Ville Magazine l Insider Access for City Lifestyle Jan/Feb 2016 / Premiere Issue | Page 44

THE WORKROOM

MAKING SPACE

Written by: Charity Mainville / Photos by: MAKERS

As Seattle continues grow so do the innovators and inventors. Most freelancers and start-ups are not able to afford office space as the rent market
continues to rise. A desirable alternative is coworking spaces that provide a virtual office and Seattle is booming with them. This option has
become so popular that the Seattle Collaborative Space Alliance was formed to unify, support and promote a coworking and collaborative space
movement. There are over 34 coworking spaces in the city and more are being built every year. All require a monthly membership fee for use of the
community space in which some include designated desk space or a private office. Besides being an excellent source for networking, these spaces
also offer amenities such of use of conference rooms, phone privileges, event space, full kitchen and free coffee, tea and other beverages.
Each are unique in their own way, but some stand out above of the others such as MAKERS, located right next to Pike Place. The 11,000 square feet
space was founded in 2011 by two entrepreneurs, Caitlin Agnew and Lana Morisoli. Memberships include the usual benefits such as high-speed
wifi, a mailbox so you can have an office address, presentation needs like copying, printing (small jobs) and scanning. But what makes MAKERS
so desirable is not only the chance to grab fresh flowers for your desk every day, but its design and openness is great for creative entrepreneurs.
Its intimacy gives off a homelike feel with a tight knit and friendly community. The fully equipped kitchen can be used for cooking your lunch,
whipping up a meal for a large party or baking dessert to enjoy while sipping on the freely offered coffee or tea.
Whether you have a company of one or a staff of forty-five, there are conference spaces to hold large meetings that feature project screens for
video or slides and white board for talking points. You can opt for the small lounge areas if having a one-on-one to close that big sales deal. If you
have to make an important phone call and don’t want to use your cell, you can hop in one their cute phone booths and dial in. Another feature is
that MAKERS is rentable for photoshoots, offering its award-winning interior design as the background and the use of their vintage props for an
extra touch.
If you’re working on a budget, there are multiple types membership that vary in rates. You can choose from a full-time membership with or
without a designated desk, a part-time membership with 5, 10, or 15 days per month or just a mailing address for your business. In addition,
MAKERS also has private suites for two up to ten people that comes with desks, chairs and lockable filing cabinets and feel free to decorate your
new office to make it your own. Lastly, MAKERS loves to throws parties and you don’t have to be a member to attend; events are listed on their
website or Facebook page. But fair warning, once you walk in, it will be hard to think of working anywhere else.
92 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA, 98121; (206) 457–3130; www.themakersspace.com

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1. One of MAKERS’ private suites 2. Back lounge: great for coworking, meetings or photoshoot 3. The main coworking space where desks are designated
or can be reserved 4. The Warehouse: great for meetings, photoshoots, or a small event 5. The Shop: great for business or group lunch/dinner meetings
44 l VILLE l PREMIERE ISSUE