Philippe Houdard and Todd Oretsky, Co-Founders of Pipeline Brickell
This is a guest blog post by Todd Oretsky and Philippe Houdard, co-founders of Pipeline, a new collaborative workspace at 1101 Brickell Avenue.
Chalk it up to a younger generation, technology that lets workers untether from their desks, the pressure to keep overhead down or a shift in cultural norms. Whatever the cause, more companies are looking to maximize efficiencies of space and literally break down the barriers that often hinder shared ideas and collaboration.
Link between greater collaboration and higher profit
In today’s office culture, which is increasingly tied to technology and communications, it is more about who you are working alongside and how you are interfacing rather than who has the biggest corner office.
In fact, according to a 2008 workplace study commissioned by architectural firm Gensler, there is a direct link between greater collaboration and higher profit. Employees at top-performing businesses spend 23 percent more time working together than average companies, according to the survey which polled 900 workers nationally. These numbers suggest that effective office design correlates to improved business performance.
Appetite for creative space growing in Miami
The push for more public space is playing out in office design by companies nationwide, but nowhere is it more apparent than in Miami, where small businesses and entrepreneurial companies serve as the backbone of the regional economy. Here, the appetite for creative space is growing, with businesses looking for an environment that will not only match the way they work, but actually help fuel its productivity.
When Pipeline first launched in November 2012, we knew that there was a need for collaborative workspaces in Miami’s urban core, but were floored by how much demand actually existed. In less than three months, the 14,000 square feet of flexible workspace – including open and private offices – has surpassed a 70% occupancy rate and is now home to dozens of startups working alongside more established companies and professionals.
Pipeline’s space was structured with four basic area types that together create a highly productive office culture – focus, social, learning, and collaboration. Each day, members are encouraged to interact with one another and the model is working with many members already organizing meetings, establishing connections and collaborating on projects. In today’s competitive market, collaboration is key to success and these businesses have unparalleled access to it on a daily basis.
Collaboration is key
Pipeline’s growing membership includes: The Founder’s Institute, the world’s largest startup accelerator with over 650 graduate companies; Pininfarina, an Italian-based design firm with clients including Ferrari and Maserati; Rent Jiffy, a Washington, DC-based online business for property license filing and preparation services; LearnerNation, a cutting-edge provider of interactive learning tools specializing in organizational training; SkyBank Financial, a leader in electronic payment processing for small and mid-sized companies in the U.S.; The Hawn Foundation, an organization founded by Goldie Hawn to develop social and emotional skills in children; and renowned interior designer and HGTV personality David Bromstad.
Not every business is looking to share workspace with other companies. In fact, for some it is unfeasible. But as more companies seek collaboration and effective communication, we should see the trend toward open floor plans continue and a larger focus placed not only on ‘where you work’ but on ‘how you work’ and ‘who you work alongside.’
For more information please visit www.pipelinebrickell.com.