While this may be an unpopular and perhaps brazen assertion, there is merit to working in-office. Communal work areas enhance social interaction and productivity, especially when there’s a shared sense of purpose among members. For some, working from home presents a new set of challenges or may even lead to resentments toward their formerly personal territory. But as the pendulum swings back and forth from pre- to post-pandemic professional habits, it appears to be finding equilibrium where workers have flexibility to shift their schedule – and their sense of place. The New Design Project, a Brooklyn-based interior design firm, has its finger on the pulse with their expansion of The New Work Project as it welcomes fresh spaces ELEVENTH and The Annex into the fold in Williamsburg.
Situated alongside the existing establishment TENTH, their original co-working space circa 2017, ELEVENTH builds upon what the previous concept started while adding contrast for a dramatic shift in ambiance. Guests move through a day lit corridor from black, stark whites, and cool grays into that which is awash in creamy colors for a kaleidoscope of beige that is far from banal.
Complementing the warm, neutral palette is an earthy signature scent and plenty of opportunities to commune with nature. “There is a heightened focus on health and wellness in the workplace,” say Fanny Abbes and James Davison, the creative director and co-managing partner of the New Project Group, respectively. “To support this, we incorporated plants and other greenery, and installed large oversized skylights to complement other sources of natural light and provide a strong connection to the outside world.” This central volume provides the through line hosts the most public spaces with varying degrees of private rooms distributed around the perimeter.
The Gallery is adjacent, comprising eight dedicated, open-air stations situated under a pair of vertical chandeliers in polished nickel. Bronze glass privacy screens provide a bit of intimacy for each desk where members have additional accoutrement like an adorable table lamp, comfortable chair, and mobile cabinet.
Light floods The Lounge where a cluster of chic, semi-circular breakout booths upholstered in a luscious, dark-chocolate brown velvet bask in its glow. Accompanying them are custom tables, rugs with corresponding playful poufs, and decorative lighting in polished nickel. Something of a forum, the venerable central space is framed by an arched accent wall with wallpaper by Eskayel. Additionally, custom artwork by Abbes adds subtle pops of color to the room as they rest against decorative wall moldings.
Twelve private studios for teams of up to ten are furnished with custom floating desks, ergonomic task chairs, keyless locking pedestals, designer desk lamps, open shelves, and built-in closets just behind doors outfitted with smart locks. What’s more, all company signage displayed to delineate rented rooms is typeset using the same typeface and font to eliminate visual clutter from logos that might otherwise be competing.
Continuing on, visitors will happen upon three fully ventilated, sound-insulated privacy pods, which provide an ideal escape for a quick call, focused work, or moment of respite, as well as a granite-topped central drink station. Bronze glass and curved forms feature strongly elsewhere lining the paths for circulation as well as conference room walls with a striking custom wallpaper installation by Designtex. Wishbone chairs sit aside conference room tables by The New Design Project, while wall-hung circular mirrors echo local textures.
Though physically separate from TENTH and ELEVENTH, The Annex adds to the cultural fabric shared by every proverbial thread running through the post-industrial building. It provides a generous events venue for nearly any occasion comfortably fitting up to 75 guests. The thoughtfully designed interior features historical elements, 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and oversized archways.
Co-working spaces have historically been susceptible to pomp and circumstance, moreso appealing to exclusivity than actual service to the working community. But meaningful change is on the horizon. “We’re part of a new breed of boutique-style neighborhood work clubs. Our members appreciate working in spaces that go beyond mere functionality, serving as an extension of their professional and personal brands,” Abbes and Davison add. “Unlike other co-working spaces that focus on maximizing private office space, we emphasize thoughtfully designed public areas that inspire genuine creativity and collaboration.”
To learn more about The New Work Project and all of its spaces visit thenewworkproject.com.
Photography by Will Ellis.
