A method includes: recording an image at a sensor block, the sensor block; detecting a set of objects in the image based on an object classification model; generating a feature vector for the image based on the set of objects; accessing a workstation template for the work area, the workstation template defining a set of default objects for each workstation in the work area; identifying a subset of objects comprising an intersection of the set of default objects and the set of objects; removing the subset of objects from the feature vector; accessing an occupancy template for the work area, the occupancy template defining a set of significant objects; classifying the workstation as occupied based on the feature vector and the set of significant objects; and rendering a representation of the workstation at a work area interface, the representation indicating occupancy of the workstation.