Summer Coworking Tour, Second Installment
July 13th, 2009 § 1 Comment
Members and visitors can post projects and availability on the white board at Conjunctured.
I first heard about Conjunctured (@conjunctured) at SXSWi this year. I sat in on a panel that co-founder John Erik Metcalf (@johnerik) hosted, and immediately looked up this Austin coworking spot. And was hooked. Fast forward a few months and I was on the front step of Conjunctured ready to see it for myself.
Travis and I were in Austin this weekend for a wedding shower and decided to stop by on the off-chance that someone might be there. If not, we just wanted to snoop around. Thank goodness for David Walker (@davidhwalker), another co-founder, because he happened to be there and welcomed us in.
Conjunctured offers coffee, espresso, snacks, and the occasional whiskey drink (while supplies last) to those working at Conjunctured.
Again, just like at Caroline Collective, I was so thrilled at David’s warm welcome and willingness to give us a tour and answer our questions about his (and the rest of the partners) experience opening up the space. He had a lot of great advice and insight as to what it takes to run a coworking space.
Conjunctured really does revolve around the idea of community, with only coworking spaces (no private offices) available. Members leave monitors for those in need to use while working, an iPod playlist constantly streams throughout the space for anyone to be an impromptu DJ, and a whiteboard displays projects, needs, and prospects for those working in the space. It was great to see Conjunctured in person, and it serves as a great model for opening up a coworking community and space in Fort Worth.
Members and owners fill up the Conjunctured candy machines for everyone to enjoy.
David’s #1 advice: community before space. Build it, they might come. However, if you participate in and help create a coworking community that has significant interest in the space, that’s the best time to start. Thus, next steps are in the works and Jelly is the name of the game.
Thanks again, David, for your time and knowledge!
cool write up Lauren—great to meet ya. Glad you enjoyed your visit!