Exclusive Inputs for Mauve Magazine – Year-Ender 2025: Trends to Look Forward to in 2026.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, one question is quietly shaping boardrooms and brainstorms alike: how much of the future will be built by technology, and how much by the people who use it? In an era where AI headlines move faster than real-world adoption, the real conversation lies in understanding what technology actually changes on the ground — in workflows, spaces, and everyday consumer interactions. Mauve leans into this intersection, spotlighting voices that move beyond speculation and focus on applied innovation.

In conversation with Mauve, Ankur Muchhal, Co-Founder at Flipspaces, shares his perspective on the technologies shaping the future of design, build, and workplace experiences. From emerging tech poised to disrupt the category to practical applications of AI that will redefine consumer experience, this conversation cuts through hype to explore what truly matters as the industry moves toward 2026.

Tech & innovation

1. What emerging tech are you betting will disrupt your category in 2026?
 AI-driven spatial intelligence is going to create a sea change in the commercial design and build space. At Flipspaces, we’re going all-in on predictive design algorithms using real-time data, which optimizes space layouts for productivity, energy efficiency, and user comfort. These, along with AR/VR-powered visualization tools, would make the process of workspace design more immersive and data-driven, minimizing human errors and hastening decision-making for clients. The integration of IoT in smart workplaces will further redefine how spaces adapt dynamically to user needs.

2. If you had to automate one major function by 2026, what would it be and why?
 If I could automate one major function, it would be project coordination and vendor management. In large-scale fitout projects, this process involves multiple stakeholders, timelines, and dependencies. By automating it through AI-driven workflow systems, we can ensure better transparency, faster approvals, and more accurate delivery tracking. It will help us eliminate communication gaps, improve efficiency, and deliver seamless client experiences, something we at Flipspaces continuously strive for.

3. What is a tech trend everyone is overhyping for 2026?
 I believe the overhyped trend for 2026 will be the blind rush toward metaverse integration in commercial design. While immersive virtual spaces have potential, their practical application in mainstream office environments is still limited. The real focus should be on technologies that solve current challenges like cost optimization, sustainable sourcing, and user-centric space analytics before chasing futuristic concepts that don’t yet have scalable real-world utility.

4. How will AI change your consumer experience by 2026—practically, not theoretically?
 By 2026, AI will play a hands-on role in reimagining the client experience. From intelligent design recommendations based on organizational culture and work patterns to real-time cost forecasting and VR-led walkthroughs, AI will make design decisions more collaborative and personalized. Clients will no longer have to visualize abstract ideas—they’ll experience their future workspace digitally, make informed choices faster, and monitor execution through smart dashboards. In essence, AI will make the design-to-delivery journey intuitive, transparent, and deeply engaging.

-Khizra Khan