project spotlight: creating a co-working space for innovation and inclusivity

​When creativity, innovation and collaboration come together in the right workspace, great things can happen.

At BRM Projects, we think we’ve created something great in Co. Create - the co-working space designed to enhance innovative thinking in the disability, health and human service sectors. 

As many young entrepreneurial minds with an innovative idea take a leap of faith and decide to go it alone, the popularity of co-working spaces is on the rise.  Co-working spaces also suit the growing list of creative freelancers in search of flexibility and freedom.  Great co-working spaces should be designed to cultivate collaboration, inspire creative thinking and importantly foster inclusivity for the diverse workforce who will use the space. 

THE CLIENT

Impact Co. work with the disability, health and human service sectors.  The creative thinkers behind the name help build and support purpose driven start ups and entrepreneurs committed to making a positive social impact.  
To put it simply, if you have a great business concept that seriously benefits people, they can help you bring it to life.  Great minds need to be inspired to create great ideas.  Impact Co. needed a space for these minds to come together.  

“Our vision is to create an ecosystem of like-minded individuals to be part of a creative space that fosters collaboration and encourages innovative thinking.”
IMPACT CO.

​As a certified B Corp, BRM Projects take great pleasure in working with clients who share similar principles around creating a positive social and environmental impact.

We’ll admit we were rather excited to get started on this one.

THE BRIEF

Inclusive design was a key theme for this project.  The existing space didn’t cater well for people living with a physical or mental disability. 

Aesthetically it felt tired, uninspiring, and not suited to its purpose.

Inclusive or universal design is about creating an environment that is aesthetically inviting and usable by everyone regardless of age, sex, ability or status.
Our job was to ensure design elements in the existing space like narrow doorways and steps wouldn’t get in the way of a bright mind with a bright idea. 

Impact Co. needed the entire space to be compliant with the Disability, Discrimination Act (DDA), which states “a person with a disability has a right to have access to places used by the public.”  They also wanted the space to be welcoming and calming for those living with a mental illness or sensitivities.
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THE RESULT

Co. Create is a co-working space without barriers.  The space is now fully compliant with the DDA.  Some of the key design changes to the space which now provide better access include:

• Automatic entry doors
• Entry ramp access
• Doorways widened to accommodate wheelchairs
• Furniture arranged to ensure open space without navigation obstacles
• Internal staircase replaced with ramp
• Refurbished and compliant kitchen and bathroom with reachable aids

BRM were great to work with.  The end result has exceeded our expectations.  They took the time to understand our vision and helped us achieve this within our budget constraints. 
We’re particularly happy with the reception area.  Since the fit out completion, the space has caught the eyes of passerby who have expressed interest in using the space.
Ming Low – IMPACT CO.

​The contemporary co-working space is bound to get the creative juices flowing.  Filled with natural light, Scandi design influences, a calming pastel colour pallet and greenery throughout, the space is fresh and inviting.

The reception area is a standout in terms of its practical dual function.  It’s a welcoming entry point with the flexibility to host team meetings and corporate events.

Beautiful artwork created by people living with disability is displayed throughout the space.  Freelancers who miss gathering around the water cooler will delight in the spacious kitchen decked out with a decent coffee machine.


Co. Create is an inspiring workspace designed with freelancers and flexibility in mind.  The multi function workspaces offer privacy and cater for everyone, whether you’re hosting a quiet one-on-one meeting, a team brainstorm or a confidential investors pitch.  Hot desk workstations encourage collaboration and networking.

As disability rights lawyer and design thinker, Elise Roy once said in her notable TED talk, “When we design for disability first, you often stumble upon solutions that are better than those when we design for the norm.”

If you’re looking for an inclusive co-working space that ticks the universal design boxes, Co. Create may be the space for you.

We’re always keen to work with like-minded organisations. 

Do you need help creating a workplace that works well? 
Call us today on (03) 9521 1007.