All the more reason why the "standard layout" of cubicle farms in modern offices really, really sucks for people whose jobs involve continuous, unmolested concentration. Sure, there are benefits to being in close proximity and to collaborating. But sometimes people just need to focus.

While it's not exactly cost effective or feasible to give every programmer, designer, writer, etc., a private office, it should be a priority to have designated quiet spaces. Something as simple as a conference room that you turn into a quiet zone, almost like a small library.