Co-working is an inevitable topic is the workplace design industry. While much of the conversation is primarily focused on large providers, there’s a burgeoning crop of niche co-working spaces that have unique points of view on what shared workspace is all about. Work Design caught up with three diverse businesses, each offering a different perspective on how co-working space is evolving.
A Co-Working Space Tailored to the Legal Profession
Last Summer FH+H, a D.C. area law firm, relocated to a new office space. While the move sought to provide employees with upgraded facilities and expanded amenities, the firm also sought to make the most of the expanded space by offering a shared workspace option for non-traditional, entrepreneurial lawyers outside the firm. From this idea emerged Chisel. It has since become a thriving workspace for the firm’s existing staff and has also created a community of lawyers who network and share ideas in the collaborative space.
Two of the firm’s senior partners Francis (France) Q. Hoang and Tom Craig worked closely with the designers at Arris and all subsidiary consultants to ensure that the design encompassed their vision and met the needs of the firm as a whole. As ideas were shared and the plans were developed, they were approved by the entire partnership. The overall design of the new space adheres to the specific work requirements of the legal profession. Chisel features a selection of enclosed offices, secluded and semi-secluded workspaces, and shared, open workspace. The space also has private phone rooms and various sized meeting spaces that are reservable for client meetings and depositions. There is even a large a large kitchen, bar and lounge area, dubbed “the Forge”, which is used for community activities and classes and can be rented by outside events and speakers.