Designing for Community: Custer’s Role in Worklab’s New Ada Space
Co-working spaces have become more than places to plug in a laptop.
They are hubs of energy where professionals, entrepreneurs, and teams come together to connect, create, and grow. Research shows that many people who join co-working environments report better productivity, collaboration and improved well-being compared to working from home or a traditional office. Additionally, 74 % of coworkers say they are more productive after joining a co-working space, and 69% say they gain new skills through community interaction. These spaces also help reduce isolation and foster social connection, a benefit often missing from remote work.
Worklab’s newest location in Ada reflects this spirit of community, and Custer was proud to play a key role in shaping how the space looks, feels, and functions.
Building the Foundation of a Flexible Workspace
With users coming in from not just the local populace but also supporting the work needs of transient users staying at the nearby Ada Hotel, creating a range of spaces was critical. Some members need a quiet, private office for focus, while others prefer open and collaborative areas where conversation and connection happen naturally. By using the successful template developed at the downtown location, Custer was able to apply that model and incorporate an aesthetic that integrated seamlessly into the neighborhood of Ada Village to create a space that feels like it was always there.
Custer’s team provided nearly all of the furniture the new location, ensuring the layout supported flexibility for individuals and teams alike. The only exception was the desks in the private offices, which were furnished by Bold+. Together, these pieces created a diverse mix of settings that make the co-working experience comfortable, functional, and inspiring.
We also helped expand the possibilities of the space by building out three new private offices in the back. These were not included in the original layout, but they now give members additional options for privacy and productivity.
Thoughtful Design Beyond Furniture
While furniture forms the backbone of any co-working space, it is the details that give a space personality. At Worklab Ada, Custer layered in design elements that help make the environment feel less like a conventional office and more like a community destination.
Highlights include:
- A custom fireplace wall that creates a central focal point and a sense of warmth and natural place to gather
- Light fixtures over the kitchen island and in the large conference room, balancing style with functionality
- Accessories such as rugs, pillows, artwork, plants, and acoustic elements that add character and texture throughout the space
Supporting How Users Do Their Best Work
Worklab Ada is more than a place to get work done. It is a space that supports professional growth and personal well-being. The mix of open seating, collaborative work areas, meeting zones and private offices allow members to choose the environment that best suits their needs throughout the day.
This is further supported by shared amenities such as work tools, individual task lighting, access to natural light, biophilia, excellent coffee and plenty of healthy snacks.
A Workspace That Works for Ada
Worklab Ada is designed to help people do their best work by offering freedom, flexibility, and control over how they use the space. With a variety of settings to support different work styles, it empowers individuals to choose what works best for them, from focused solo time to group collaboration.
More than just a place to work, Worklab also serves as a resource for the broader Ada community. It provides a professional and welcoming environment for local entrepreneurs, small teams, and remote workers while supporting connection, growth, and innovation close to home. Backed by Custer’s commitment to community, the space reflects a shared belief that strong communities start with great places to work.
