EP 105 | Cooperative Work Spaces – Part 2 with LeAnne Bunnell and Swati Goorha

Listen Now

For some designers, a work space outside the home is a stamp of legitimacy. But a collective can offer so much more. It’s a safe place to discuss ongoing projects, a resource for new ideas and an opportunity to welcome clients into a professional atmosphere. In this episode BOD member LeAnne Bunnell She shares her journey running a cooperative work space. Then, we hear from Swati Goorha who runs a collective buying group with her partner Julie Anne Baur. If you’ve ever felt marginalized or squeezed by shrinking margins, you’ll love the conversation.

In this episode we learn:

• before you launch a collective, figure out what your intention is for the space
• remember to allow for staff, visiting vendors and client meetings when determining the size of the collective you want to join or open
• 5 must include considerations for your collective work space
• consider how many members you need to meet the financial commitments
• a buying collective can significantly increase profits on goods

Take Aways

LeAnne’s 5 musts for a collective work space

1. Determine who your ideal collective renters are (your ideal client).
2. Determine what you can afford to spend on a purchase or lease and whether or not you want this to be a money maker for you.
3. Consider various zoning ideas (commercial, light industrial, residential) and location for convenience when searching for the perfect space.
4. Set policies around office behavior; define your expectations.
5. Always make sure to look after your community. Ask how they like using the space and make changes wherever it’s warranted.

Design Intervention

Repeat yourself to ensure clients and trades understand what you are going to do. Tell them what you are going to tell them. Then tell them. Then tell them what you told them.