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Electric blue velvet sofa in Malin's shared workspace. Photography: Thomas Luf

Driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, the provision of co-working offices for those who wish to avoid long commutes to work has become a fast-growing industry in Ireland and internationally. It provides a social space for members so that they can work from home without losing any material comfort. Now, Ciaran McGuigan, an Irish furniture designer based in New York, opened a super-fashionable luxury space Malin in Manhattan’s Soho last month, increasing its investment in co-working empires such as WeWork.

"We are considering a smaller but more influential overall design and craftsmanship that speaks for itself," he said.

In a lovely three-story loft with high ceilings, large windows and a spacious work area, Malin’s eye-catching interiors feature solid oak doors, Eames Soft Pad office chairs, leather-wrapped furniture, marble countertops, vintage furniture, and custom designs Applications and administrative assistant services.

"Everything we create is centered on work. In the next ten years, co-working is expected to become about 25% of commercial real estate, so ultimately it is a fast-growing market. I stayed for a long time during Covid, and I was thinking about how to create An elevated space that is neither simple nor over-designed will inspire people and help them make the best works," McGuigan said.

It is easy to see how such a space attracts design-conscious consumers. There are meeting rooms, telephone booths, Zoom rooms and a public area that he likened to the New York Public Library-quiet and comfortable.

"We have indeed promoted a new work culture through flexible work options, so we are here to meet this need and maintain productivity," he said. Since Malin opened, 70% of the space has been sold. Its clients include architects, incubator brands, freelance graphic designers, lawyers and journalists. Its success exceeded expectations.

Co-founded with Charlie Robinson, former senior vice president of Servcorp, an Australian multinational company that pioneered co-working space, Malin is stylish, bright and modern, but also warm and inviting. The space is 8,700 square feet, with 38 desks, private offices, and videos. Pavilion, library and barista kitchen. There is also a carefully curated art collection.

Every detail in this "premium luxury space" has been carefully considered and is different from other larger company workspaces. These workspaces range from 30,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet to provide yoga, food and beverages for profit, McGuigan’s 8,000 The business model of -15,000 square feet strips these services into a smaller but more aesthetically pleasing space, "to promote different working models" without losing key amenities. For example, providing dry cleaning services, parcel and postal handling, and professional contacts with local businesses and services once a week. The Malin also cooperates with nearby hotels.

Interior design designed by Jean Morana and Jordan Trinci-Lyne in collaboration with London-based transatlantic design studio Fettle Design, including McGuigan’s family in Newry Operating furniture brand Orior custom pieces, and Pierre Frey fabrics from local New York galleries Matter and The Future Perfect, as well as upholstery chairs and reception desks at the entrance. Each soundproof video conference and Zoom space uses various Calico wallpapers as the background.

McGuigan is proud that many pieces of furniture (such as Orior’s Pop chairs) are made in Ireland; the eye-catching red and white rugs are designed by his sister, fashion designer Katie Ann McGuigan, and solid oak doors (a major feature of the interior design) ) Made in New Ross by National Gates & Joinery and coasters, coffee tables and dividers. The desk was made in Cork by sculptor Eoin Turner using recycled crystals. Other items, including vintage tables and Arne Jacobsen lamps, are from Killian McNulty of Mid-Century Online in Dublin.

The key to this adventure is the partnership between the Marlins and the landlord and the careful selection of suitable communities.

"The landlord provides space, so we don't pay rent. We provide members and space operations. We need 250 members to make a profit," he explained. At the end of each month, the profit is divided equally between the Marlins and the landlord.

The Malin’s iconic focus on high-end design while not losing attention to work as the center of the experience has made it a topic in the New York circle. McGuigan now plans to “have multiple Malin in multiple cities to make it closer to fit The home of the people in the community", starting with Brooklyn or Tribeca in New York, then London. If not ambitious, he thinks he will have a marlin in Dublin in the next two to three years.

The 31-year-old former professional football player from Newry graduated from the Art Department of the Savannah College of Art and Design and took over Newry's home furniture business, which was founded by his parents Brian & Rosemary. In 2019, he opened a furniture store and gallery in the Tribeca area of ​​Manhattan, which is famous for its design, displaying all new and reworked products customized in Ireland from the company's archives.

His sense of color is immediately reflected in items such as the red console table, the electric blue velvet sofa, and the green suede bookcase, and it is also obvious in Malin. Its color was chosen to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation, the fabric is composed of dark mohair with bold patterns, while the bright tones in the custom furniture and decorations "inspire the spirit and encourage smart ideas." He said that every decision is to make the space as efficient and enjoyable as possible. "I firmly believe in doing simple but very good things."

Malin on Mercer Street has 296 members. Daily prices start at US$50 (44 Euros), visiting members are US$550 (484 Euros) per month, dedicated desk members are US$750 (660 Euros) per month, and private office members are available at Require.

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