International workplace strategist, sustainability advocate and industry leader Harsha Kotak has joined the Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee, bringing more than two decades of global experience in workplace strategy, design innovation and sustainability to the launch edition of the event. 

Design at Work New York has announced the appointment of Harsha Kotak to its Founding Steering Committee, reinforcing the event’s commitment to creating an industry-led platform that reflects the ideas, expertise and leadership shaping the future of workplace design. 

With a career spanning more than 20 years across the UK, Europe, India and the United States, Harsha has built an international reputation for delivering workplace strategies that balance commercial performance, employee experience and environmental responsibility. 

Throughout her career, Harsha has delivered projects for many of the world’s most recognised organisations, including the White House, the Pentagon, FedEx and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Her experience spans workplace strategy, interior architecture and project leadership, providing a unique perspective on how design can create more resilient, adaptable and people-focused workplaces. 

Alongside her professional work, Harsha has become a respected voice within the global design community through her commitment to collaboration, sustainability and industry development. She serves on the UK Design Council Experts Board, contributing to the organisation’s Design for Planet mission, and founded Women in Office Design (WOD) to create a global network supporting and championing women across the workplace design sector. She is also the founder of the Sustainable Design Collective, bringing together designers, manufacturers and industry leaders to accelerate more sustainable approaches across the built environment. 

As a member of the Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee, Harsha will work alongside an exceptional group of architects, designers, workplace strategists and industry leaders to help shape the event’s strategic direction, educational programme and thought leadership. Her expertise will contribute to developing conversations that address the challenges and opportunities transforming workplaces around the world, ensuring the launch edition reflects the perspectives of those driving meaningful change across the industry. 

Harsha will also bring the Sustainable Design Forum to Design at Work New York, with a dedicated half-day programme curated by SDF on one of the event’s live stages. 

Speaking about joining the Founding Steering Committee, Harsha said: 

“Delighted to be joining the Founding Steering Committee for Design at Work New York. I’m looking forward to collaborating with an exceptional group of industry leaders to shape the conversations that will define the future of workplace design. Together, we have an opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, champion innovation and sustainability, and build a platform that creates lasting value for our industry.” 

The Design at Work New York Founding Steering Committee has been established to help shape the vision, content and long-term direction of the event, bringing together influential voices from across architecture, commercial interiors, workplace strategy, corporate real estate and the wider built environment. 

Launching on 10–11 March 2027 at the Javits Center, New York City, Design at Work New York will bring together architects, interior designers, workplace leaders, occupiers, developers and manufacturers for two days of exhibitions, CEU-accredited education, networking and industry collaboration. Guided by its Founding Steering Committee, the event has been created to foster meaningful dialogue, showcase innovation and help shape the future of workplace design across North America.