The design of a workspace can have a significant impact on creativity, collaboration, and overall productivity. A poorly designed office, particularly open-plan spaces, can lead to distractions and decreased morale. A 2020 study found that employees in open-plan offices lack control over environmental factors, which can hinder their creativity and work performance. This is where solutions like Inbox Booths come into play, offering customizable and private spaces for focused work.

The Rise of Modular Workspaces in a Distracted World

Canadian entrepreneur Scot Sustad saw his team’s morale drop as noise and distractions overtook the office. Knowing something had to change, he sought solutions like private booths and modular rooms but found that existing products would take months to arrive. Unable to afford the wait, he took matters into his own hands. In 2021, he started building the booths he needed but couldn’t find.

Within just three years, Sustad’s company, Inbox Booths, has become a go-to provider for businesses looking to enhance productivity. The company designs and sells modular, soundproof booths that create a quiet space for employees to focus. From small startups to global corporations, Inbox Booths serves clients of all sizes.

“My journey has always been about bringing passionate people together to make meaningful things happen,” Sustad shares. “With a background in teaching, digital marketing, and start-up experience, I’ve focused on building initiatives that not only succeed but also create a positive impact.”

The company’s popular “Tuesday” range offers a cost-effective solution for single-person phone booths, ideal for open spaces in both small and large offices. For larger teams, the TEAM and QUAD models are in high demand, balancing affordability and functionality. These booths provide employees with a distraction-free environment, essential for focused work and productive meetings.

How AI Integration Is Transforming Booth Designs

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, Sustad and Inbox Booths are embracing the technological wave. AI is not just a buzzword in their company but is actively being integrated into their products to meet the needs of modern workplaces.

“We’re focusing on AI-driven features that allow companies to gain insights into how often booths are used, by which teams, and at what times,” Sustad, also the co-founder of Brands for Better Foundation and Digital Hot Sauce Inc., explains. “This data can help optimize the placement and usage of the booths, ensuring they’re located where they’ll be used most effectively.”

The modular design of the booths, paired with an optional moving kit that includes wheels, offers flexibility. Booths can be quickly relocated within an office to adapt to changing needs. With AI-driven insights, companies can ensure that their workspaces are always used efficiently, helping teams stay focused and productive.

AI’s impact on the traditional office goes beyond productivity. It is also about automating routine tasks. This shift allows employees to dedicate their time to more creative and strategic work. At Inbox Booths, AI is helping to drive this transformation. “We’re embracing AI by continually evolving our products to support the needs of AI-enhanced workplaces,” says Sustad.

Boosting Mental Health and Work-Life Balance 

Being a serial entrepreneur and community builder, employee well-being is a top priority for Sustad. Inbox Booths are designed not only to improve productivity but also to contribute positively to mental health and work-life balance. “Our booths provide a calm, private setting where employees can focus on deep work,” he explains. “This helps them manage their workloads more effectively, reducing stress and boosting overall productivity.” 

The booths offer an environment that supports both concentration and relaxation, which Sustad believes is essential to employee mental health. “By providing quiet, dedicated spaces, we help employees thrive in modern, AI-enhanced work environments,” he adds.

What’s Next for Inbox Booths

With the growing demand for AI-driven environments, Inbox Booths is seeing increased interest from tech companies. Inbox Booths’ are already installed in NASA, Lego, Lululemon, Arc’teryx, EA Sports, the Canadian government, and Loblaws, among others. These organizations recognize the need for quiet, focused workspaces, particularly in AI development, where deep concentration is critical.

“Our booths are highly valued by tech companies because they provide the perfect setting for deep-focus work,” Sustad explains. “As AI continues to shape the future of work, we’re proud to offer solutions that support the innovation needed in this field.”

Looking ahead, Sustad envisions the future of office design being increasingly shaped by AI. Workspaces will become more adaptive, personalized, and responsive to employee needs. AI will play a central role in optimizing how these spaces are used, ensuring that every area serves a productive purpose.

“At Inbox Booths, we’re excited about the possibilities AI presents,” Sustad says. “We’re continuously refining our products to meet the needs of the modern, AI-driven workplace, ensuring our booths remain the go-to solution for focused, productive work.”