Work hard, play harder: Workcentral offers a homely vibe at work

Siblings teamed up with their father to create this new cozy co-working space.

Located in the heart of Orchard Road is a new coworking space hued in a soothing, cool grey palette, and energised with pantone colour accents named Workcentral.

Workcentral started off between siblings Mark and Paul Lee when they came across the coworking idea. It immediately appealed to them from a collaborative community standpoint. After carefully researching its financial feasibility, they convinced the Chairman (who happens to be their father) that their idea was worth doing.

They then worked on the design with their interior designer with practical, technical advice on the build. They also worked with furniture vendors on the design elements and collaborated with an IT and telecom infrastructure vendor to ensure the skeletal and nervous system of the co-working space.

At Workcentral, it highlights two unique environments - the “focused office” and the “living rooms.” This as the members would have different places to accommodate their different moods. So if you prefer to work in a cool office environment or in a cosier space reminiscent of home - Workcentral bills to offer both kind of atmosphere.

According to Workcentral’s CEO, Paul, the new coworking space has East and West Wings and Central Suites designed to be the 'focused office'.This is where members get serious work done in a corporate setting. But if you want a more casual and intimate space, then you can switch over to the Brew House and Reading Room for a change of pace. Members will find two and three seater couches and bar counter workstations to help them relax and regain lost concentration.

Paul further explained that Workcentral is designed to be comfortable, functional and conducive, carpeted flooring in work areas neutralise noise. It also intends to be an open and communal space recognising the importance of connecting and collaborating with others to accomplish more.

“We acknowledge different preferences for background noise and privacy, hence a deliberate and differentiated room sizing with private suites available for small teams. We want our members to find their own personal space, even as they enjoy the possibilities of a communal work environment,” said Paul.

Workcentral features ergonomic executive chairs and lounge areas for those waiting for long hours to fly by. It also has hot desks arranged in opposing rows, allowing teams to sit together and communicate easily. While the three meeting rooms and one boardroom are fitted out smartly with UHD LED displays, projectors and teleconferencing equipment.

The coworking space’s walls are also animated with graphic art, fun posters and photo art that reflect the company’s ethos of 'everyday creativity and innovation'. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the communal work spaces to great views of the surroundings and plenty of natural sunlight.

When SBR asked Paul what is the biggest challenge they faced during the building of the space, he said that it was working without a branded design consultant. He said that they just believed in their own concept and execute it. He also notes that finding a balance between managing project cost and providing a solid product was also challenging.

“We thoroughly researched the whole coworking movement and looked at designs that espouse the core values of openness, accessibility, sustainability, community and collaboration. We also spoke with business partners, acquaintances and people working in co-working spaces to get ideas and understand their needs better,” Paul explaining on how they managed their obstacles.

As part of the coworking environment, Workcentral also provides a host of services which supports small business clients. Everything from mail and call handling to business advisory services, financing and market expansion, Workcentral provides a helping hand with the essential support function while they focus on the business. As for Paul, “We want them to succeed.” 

Calling for newly opened, renovated and/or furnished company offices. Do share with us your story by sending us a message through Lee Anne Babierra at [email protected]