Companies wanting in-office engineers yet do not provide any office space for that kind of employee

I used to work for a company on-site and my office was the main open area with my back turned to the main thoroughfare. Not only was the office loud in general because everyone in the startup worked in the same area, but it was highly disruptive with everyone walking back and forth behind me all day. This is not an ideal accomodation for engineers or anyone involved in mentally demanding tasks which if course is not limited to engineering. After a couple months, I just stopped going and worked from home while looking for work elsewhere and now work remotely.

I interviewed at a new company recently since I’m looking for a pay increase. They want me in-office 3 to 4 days a week. They want someone “who actually wants to be there.” However, they have no office for me and expect me to sit at a desk next to everyone operating the lab equipment.

I don’t know how common this is but this has been my experience so far with startups. Is this what I should expect from companies who want me to work at the “office”? Why can’t startups afford enough space to separate the engineers/designers from the sales department or laboratory/machinery?

To be honest, I don’t mind working on-site if (1) the commute is not more than 30 minutes, (2) the people there aren’t toxic, and (3) they actually have a damn office for me. Given that, and other reasonable accommodations, then I would be happy to have a hybrid work remote/on-site situation.