tell us about your workplace

Rod Janover - Engine House Co-working

BRM has absolutely loved working with Engine House and we've enjoyed watching this awesome co-working space expand into its new location in Balaclava, Victoria. Engine House represents everything that is great about the changing landscape of today's workplace. We recently sat down with one of its founders, Rod Janover to talk about his experience of building the ultimate in co-working spaces.

What makes Engine House a successful workplace and what sets it apart from other co-working spaces?
Engine House solves the problem that local businesses face when searching for affordable, flexible office space. A lot of businesses don't fully comprehend what is involved in setting up an office and the challenges involved; including, changing size of teams over time, office admin, use of meeting rooms and additional spaces and attracting the right team. At Engine House we take all that hassle away and allow teams to move in, focus on their core business and grow over time. 

Engine House focuses on being an authentic, down-to-earth space where people can be themselves and be productive in their day-to-day. We don't have the shiny bells and whistles, table tennis tables or cliche startup slogans.  Instead we focus on creating cool, vibrant and industrious work environments in unique buildings with plenty of character. No more corporate office cubicles, bring in environments where people enjoy their day-to-day and time at their desk. 

How does Engine House fit into the changing landscape of commercial workplaces?
The world of work is changing. Even the definition of 'work' is coming into question. The line is blurred now between work/life. Work is not a means to an end, it is a lifestyle choice and has a lot of purpose for many people. Also in this rampant growth phase of connectivity and the Internet, no longer do people need to work at the place of production (think…industrial evolution). Now a lot of people can work wherever, whenever.
 
Specifically in Melbourne and Australia as we transition into a more connected world (NBN and Internet improvements) - coworking spaces are becoming hubs where people can jump in, connect and get down to business. People can also work closer to their homes saving unnecessary commuting times.
 
Tell us about your new space Engine House Balaclava? What do you love about it?
We love the rawness, the industrial style of the building and the location. It looks quite raw from the outside (very Melbourne…) and then when you open the door a whole new world awaits. The fitout is also very tasteful and presents really nicely for our members and their guests. The location is also incredible, on the doorstep to Balaclava station. 
 
From a property point of view what are some of the needs/challenges faced by you as a co-working space?
Finding the right property is the hardest part of the game. Properties are scarce, good properties are very hard to come by and in today's market, very expensive to rent. 

Image: Engine House

How did BRM Projects help you overcome some of these needs/challenges?
BRM provided our architectural services for this site. We went through several concept plans which helped us nut out exactly how we want the space to operate. This decision-making is very important as it ensures optimal functionality of the space in years to come. This improves your retention rate of existing members and distinguishes you from other operators.

Discover how BRM Projects can advise you on your next commercial property project or office fitout. Contact us today!