a-week, desk-centric office obsolete. Companies now grapple with creating spaces that are compelling enough to draw employees in, serving as hubs for connection, mentorship, and culture—elements that are difficult to replicate remotely.

Strain’s expertise is uniquely suited to this new reality. Her focus on data and human behavior allows Corgan to provide clients with solutions that are not based on fleeting trends but on a deep understanding of their specific workforce and culture. This is the kind of strategic thinking that today's business leaders demand as they make significant investments in their real estate. In a recent article for Work Design Magazine, Strain explored what the corporate office could learn from the design of premium airport lounges, highlighting how hospitality, high-end amenities, and a focus on well-being can create sought-after destinations.

This perspective aligns with insights from President Lindsay Wilson, who has previously noted that the office must become "a tool that supports engagement." The new leadership structure ensures that this philosophy is championed at both the sector and executive levels. Strain will lead the charge in creating these dynamic, adaptable environments, while Wilson guides the firm in its mission to deliver agile, future-proofed solutions across all sectors.

Corgan's Competitive Edge in a Transforming Market

With this strategic leadership change, Corgan reinforces its formidable position in the competitive design landscape. The firm is already highly decorated, ranked as the No. 4 commercial design firm by Engineering News Record and No. 8 for corporate office design in Interior Design Magazine’s "Giants of Design." This promotion is not just an internal shuffle; it's a calculated move to sharpen its competitive edge.

By installing a proven innovator like Strain to lead the Workplace Interiors sector—which has established offices in key global markets from London and Dublin to New York and Los Angeles—Corgan is doubling down on its ability to offer specialized, forward-thinking expertise. The firm’s core philosophy has long been centered on anticipating marketplace changes and providing clients with thoughtful, data-driven solutions that minimize risk and maximize longevity. Strain’s leadership is the embodiment of this principle.

As organizations worldwide continue to navigate the future of work, they require partners who can offer more than just architectural drawings; they need strategic advisors who understand the intricate relationship between space, culture, and performance. With Emily Strain leading its workplace practice and Lindsay Wilson providing focused presidential oversight, Corgan has structured itself to be that essential partner, ready to design the meaningful and effective workplaces of tomorrow.