WeWork has made a name for itself as one of the most recognizable coworking companies in the market today. Beyond that, the firm has started expanding its design department consisting of 270 architects and 240 interior designers.
Cofounder Miguel McKelvey, who has a background in architecture, explains that it was always a priority for WeWork to provide high quality design in its spaces.
“This department has been able to evolve into something that resembles a more traditional design company,” said Elizabeth Wisecarver, the company’s global head of design. “What we pride ourselves on is that we’re able to have not only interior designers, but architects, engineers, lighting designers—we have a much more diverse group than you’d find at a typical firm.”
Each WeWork space follows a similar design model and mainly focuses on providing members with functionality and comfort, but incorporates local flair by enlisting local designers.
For example, one of the company’s Tokyo locations features a sunken seating area that is seen at many other traditional spaces in the city.
Wisecarver said that the company values providing a workspace that is both beautiful as it functional and comfortable for clients.