For The Hub Coworking’s new location, our vision was simple: To design a workspace that felt nothing like cookie-cutter offices but instead embodied the aesthetic of home — seamlessly merging the familiarity of a home office with the structure of a corporate environment. Bringing this vision to life was the creative partnership with acclaimed interior design firm If Walls Could Talk, under the direction of lead designer Joelle Smith. Smith is also the co-founder and managing director of The Hub Coworking, which made the project a true labour of love.

A Transformative Move and Visionary Design

Relocating from our original 2,000 sq ft address to a towering, light-filled 9,000 sq ft space just three minutes away on St Lucia Crescent, The Hub underwent a comprehensive interior and exterior transformation. This was not a mere facelift, but a total renovation that aimed to modernise and adapt the space to the evolving needs of our coworking community.

Overcoming the Challenges of a Row Building

Infusing the new Hub with natural light was a guiding principle for the design process, especially given the notorious challenge of row buildings, which often suffer from dim, enclosed interiors. Through innovative solutions such as fixed transoms above each office, the design team succeeded in allowing daylight to travel deep into the core of each floor. The decision to expose the concrete slab, allowed for higher 10 ft ceilings that facilitate additional light into individual workspaces, creating a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the building.

Four Floors of Thoughtful Functionality

Our revitalised home now spans four meticulously planned floors, each tailored to a particular mode of work and interaction:

• Ground Floor: The welcoming entrance is flanked by circular doorways belonging to five retail spaces that include a café, Deaf Can Coffee, shops and printing facilities. Hot desks are thoughtfully partitioned by open bookshelves for both privacy and community. A meeting room provides a retreat for focused dialogue and collaboration, while the open layout encourages spontaneous connection.

• First & Second Floors: These levels feature private offices adorned with a wallpaper bookcase motif, echoing the serenity of a personal library. Each floor also includes a well-appointed meeting room and is suffused with natural light, thanks in part to the transom system. This design fosters both deep focus and creative exchange, all within a setting that feels relaxed yet professional. The walls of each 100sq ft office are painted in Sherwin Willaims Extra White, leaving room for members to personalise their individual offices.

• Third Floor: At the top, you’ll find a multifunctional collaboration space that is divided into a 10-seater and a 20-seater meeting room. Both rooms can be combined into a conference room that facilitates up to 50 participants for workshops or events. Here, flexibility is key, and the design rises to meet it.

The Hub Coworking

8 St Lucia Crescent

Kgn 5

www.hubcoworkingja.com

Tel: 876-831-2765

The Hub’s new location on St Lucia Crescent in New Kingston.

The ground floor is designed with a mixture of retail spaces with unique round entrance doors on the left, leading to the hot desk area on the right.

Offices flank both sides of the 90ft first-floor corridor, but clever design elements maintain a bright and airy feel.

Bookshelves are styled with literature and decorative pieces. (Photo: Randall A. Richards)

The reception area of the Hub sets the tone for the rest of the space with sculptural seating and a serene mural.

The conference room level utilises stackable glass doors to configure the space as needed. Modular tables facilitate ease of use for any type of meeting or event.

The transom above each office partition facilitates the flow of light throughout the space and a sepia-toned bookcase mural creates a neutral backdrop for video calls.

If Walls Could Talk Managing Director and Lead Designer Joelle Smith (Photo: James Mitchell for Kuya) Magazine

An L-shaped sectional and bouclé accent chair create the perfect opportunity for a casual meeting.

The exterior was modernised by resurfacing the walls and redesigning the facade.