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The office now feels different to pre-pandemic days.

With more people splitting their work hours between home, the office and other locations, many workplaces are seeing peaks and troughs in employee numbers throughout the week, with different teams crossing paths less frequently than before.

It’s now up to companies to find new ways to re-energize the office to make the commute feel worthwhile and support employees who may be battling feelings of isolation and disconnection.

JLL’s Regenerative Workplace research found that 36 percent of employees feel they lack energy while working, while a quarter feel too exhausted by work and family life to take care of their health and wellbeing. A third even say their company is no longer a good place to work.

Yet good energy levels are intrinsic to employee engagement and motivation, driving creativity and innovation. 

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Energy to engage

Although remote work has helped many employees achieve a better work-life balance, video meeting fatigue and longer workdays have also taken their toll.

A McKinsey survey of attitudes to post-pandemic work found that many employees now fear their work-life balance will suffer. Mental health is now a top priority and employee expectations that companies will support their well-being are growing.

Companies like JLL are taking note; taking measures to promote employee well-being, including flexible work schedules, and providing more support for mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which often are hidden.

Elsewhere, other HR-driven initiatives are helping people to build new connections with colleagues. A renewed focus on mentorship programs and teambuilding activities can develop valuable workplace relationships that many employees felt were negatively impacted by remote work, while specialized onboarding for people who were hired during the pandemic is helping them feel part of the team.

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Designed to energize

The workplace itself has an important role in encouraging community and boosting energy levels. Workplace design that emphasizes collaborative space over individual workstations can nurture communal energy when fewer employees are in.

Meeting spaces that are equipped with high-quality screens and audio technology make it easier and more enjoyable to collaborate with remote colleagues. Open-air work areas such as terraces and rooftops can significantly improve employees’ sense of wellbeing while adding more greenery – such as green walls and desk plants – can boost energy and reduce stress.

Space dedicated to health and wellbeing also benefits energy levels, whether that’s quiet rooms, fitness zones or break areas. In the JLL San Diego office, having a transition space where employees can switch off between different tasks and avoid back-to-back meetings helps people to recharge. It also provides an opportunity for social experiences, which helps develop personal connections.

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It’s this sense of shared purpose and personal connection that today’s companies need to fuel a new type of office buzz in the hybrid work era.

As work takes place in an increasingly digital environment, the physical office is more relevant than ever as the space which brings people together, whether they’re employees or clients. While people may spend less time there, the experience is more sophisticated, carefully designed to support a vibrant community and nurture sustainable, long-term performance.

About JLL

JLL knows San Diego commercial real estate: past, present, and future. With over 1,300 lease transactions totaling 18.1 million square feet and $5 billion in sales under our belt since 2019 – our trusted advisors have the local market knowledge and insight you need to address changing business demands, challenges, and risks. Learn more here.

The post Bringing a Buzz Back to the Office by JLL San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The median home price in San Diego reached a high of $873,250 in June of 2021

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Nobody was calling the San Diego real estate market affordable back in 2019, when the median price for single-family homes peaked at $673,000. But we were practically wistful after summer 2020 pushed that number to $741,180. And even that looks adorable in retrospect, as a frenzy of activity in 2021 vaulted the median home price to $873,250 by June. This data, compiled by online brokerage and listing aggregator Redfin, reveals just how bleak the landscape is for aspiring home buyers.

It’s difficult to uncouple the alarming rise in home values from the pandemic. Conventional wisdom says that millions of white-collar Americans shifted to remote work all at once, prompting a wholesale change in housing needs that placed a premium on extra square footage.

According to Taylor Marr, a deputy chief economist at Redfin, urban and suburban prices per square foot typically rise at similar rates, but that changed in 2020. In many suburban areas, the median price per square foot pushed over $400—and even $500—meaning buyers were forced to redefine what they consider to be a million-dollar home. But the desire for home offices is only part of the story.

Over the past two years, historically low interest rates, and millennials coming of age as home buyers, increased demand while supply remained on par with previous years. And unlike previous years, new listings in 2019 would remain on the market for more than three weeks. In 2021, the median selling time dropped to nine days.

Any given weekend, home buyers targeting certain neighborhoods—Mount Helix, Poway, Carmel Valley, and San Carlos—would find only a handful of options available. As Chris Anderson, president of the San Diego Association of Realtors, explains, this made the notion of a dream home unattainable, as frustrated buyers grew increasingly aggressive with their offers. “If there’s 30 offers and yours doesn’t get taken,” she says, “the other 29 are going to be against you on the next one, too.”

By now we’ve all heard the shocking tales. Bidding wars pushing values eight percent above asking price. High-paid tech workers from San Francisco stepping in with an all-cash offer to snare a listing they’ve never seen in person.

Anderson confirms the rumor that people have been buying homes “sight unseen,” noting that some out-of-town buyers have been ready to board a plane to get the jump on a listing, but others  have been satisfied with video walk-throughs. She’s been a Realtor since 1989, but says “the game has changed.” She’s even gone to a home with a prospective buyer on a FaceTime call so she can walk them through the property.

Out-of-Town Buyers

So how much did Bay Area buyers actually fuel this price spike? To figure it out, Marr points to Redfin home buyer searches, which have proven a reliable predictor of census movements. Recent data shows that 14 percent of searches for San Diego properties came from the Bay Area. This figure may include a set of buyers Anderson has encountered: survivors of recent Northern California wildfires, who received insurance checks after their properties were destroyed. However, the data also shows that, by volume, more than 50 percent of searches came from Los Angeles.

Regardless of their origin, Marr’s research reveals that an out-of-town buyer showed up with a budget 7.6 percent higher than what locals could spend. While metropolitan real estate markets across the country have boomed during the pandemic, he suspects that migrating home buyers fueled a phenomenon relatively unique to San Diego in 2021: Urban homes and condo prices catching up to the gains seen in the suburbs.

The outlook may not be encouraging to San Diegans seeking to own their homes. If there’s any good news to be found, it’s that prices have eased slightly, and with interest rates rising, experts expect the market to slow down.

For first-time buyers, the last glimmer of hope may be condos. “You can pretty much always find a condo,” says Marr. “Just do it when you’re not going to compete with other buyers as much.”

The post Let’s Talk San Diego Housing Prices appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Concetta Antico’s home

Jenny grabs the first shot of the day. The light was working in our favor for this charming outdoor vignette.

Concetta Antico’s home

Concetta’s cats were the most eager models of the day.

Concetta Antico’s home

Even the water was artful. We loved these pretty milk glasses!

Concetta Antico’s home

Becca perfects the styling of the dining table. The final photo of this room is my favorite from the story!

Concetta Antico’s home

We all gushed over this rug. There may or may not have been a few Instagrams.

Concetta Antico’s home

Becca shows Concetta how she’ll be posing for her “lifestyle” shot.

Concetta Antico’s home

Good light is a photo shoot’s best friend, and this one had lots of it! Doesn’t this look like the perfect place to sit on a spring day in San Diego?

Earthly Delights

Want to see Concetta’s artwork in person? Her next show, Earthly Delights, opens Saturday, April 26 in Mission Hills. For more details, check out Concetta’s gallery.

The post Behind the Photo Shoot appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Concetta Antico’s home

Jenny grabs the first shot of the day. The light was working in our favor for this charming outdoor vignette.

Concetta Antico’s home

Concetta’s cats were the most eager models of the day.

Concetta Antico’s home

Even the water was artful. We loved these pretty milk glasses!

Concetta Antico’s home

Becca perfects the styling of the dining table. The final photo of this room is my favorite from the story!

Concetta Antico’s home

We all gushed over this rug. There may or may not have been a few Instagrams.

Concetta Antico’s home

Becca shows Concetta how she’ll be posing for her “lifestyle” shot.

Concetta Antico’s home

Good light is a photo shoot’s best friend, and this one had lots of it! Doesn’t this look like the perfect place to sit on a spring day in San Diego?

Earthly Delights

Want to see Concetta’s artwork in person? Her next show, Earthly Delights, opens Saturday, April 26 in Mission Hills. For more details, check out Concetta’s gallery.

The post Behind the Photo Shoot appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Judi and Jack Missett

Judi Sheppard Missett and her husband Jack

THEIR STORY:

At the home of Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, the principles by which she started her company reign supreme: balance, movement, and a little bit of pop. Judi and her husband of 47 years, Jack Missett, a former TV news reporter, live in a property that was first featured by San Diego Magazine in 2004. When the Missetts moved in two and a half years ago, they enlisted its original architects, Michael Batter and Janice Kay, as well as Wurfl Construction, to perform a major remodel that nearly doubled the house’s size. Today, it’s a place where the former professional dancer turned fitness guru dreams up choreography for her empire and enjoys the little luxuries of success. She says: “When you have movement in your life, it creates movement in other parts of your life and keeps you moving forward in the best possible way.”

swimming pool

LAP OF LUXURY

For Jack, a triathlete, swimming is part of his daily workout, so he wanted a pool closer to Olympic size. During the renovation, the architects doubled the size of the original pool. They also added a spa, sauna, and outdoor fireplace. Why Vista? “It’s just a few miles from the beach, but the sun comes out a lot more often here,” says Judi, who grew up in rural Iowa. “Yes, there is life north of Del Mar!”

Judi commissioned Abel and Brothers Custom Iron in San Marcos to design these dancing sculptures. The couple expanded the existing deck off the master suite and built balconies off the upper guestroom and Judi’s study.

koi pond

OH, KOI!

The lower level opens to a koi pond and expansive backyard. Elfi Lawrence of Lawrence Design supervised the landscaping, with design assistance from Roshan Skiver. Jack oversaw most of the project. The goal was to make the outside as interesting as the inside. He wanted the patios and decks to be easily accessible via floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding pocket doors, and an exterior staircase, facilitating that indoor/outdoor feel, which comes in handy during parties and meetings. Another priority: creating a place just for Jack. “He wanted a space of his own,” Judi says. “So the art studio (pictured in the background) became his little retreat.”

front of the house

THE WHITE HOUSE

“This house really looks like it belongs on the beach,” says Judi, noting the all-white color, a trademark of Batter Kay. During the expansion, the Missetts converted the original garage into a 1,100-square-foot dance studio and built a larger three-car garage off to the left. The architects found it both fun and challenging to keep the new plans consistent with their initial design. “The original building had such a strong geometry to it,” Michael Batter explains. “Now we had all these separate structures and had to relate them back to the original building. It became the play of the curves.” Here, Jack polishes the hood of his 1956 two-tone Nash Metropolitan.

cherry-red Egg chair

This cherry-red Egg chair and ottoman, Arne Jacobsen’s iconic 1958 design for Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen, is a favorite of Judi’s. (Available at Design Within Reach)

entryway

The front door opens to a grand, light-filled foyer with tall ceilings and a staircase leading to the master suite and Judi’s study. A Christmas card from the White House, signed by the Obamas rests on the table!

master bedroom

Neutral gray walls and linens complement the original painting by Roy Lichtenstein that hangs above the couple’s bed. “I love the colors of Pop Art,” Judi says. “And the subject matter is lighthearted.”

dining table

“I like angles, that sharpness,” she says of her zigzag dining chairs. “I think it’s because it’s all about movement.” In the background: an original soup can painting by Andy Warhol’s assistant Steve Kaufman. (Chairs available at Cassina USA)

dance studio

JAZZ HANDS!

Today, Jazzercise extends to 32 countries, with more than 7,800 franchises worldwide and 35,000 classes per week. Judi’s legacy has become a family affair. Her daughter, Shanna Missett Nelson, serves as the company’s president. Both continue to teach at the headquarters in Carlsbad. Here, the duo practices a routine in the at-home dance studio, accessible via a separate entrance to avoid traffic through the main house. Judi requested a maple floor with some spring, and based on this photo, it’s easy to see why. The space also showcases some of the family’s collectibles, such as an autographed Michael Jordan jersey, a vintage Coca-Cola soda fountain, and original sketches by Dr. Seuss. But above all, it’s a place where Judi choreographs routines for future Jazzercise classes. She loves the convenience of it. “It’s easier,” she says. “The creative process isn’t something you can schedule.”

living room

The post The House That Jazzercise Built appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Judi and Jack Missett

Judi Sheppard Missett and her husband Jack

THEIR STORY:

At the home of Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, the principles by which she started her company reign supreme: balance, movement, and a little bit of pop. Judi and her husband of 47 years, Jack Missett, a former TV news reporter, live in a property that was first featured by San Diego Magazine in 2004. When the Missetts moved in two and a half years ago, they enlisted its original architects, Michael Batter and Janice Kay, as well as Wurfl Construction, to perform a major remodel that nearly doubled the house’s size. Today, it’s a place where the former professional dancer turned fitness guru dreams up choreography for her empire and enjoys the little luxuries of success. She says: “When you have movement in your life, it creates movement in other parts of your life and keeps you moving forward in the best possible way.”

swimming pool

LAP OF LUXURY

For Jack, a triathlete, swimming is part of his daily workout, so he wanted a pool closer to Olympic size. During the renovation, the architects doubled the size of the original pool. They also added a spa, sauna, and outdoor fireplace. Why Vista? “It’s just a few miles from the beach, but the sun comes out a lot more often here,” says Judi, who grew up in rural Iowa. “Yes, there is life north of Del Mar!”

Judi commissioned Abel and Brothers Custom Iron in San Marcos to design these dancing sculptures. The couple expanded the existing deck off the master suite and built balconies off the upper guestroom and Judi’s study.

koi pond

OH, KOI!

The lower level opens to a koi pond and expansive backyard. Elfi Lawrence of Lawrence Design supervised the landscaping, with design assistance from Roshan Skiver. Jack oversaw most of the project. The goal was to make the outside as interesting as the inside. He wanted the patios and decks to be easily accessible via floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding pocket doors, and an exterior staircase, facilitating that indoor/outdoor feel, which comes in handy during parties and meetings. Another priority: creating a place just for Jack. “He wanted a space of his own,” Judi says. “So the art studio (pictured in the background) became his little retreat.”

front of the house

THE WHITE HOUSE

“This house really looks like it belongs on the beach,” says Judi, noting the all-white color, a trademark of Batter Kay. During the expansion, the Missetts converted the original garage into a 1,100-square-foot dance studio and built a larger three-car garage off to the left. The architects found it both fun and challenging to keep the new plans consistent with their initial design. “The original building had such a strong geometry to it,” Michael Batter explains. “Now we had all these separate structures and had to relate them back to the original building. It became the play of the curves.” Here, Jack polishes the hood of his 1956 two-tone Nash Metropolitan.

cherry-red Egg chair

This cherry-red Egg chair and ottoman, Arne Jacobsen’s iconic 1958 design for Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen, is a favorite of Judi’s. (Available at Design Within Reach)

entryway

The front door opens to a grand, light-filled foyer with tall ceilings and a staircase leading to the master suite and Judi’s study. A Christmas card from the White House, signed by the Obamas rests on the table!

master bedroom

Neutral gray walls and linens complement the original painting by Roy Lichtenstein that hangs above the couple’s bed. “I love the colors of Pop Art,” Judi says. “And the subject matter is lighthearted.”

dining table

“I like angles, that sharpness,” she says of her zigzag dining chairs. “I think it’s because it’s all about movement.” In the background: an original soup can painting by Andy Warhol’s assistant Steve Kaufman. (Chairs available at Cassina USA)

dance studio

JAZZ HANDS!

Today, Jazzercise extends to 32 countries, with more than 7,800 franchises worldwide and 35,000 classes per week. Judi’s legacy has become a family affair. Her daughter, Shanna Missett Nelson, serves as the company’s president. Both continue to teach at the headquarters in Carlsbad. Here, the duo practices a routine in the at-home dance studio, accessible via a separate entrance to avoid traffic through the main house. Judi requested a maple floor with some spring, and based on this photo, it’s easy to see why. The space also showcases some of the family’s collectibles, such as an autographed Michael Jordan jersey, a vintage Coca-Cola soda fountain, and original sketches by Dr. Seuss. But above all, it’s a place where Judi choreographs routines for future Jazzercise classes. She loves the convenience of it. “It’s easier,” she says. “The creative process isn’t something you can schedule.”

living room

The post The House That Jazzercise Built appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Ty Hauter, his wife Suzannah, and daughter Presley Royce

THEIR STORY: Meet Ty Hauter, the former bouncer turned businessman who has been instrumental in revamping San Diego’s East Village. His company, Good Time Design, owns and operates 11 local restaurants and bars, including the original Whiskey Girl, Bub’s at the Ballpark, and Southpaw Social Club. The most recent, Moonshine Flats, a 10,000-square-foot country rock bar and entertainment venue, just opened in February. He also bought the Palm Restaurant on J Street and has plans for a new concept, set to open this summer. So how does he bring the hustle and bustle of his work life home? He doesn’t, really. Ty and his wife, Suzannah, share a surprisingly quiet existence at their new house in Coronado. As with all of his projects, quality mattered. To help with the details, Suzannah recruited Darcy Kempton of Simply Stunning Spaces, who crafted a cozy yet streamlined look. Paint colors and fabric swatches aside, the house has one star attraction: the couple’s 18-month-old daughter, Presley Royce. She’s a one-of-a-kind design.

The post Good Time Design appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Ty Hauter, his wife Suzannah, and daughter Presley Royce

THEIR STORY: Meet Ty Hauter, the former bouncer turned businessman who has been instrumental in revamping San Diego’s East Village. His company, Good Time Design, owns and operates 11 local restaurants and bars, including the original Whiskey Girl, Bub’s at the Ballpark, and Southpaw Social Club. The most recent, Moonshine Flats, a 10,000-square-foot country rock bar and entertainment venue, just opened in February. He also bought the Palm Restaurant on J Street and has plans for a new concept, set to open this summer. So how does he bring the hustle and bustle of his work life home? He doesn’t, really. Ty and his wife, Suzannah, share a surprisingly quiet existence at their new house in Coronado. As with all of his projects, quality mattered. To help with the details, Suzannah recruited Darcy Kempton of Simply Stunning Spaces, who crafted a cozy yet streamlined look. Paint colors and fabric swatches aside, the house has one star attraction: the couple’s 18-month-old daughter, Presley Royce. She’s a one-of-a-kind design.

The post Good Time Design appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Click the images below for more!

Best in Show

Best Indoor/Outdoor

ZACKBENSON.COM Zack Benson

Best Formal Living Room

Best Do-It-Yourself Living Room

Clear-View Dining Room

Best Statement Piece

Best Use of Wallpaper

Best Bathroom with a View

Best Eco-Design

ZACKBENSON.COM Zack Benson

Best Mix-and-Match Décor

Best Entertaining Space

The post SD Homes of the Year appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Umansky was in town on Wednesday speaking with media members and local brokers about the ultra luxe property, which he has partnered with Joy Bender of Prudential Real Estate on. The five-bedroom house in the Muirlands area of LJ boasts stunning ocean views and is constructed in a feng shui, figure-eight design. (Check out the photo gallery below.)

And if you have $3.5 million to spare, it can be yours. But, just to be clear, the house is on the market—hunky Mauricio is not!

For more info, visit theagencyre.com.

P.S. We’re excited about the rumblings of a potential Real Housewives of San Diego. Rumor has it they are currently casting. Who do you think should make the cut? Let’s discuss.

The post Million-Dollar Listing appeared first on San Diego Magazine.