The Best View
While I was in Los Angeles, I worked from IgnitedSpaces. I like to believe I got some Hollywood treatment while there; I had a fantastic view of Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, and the space also boasted an almost 360 degree view of the city–which was truly inspiring.
Event Space
Event spaces are not created equal. One that I think is worth talking about is  Collective Chemistry in Seattle, Washington. Though the space wasn’t too large, there was a constant wonderful vibe in the bar and event space. It was a great place to connect and get people to gather and engage with one another.
Any time a space makes it easy to bring people together, they are inviting people to engage and connect with the members in the space. I have witnessed it time and time again. The more coworkers are engaged with each other, the longer they stay and the better (and stronger) the community.
Connecting with Local Artists
100State in Madison, Wisconsin partnered with local artists to display a dynamic and curated art collection. Art can help create a vibrant space and serve as a point of connection among members. Afterall, part of the magic of art is that it allows us as humans to be both introspective, but also to find and discuss new topics and ideas.
Besides, there is some value into the aesthetics of a place…and well curated art, well it gets the job done for sure.
Is a conference room really  just a conference room?
3 conference rooms. 3 reasons why I loved them.
The first one (pictured below) can be found in Vancouver, BC, Canada, at L’Atelier. I loved it because it was intimate, but with a view.
The second one is in San Francisco, California, at ECO-SYSTM. The entire space is filled with artwork, and the conference room is no different. Whether you like the art or not, it’s definitely a conversation starter and ice-breaker.
The third one is in Burlington, Vermont, at VCET. I’ll only say this: meeting over ping-pong and comics anyone?
From coffee, to inspiring views; from location to art; these spaces stuck with me for a reason: they added something to the vibe and community of the space. It wasn’t just about having the most expensive furniture or the most square footage. These amenities helped me connect with people and feel ‘at home’ even while I was thousands of miles away.
I cannot say these are bullet-proof amenities that you have to add to your space, but they did work for me. Then again, I am a coffee lover, I enjoy art, and I find spectacular views inspiring. We’ve seen how other operators have taken a more ‘fun’ approach to amenities, and these seem to work as well.
