25+
years
Expertly Led
Strategic Insight.
Real-world impact.
Humans and Places was founded by Ian Baker, a workplace strategist with more than 25 years’ experience across the built environment, property consulting, project management and facilities management.
Ian helps organisations make better decisions about work, people, workplaces and property. His work sits where business strategy, people experience and property decisions meet, helping leadership teams understand whether their workplaces are supporting performance or quietly creating cost, friction and wasted potential.
Since 2015, Ian has focused specifically on workplace strategy and human performance. His background means he understands both the boardroom conversation and the practical realities of buildings, budgets, operations and delivery.
ABOUT HUMANS AND PLACES
A more human approach to better business outcomes
Humans and Places believes the office is more than simply a place to work. It’s a living system that connects people, purpose and performance. When designed and led strategically, it helps organisations become faster, healthier, more human and more productive.
We use our Humans and Places Intelligence model to bring structure, evidence and challenge to those decisions, helping organisations connect what the business is trying to achieve with how people work and what the workplace needs to support.
Most organisations do not have a workplace problem. They have a business problem showing up in their workplace."
Ian Baker
Pinpointing where your workplace has the greatest impact on your business strategy and profitability. I help identify where strategic decisions will deliver the most value.
Experience
Strategically focused senior leader.
A motivational and articulate communicator.
Excels at creating and developing internal stakeholder and client relationships.
Over 25 years’ experience in the built environment, encompassing property consulting and project management.
10 years dedicated to the workplace sector
Top-Rated
Top 50 (exemplary category) Workplace Leader 2023
Proven at increasing workplace experience, productivity and performance
Thought leader and researcher.
Industry Expert
Member of drafting panel for British Standards Workplace Strategy (BS8703)
Certified Member of Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM)
Chair of IWFM Workplace Special Interest Group (SIG)
Lead judge at IWFM Impact Awards 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
What Clients Say
Trusted by leaders across sectors
“Ian’s enthusiasm, knowledge and helpful and proactive approach made a real difference. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Max Hood
Workplace Director
“Ian brought clarity to a complex workplace and estate project. He combined strategic thinking with practical delivery, providing confidence in both the direction and the data underpinning it.”
Lyndsey Norris
Chief Financial Officer
“Ian helped us understand how our office and wider working arrangements were supporting the business. He identified key issues affecting workplace experience, providing a thoughtful, practical and commercially review of our workplace.”
Sarah Cooper
Country Manager, UK
What can you do now?
Facing a workplace decision?
We work with organisations that need clear evidence before making decisions about leases, space, hybrid working, workplace experience or property strategy.