Beyond the Big Box: How Industrial Design is Evolving to Meet Multi-Use and Mixed-Use Needs

There was a time when “industrial design” meant one thing: keep it big, basic, and boxy. Four walls, a roof, and enough space for trucks to roll in and out — mission accomplished.

But times have changed. Today’s industrial buildings are being reimagined as flexible, efficient, and — dare we say — even inspiring environments. They’re becoming extensions of brand, culture, and community. And we’re here for it.

At Mohagen Hansen, we’re proud to help lead this shift. Our recent work on Hohenstein’s new distribution center in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a prime example of what’s possible when you bring purpose, people, and polish into the industrial space.

From Big Box to Smart Design: The Hohenstein’s Approach

Industrial buildings today juggle a lot — product flow, employee experience, municipal approvals, and long-term flexibility. The secret? Design that solves for all of it, beautifully.

Here’s how we tackled it at Hohenstein’s:

1. Logistics + Looks

Yes, it’s a warehouse. But it doesn’t have to feel like one.
We designed a streamlined truck circulation system out back, while giving the front-facing office areas a warm, polished identity. The result: A hardworking building that’s as welcoming as it is efficient.

2. Movement Made Easy

When you’ve got truck traffic in the early morning and employees arriving throughout the day, circulation matters. Our site planning keeps everyone — and everything — moving smoothly and safely.

3. A Workplace People Actually Want to Be In

Let’s be honest: No one’s inspired by a windowless breakroom. That’s why Hohenstein’s new 16,000-square-foot office wing includes open and private workspaces, sunlit conference rooms, a spacious café-style break room, and even a covered outdoor patio. Industrial can be beautiful — and human-friendly.

Design Trends We Put to Work

This project brought together some of the most exciting shifts we’re seeing in industrial architecture and interiors:

• Hybrid Spaces: Hohenstein’s facility blends distribution, office, signage production, and staff amenities — all under one roof. No silos, just synergy.
• Elevated Exteriors: Say goodbye to beige boxes. We used architectural precast, wood-look cement board, metal panels, and expansive windows to give the building a bold, modern identity.
• Future-Ready Flexibility: The site is designed for easy expansion, so growth won’t mean starting from scratch. That’s form and function, working hand in hand.

What’s Next? The Human-Centered Industrial Era

Looking ahead, the most successful industrial buildings will continue to marry operational excellence with user experience. A few things we’re excited about:

• Tech-Savvy Design: From automation to robotics, smart tech is transforming how warehouses function — and how they’re laid out.
• People-First Thinking: These spaces are workplaces, not just storage facilities. Natural light, air quality, comfort, and amenities matter.
• Early Collaboration: The best outcomes happen when architects, clients, and planners start the conversation early. Hohenstein’s was a great example of this — their vision helped shape a better space from day one.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Big Box

At Mohagen Hansen, we don’t believe industrial design has to be uninspired. Quite the opposite, we see it as a chance to create high-performance spaces that also look and feel good. Spaces that help businesses thrive and reflect the communities they serve.

Hohenstein’s new distribution center is proof: when you blend smart logistics, architectural quality, and a people-first mindset, you don’t just build a warehouse, you build a benchmark.

Planning your next industrial project? Let’s reimagine what it can be — together.