When I started my coworking space, I didn’t realize how much it would change the way people work together.
I noticed a need for a place where professionals could connect, share ideas, and grow their businesses without feeling isolated at home.
In this interview, I explain how I built a space that balances community, productivity, and flexibility.
I share the story behind my vision and the philosophy that shaped every decision.
I also describe the steps I took to create an environment people want to spend time in.
From early challenges to small wins, I walk you through what it takes to make a coworking space thrive.
We’ll explore how technology helps make operations smoother and how I see coworking evolving in the years ahead.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a community-driven workspace from the ground up, you’ll find honest answers here.
Meet the Coworking Space Founder
I started my coworking journey after working in places that lacked community and flexibility.
My goal was to create a space where entrepreneurs could connect, share ideas, and work in an environment designed for productivity and comfort.
Background and Inspiration
I grew up in a family that valued small business ownership.
My parents ran a local shop, and I learned how important it is to build relationships with customers.
Years later, as a freelance designer, I struggled to find a place to work that wasn’t noisy or isolating.
Coffee shops were crowded, and working from home felt lonely.
During a trip to Hong Kong, I visited my first coworking space.
The energy, collaboration, and supportive atmosphere made a big impression on me.
That experience inspired me to bring something similar back home.
I wanted to design a space that had open areas for networking and quiet spots for focus.
My idea was simple: create a hub where people could do their best work and feel part of a community.
Journey to Founding a Coworking Space
When I returned, I started researching the best coworking models.
I spoke with founders like Odeen Domingo of CO+HOOTS and Jason Widen of HQ Raleigh to learn from their experiences.
I began by renting a floor in a downtown building.
I furnished it with second-hand desks, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of natural light.
I personally welcomed each new member and learned their needs.
I adjusted the space based on their feedback.
Networking events, workshops, and casual coffee mornings helped members connect.
These gatherings often led to collaborations between entrepreneurs who might never have met otherwise.
The early days were challenging.
I had to balance rent, marketing, and community building.
Seeing people thrive in the space kept me motivated.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Within the first year, our membership doubled.
We expanded to include private offices and dedicated desks for growing teams.
We hosted our first business pitch night.
Three startups secured funding from local investors at this event.
This event became a regular fixture, attracting both entrepreneurs and mentors.
Partnerships with local cafés and service providers gave members discounts and perks.
By year three, we opened a second location in a nearby city.
We followed a model similar to THRIVE Coworking.
This allowed us to serve more professionals while keeping the same welcoming atmosphere.
Our biggest achievement is creating a supportive, engaged community where people want to come to work every day.
Vision and Philosophy
I built my coworking space to be more than a place with desks and Wi-Fi.
I focus on creating an environment where thoughtful design, comfort, and community work together to support people every day.
Core Values and Mission
My mission is simple: offer a premium coworking space that feels both professional and personal.
I want members to feel at ease while having everything they need to work well.
I believe location matters.
That’s why I chose a site that is easy to reach and surrounded by useful amenities, similar to Workingdom in Gurugram.
A good location saves members time and reduces stress.
Community plays a big role in my philosophy.
I encourage members to connect, share ideas, and collaborate.
I focus on creating natural opportunities for people to meet and help each other.
I also value flexibility.
Whether someone needs a quiet private office or an open desk for a day, I provide options that adapt to their needs.
Approach to Premium Coworking
For me, premium coworking means quality over quantity.
I focus on fewer members so I can offer more space per person, better furniture, and stronger support services.
I studied how leaders like The Great Room balance design, comfort, and service.
This inspired me to invest in ergonomic seating, natural light, and reliable technology.
Premium also means attention to detail.
I make sure meeting rooms have the right equipment and phone booths are soundproof.
Common areas stay clean and inviting.
I avoid overcrowding.
A workspace should feel calm, even during busy hours.
That’s why I limit memberships to keep the environment productive and enjoyable.
Design-Led Strategies
Design is more than decoration—it shapes how people feel and work.
I use a design-led approach similar to what Jaelle Ang describes for The Great Room, where every detail has a purpose.
I choose colors and materials that create a warm but professional atmosphere.
For example, wood finishes add comfort while glass walls keep the space open and bright.
Lighting is key.
I use a mix of natural light and adjustable lamps so members can work comfortably at any time.
I design spaces for different work styles.
Quiet zones support focus, while lounge areas encourage casual talks.
This balance helps members move between tasks without leaving the building.
Building a Thriving Coworking Community
I create spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and supported.
My goal is to help members work better together, grow their businesses, and take part in activities that make the space more valuable than just a desk and Wi-Fi.
Fostering Collaboration
I design the coworking space layout to encourage natural interaction.
Open seating areas, shared tables, and casual lounges make it easier for members to start conversations.
I create opportunities for members to connect through skill-sharing sessions and small group projects.
These activities help people discover what they can offer each other and build trust.
To avoid forced networking, I keep introductions casual.
For example, I might mention someone’s skills when chatting with another member who needs that help.
This approach is similar to strategies used by thriving coworking communities that focus on natural connections.
Collaboration grows when people feel comfortable asking for help.
I make sure there’s always a friendly point of contact in the space—often me—who can connect members when needed.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
Many members are entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small business owners.
I offer resources that help them solve problems and grow.
This includes mentorship hours with experienced business owners, curated resource lists, and access to local service providers like accountants or designers.
When possible, I connect members with each other for services before looking outside the community.
I use feedback sessions to learn what tools or support members need most.
Some have asked for marketing workshops, while others prefer one-on-one coaching.
Tailoring support like this works well in entrepreneur-focused coworking spaces.
By focusing on practical help instead of generic advice, I make sure the community adds real value to their business journey.
Events and Member Initiatives
I plan events that match members’ interests and schedules.
This includes lunch-and-learn sessions, demo days, and casual coffee mornings.
I encourage members to start their own initiatives.
Some have organized book clubs, coding meetups, or skill-swap days.
This gives them ownership and keeps the community vibrant.
To keep participation high, I avoid overloading the calendar.
I choose events that bring people together for a clear purpose, much like the approach in successful coworking event strategies.
When members lead activities, it builds stronger connections and makes the coworking space feel like a shared home for ideas.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Running my coworking space has tested my patience, planning skills, and flexibility.
I’ve had to solve problems I didn’t expect, from managing unpredictable costs to keeping members engaged in a competitive market.
Overcoming Industry Hurdles
When I first opened, I underestimated how quickly operational costs could rise.
Rent, utilities, and maintenance sometimes climbed faster than membership revenue.
I learned to track expenses weekly and negotiate longer-term leases to stabilize costs.
Competition was another hurdle.
New spaces opened nearby and offered lower prices.
Instead of lowering my rates, I focused on adding value—better community events, faster internet, and cleaner work areas.
This helped me retain members who valued quality over price.
I also had to manage inconsistent occupancy.
During slow months, I offered short-term passes and meeting room rentals to keep income steady.
Talking with other founders, including people like Dan Zakai who scaled Mindspace globally, showed me that adaptability and cost control are key in this industry.
Adapting to Market Changes
Member needs change quickly. When remote work surged, I saw more freelancers and fewer corporate teams.
I responded by creating smaller private offices and flexible desk packages instead of focusing only on large team spaces.
Technology shifted expectations as well. Members wanted easy booking systems, so I invested in a mobile app for reserving desks and rooms.
This reduced admin work and made the member experience better.
I kept a close eye on local business trends. When a nearby tech hub opened, I targeted my marketing toward startups and offered discounted trial months.
By staying alert and making timely changes, I kept the space useful for members.
Advice for Aspiring Founders
If you’re starting a coworking space, begin with clear financial projections. Include a buffer for unexpected costs like repairs or equipment upgrades.
Choose your location carefully. Being near public transport, coffee shops, or business districts helps attract members.
Invest in community building early. Host networking events, skill-sharing workshops, or casual coffee mornings.
Strong relationships often lead to long-term memberships and word-of-mouth growth.
Innovation and Technology in Coworking
Digital tools and creative design choices make shared work environments more useful. Smart booking systems and flexible layouts help members work efficiently and feel connected.
Role of Technology in Member Experience
In my space, technology supports members from the moment they join. We use app-based check-ins so members can enter without waiting.
This tracks occupancy and helps us prevent overcrowding.
I added real-time meeting room booking through a mobile app. Members can see availability, reserve a room, and adjust lighting or temperature from their phones.
We use community platforms like those at Norrsken House. People can post job offers, share events, and form project groups without leaving their desks.
For remote collaboration, I provide high-speed internet and soundproof booths for video calls. This keeps noise low and gives privacy when needed.
Unique Features and Services
Unique features help a coworking space stand out. At Mindspace, design matters, but I focus on services that improve work directly.
We run curated networking events that connect members with potential clients or partners. The app schedules and promotes these events.
I offer flexible membership plans like those in innovative coworking hubs. Members can scale up or down depending on their project load.
For creative teams, I added prototype labs with 3D printers and small-scale fabrication tools. This makes testing ideas easier.
I use data analytics to see which services members use most. This helps me invest in what members value.
The Future of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are becoming more specialized. Designs and services now target specific types of members.
Operators are also looking beyond local markets to reach professionals in new cities and continents.
Trends Shaping the Industry
More people split their workweek between home and the office. This hybrid style pushes coworking operators to offer flexible memberships for changing schedules.
Members expect more than a desk. They want on-site wellness rooms, private phone booths, and high-speed video conferencing.
In premium locations, curated events and skill-sharing sessions are now regular.
Cost still matters, but value is more important. Spaces that combine affordability with good design and strong community ties attract startups and independent professionals.
Industry leaders see a rise in sector-focused coworking — for example, hubs built for creative agencies or tech developers.
Sustainability is another focus. I have toured spaces using recycled materials, solar energy, and smart lighting systems.
These features reduce costs and attract environmentally conscious members.
Expansion Plans and Global Reach
Founders see growth opportunities in untapped markets. For example, AfricaWorks opens locations across multiple African cities to meet demand from remote workers and local entrepreneurs.
Companies adapt to local cultural and business norms as they expand globally. In some regions, people prefer private offices over open-plan layouts.
Community events can increase membership growth in other areas. Technology also plays a key role in managing this scale.
Cloud-based booking tools and digital access systems help operators run coworking spaces in different countries. Multilingual support makes it easier to serve diverse members.
Partnerships with local real estate firms help companies enter new markets more quickly. For premium coworking brands, global expansion increases their reputation.
Members can expect the same standard of service in every city, which builds trust and consistency.
