The evolution of technology has been the catalyst for a powerful shift in our culture and lifestyles. Many of us are no longer limited to nine to five jobs- instead, we have the choice to work from the comfort and convenience of home. Think about it: We’re living in a society in which American journalists use technology to cover news in another continent. Tech entrepreneurs, tech support assistants, finance professionals, travel agents, web developers, IT professionals, and countless others can work from home throughout their entire careers.
This dramatic change in our culture has made many people feel more able to take ownership over their own lives. The millennial population in particular rejects the notion that professional development should mean sacrificing self-care and quality of life. Being able to work from wherever we are means more travel opportunities, more time around family, and more flexibility. Most of all, it gives us more freedom, which can mean more opportunities to pursue self-actualization, whether through entrepreneurship or just more flexible days.
Still, as many of you well know, cabin fever is a thing. Sometimes we can get so sick of seeing the same four walls that the days start to blur together, and motivation and creative inspiration are lost. That’s where coworking spaces come in. Coworking spaces provide a necessary change of scenery that stimulates the senses, reboots creativity, and gives work life some much-needed variety. Looking for the coworking spaces in the Bay Area, but don’t know where to start? We hear you- California is pretty much the unofficial capital of digitalism. Here’s our list of the best coworking spaces in the Bay Area!
1. Eco-system
This airy, spacious hub has the best of both words- a clear, tranquil workspace and a sophisticated office design. It takes a holistic approach to professionalism, focusing on multi-functionality, health, enjoyment, creativity, and social consciousness. Eco-system believes that helping today’s professionals develop in a holistic way produces a happier, more creative and effective workforce in the future. Just as seeds must be watered to grow, young professionals need to nurture all aspects of their development in order to contribute optimally to growing, changing industries.
We like Eco-system because it acknowledges that living and working in today’s advancing society means prioritizing oneself. Many digitized industries (and most of them are digitized to a degree) are becoming more and more competitive. But when professionals compromise their health and quality of life to get ahead in the rat race, their originality and creativity goes right out the window. Being overworked in a crowded, rushed environment causes exhaustion- and when people are exhausted by sensory overload, they default to automatic pilot. Reducing this stress response and optimizing creative energy is important- and Eco-system seems to agree wholeheartedly. Besides, one look at its fresh open spaces, earth-toned color scheme, and sleekness- and you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to digital heaven.
2. The Assembly
The Assembly is meant to be something of a sacred space for women entrepreneurs. Intricately designed by accomplished local artists, this coworking space was created by the kind of talent it hopes to grow. Think of it as a sophisticated, multi-functional coworking space and wellness center. Its holistic approach focuses on nurturing and challenging the mind, body, and spirit. There is a fitness studio that hosts daily classes; a zen-ed out garden; small living rooms to socialize; a silent, meditative “sanctuary” room; and a kitchen with a bar. It also functions according to the principal that developing professionals need space to brainstorm individually and in a gentle, interactive environment- and The Assembly aims to provide both. And it’s not just a coworking space/wellness retreat: The Assembly also hosts networking events and motivational speaking events to provide support to female entrepreneurs in any industry.
3. CANOPY
For those of you who like your coworking spaces modern, sleek, and design-forward, CANOPY might be the best choice for you. Its boutique workspaces won’t disappoint the most refined sensibilities, and they’re sustainable, too. It’s as if the entire design has its own chi or energy force, and it flows freely through the clean, open spaces. Another unique perk? CANOPY takes culture into consideration. What better way to make people feel at home than to incorporate organic elements of local culture into each location? (San Franciscans: Think modern art, sustainable everything, and a sophisticated coffee menu).
The service style will make you feel as if you’ve entered a five-star hotel. With concierge-like staff, the highest quality technology, and an event series to expand your mind and network, CANOPY makes you feel like a VIP all the time. As we mentioned, CANOPY shares San Francisco’s commitment to sustainable living- and invests in it.
4. Rocket Space
Conveniently located by the Montgomery BART station, Rocket Space is especially designed to nurture tech startups. In fact, it’s played a significant role in the professional development of companies like Uber, Spotify, and Zappos. As we know, when this impressive list of businesses exploded onto the scene, they revolutionized technology as it pertains to many industries. Because Rocket Space regularly hosts events that attract high-power industry leaders and corporate clients, it’s as great for networking as it is for learning from the pros.
Rocket Space’s members have access to 4Gbps Wi-Fi speeds and scanning services, mail distribution, private conference rooms, event space, and cozy kitchens on each floor. Startups that meet the necessary qualifications can apply to accelerator programs, and all premium members will have access to specialized workshops which aid professional development. Although the others on our list are technologically advanced, this is the ultimate choice for tech startups. If you can get there and join up, we highly recommend it!
5. Minnesota Street Project
It’s a universal truth: “Making it” in the arts and entertainment field is supremely challenging. There is no blueprint or preconceived path to artistic success; it relies heavily on networking, flexibility, and access to the right resources. It seems as if Minnesota Street Project was designed with these needs in mind. It’s affordably under market prices for art spaces- a testament to the company’s understanding of how expensive it is to pursue an artistic career. Its shared and individual studios offer resources like wood and print shops.
This innovative space provides support for entrepreneurship and networking as well. At Minnesota Street Project, there is always a diverse range of opportunities for collaborations with curators, collectors, and galleries. It even houses quite a few successful nonprofits and art galleries on its own. Every year, the San Francisco Art Book Fair commences at this noteworthy coworking space. It’s not only ripe with networking opportunities, which artists depend on for survival, but it celebrates art for the sake of itself. Enjoying oneself and connecting with other art professionals is an essential part of being a successful artist.
The only caveat? It is advised that applicants have some experience prior to joining up, as application for studio space is competitive. If you know you’ve got the talent and are in the process of carving out a professional niche in the arts, this space is definitely worth checking out.
6. Covo
If your idea of the ideal coworking space is cozy, holistic, and art-centered, Covo is one of t he best choices at your fingertips in the Bay Area. Above all, Covo values wellness and community. This unique coworking space takes a holistic approach to wellness, and that includes connecting with community members. Covo encourages communication, resource-sharing, and a sense of community that builds members up as individuals.
Located in one of San Francisco’s lively SoMa district, the space is surrounded by art and culture. The bustling SoMa District is home to museums, restaurants, galleries, and a variety of corporate and local shops. Nurturing creativity and pleasure is an important part of professional development, and Covo obviously wants members to be inspired- and well-cared for. All members get access to an intimate coffeeshop, full-service cafe, and taprooms.
To give the mind and body time to recharge, there are nap rooms, exercise spaces, lockers, and even dry-cleaning services available. Sure, there’s no place like home, but this nurturing space might be cozier and even more convenient. But of course, Covo is more than a tranquil oasis where you can work productively in peace. It also offers 24/7 access, mail services, member events, meeting rooms, and printing services.
If you’re uncertain about whether Covo is for you- and we’re all uncertain about spaces in the beginning- Covo offers a unique benefit. The first day is free, so if you’re not right at home or its services aren’t a match for your needs, the only thing you’ve spent is time.
7. Bespoke
Bespoke is the perfect coworking space for retail entrepreneurs. Since tech is an integral part of kickstarting a retail business- and keeping it vital as time passes- Bespoke is unique and worth mentioning. First of all, it houses both startups and big brands, so networking and educational experiences abound.
This retail-friendly coworking space is aptly located at the top floor of the Westfield Mall, one of the biggest shopping hotspots in the area. (Just try not to spend your whole paycheck at any of the 200 shops and eateries at the towering shopping center). Bespoke not only offers 24/7 workspace access, conference rooms, and fast Wi-Fi, but consumer-facing pop-up shops! It’s the perfect space to showcase your brand and network with other (big and local) brands. It also hosts a variety demos, workshops, and events that have helped launch many careers. Did we mention that it’s home to a rock climbing wall and super cozy napping nook? If nothing else, that last part should seal the deal.
8. Impact Hub
It’s no secret that social change has become a focal point in business, tech, advertising, retail, and a range of other big industries that form the foundation of today’s economy. With this in mind, it’s only natural for entrepreneurs to want a workspace that supports change in a professional context. Impact Hub is designed to nurture the passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial initiative required to enact serious change on a massive level. When it comes to social and political climate, history and recent progress has proven that there is power in numbers.
We all know that the Bay Area is home to some of the most passionate young entrepreneurs, and Impact Hub helps give them the design space, platform, and resources they need. Special accommodations such as meeting room access, privacy booths, event space, and even nursing rooms are available to all members. It’s not easy to organize social change through business, tech, and networking. It takes like-minded individuals with a supportive workspace that supports teamwork and creative networking; a variety of resources; and top-notch technology. Finding all of that in one place is no easy feat, but it’s vital and necessary. Otherwise, the power of change in numbers diminishes, and entrepreneurs are spread too thin. Productivity and positive energy are maximized in a supportive environment with current technology and marketing expertise.
There are so many reasons why we love Hubspace, it would take all day to share them all. But most importantly, Hubspace’s very reasonable monthly fees show that it walks the walk, not just talks the talk. If working with a sense of social purpose and contributing to a sustainable world is important to you as an entrepreneur, this is the space for you.
9. WeWork
To some coworking connoisseurs, WeWork may be deemed a bit “corporate”, as it’s a chain with many locations. But it’s also one of the most popular Bay Area coworking spaces for a reason. As charming as a gourmet coffee shop, WeWork’s open spaces are inviting, and its technology is top-of-the-line. And its immaculate, open concept design is individualized to reflect the charm of the city in each individual location. Its audio-video equipment, private meeting rooms and phone booths, luxe kitchen, and coffee and tea variety, WeWork is an excellent space for new startups and big brands.
If you absolutely live for art and need an eclectic space to stimulate your creative juices, you might be better off with some of the earlier spaces on our list. Remember, every coworking space meets different personal and professional needs. But if you’re looking to become a more mainstream influence and want to make a broad spectrum of networking connections, WeWork has a high success rate- one of the reasons it’s so popular among Bay Area entrepreneurs.
10. The Hivery
Another women’s coworking space, The Hivery supports the growth and collaboration of women through teamwork. Its cheerful, open space is designed to nurture the professional development of business entrepreneurs and freelancers forging an independent career. Its inclusive culture and emphasis on holistic wellness, education, and networking has made it one of the most popular women’s coworking spaces. (And as we know, women’s coworking spaces are a rising trend that the Bay Area has wholeheartedly embraced). The Hivery’s members have access to cutting edge resources like program invitations, advanced tech equipment, conference and multipurpose rooms, and even an atrium work cafe.
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