Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder of CreativeMornings, Tattly, TeuxDeux and the newly-launched Creative Guild, says the coworking space she founded has completely changed how she approaches life and her work. “My coworking space, the people around me, have changed my circle,” says Roth Eisenberg. Case in point, the TeuxDeux app was conceived of and built within three days with engineering and design studio Fictive Kin in the first incarnation of the space.
Initially started in 2008 as Studiomates in Dumbo, the space was reframed as Friends Work Here after a move to the historic factory building and home of The Invisible Dog Art Center in Boerum Hill. A carefully considered application process means the space is filled with kind, driven, and generous individuals who inspire one another to be a little more creative, a little bolder, and a little more believing in themselves.
The thoughtful layout of the studio allows for both focused work and connection. The “workspace” area is a dedicated quiet zone, whereas the common areas have a more relaxed, collaborative vibe, explains studio manager and illustrator, Liz Ryan.
“Having both is essential and the glass doors separating the two areas communicate this boundary, which is fantastic because it empowers you to nonverbally signal where you’re at with your own workflow.” The workspace is an expansive room that houses a mix of dedicated desks for full-time “friends” as well as spaces for “floaters” who use the space part-time or while visiting from out-of-town and abroad.
Beyond the placemaking details that make Friends Work Here conducive to both productivity and connection is a smattering of regular events: live music concerts on the fire escape, Happy Hours where members and friends-of do show and tells, and annual Friendsgiving in collaboration with downstairs neighbors CreativeMornings and Tattly. “Happy Hours are the heartbeat of the studio,” says Ryan. “We learn about and celebrate members of our community and welcome previous members and friends-of-friends.”
In the common area, members can reset or connect in a variety of cozy nooks, on the indoor swing, and at the communal dining table over lunch. Color-coded bookshelves and wall-mounted magazine racks lend a variety of printed inspiration sources.
Friends Work Here reaches beyond members to the entire neighborhood. “The first fire escape concert exceeded our expectations. It was such an inclusive community event, with passersby and neighbors hanging and meeting for the first time. All it took was music on a fire escape to bring people together,” adds Ryan.
On an idle Tuesday afternoon, you might walk down Bergen Street in Boerum Hill and spot bubbles descending from the building, an extension of the whimsy of the space and an invitation to extend the circle of friends.
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