In a constantly evolving world of work, the way companies design and use their office spaces directly influences creativity, productivity, and collaboration. For architecture studios like RKD, the workspace is not only a setting for daily operations but also an expression of their design philosophy.

In this tenant interview, we feature RKD, an Irish architecture and design firm with a unique dual perspective. RKD designed Cowork by Memos at Mogilska 35 and is also a tenant at Cowork by Memos at Mogilska 43. Senior Associate and Office Lead Szymon Krawczewski shares insights from both sides: how to design workspaces that truly support focus, collaboration, and flexibility - and what it’s like to experience those spaces every day as a growing team.

Tell us about yourself: Who are you and what does your company do?

My name is Szymon Krawczewski. I am an architect with over 23 years of professional experience. I am a Senior Associate at RKD, an Irish-based architecture and design firm operating internationally across seven sectors: data centres + technology, life sciences, commercial, manufacturing + logistics, workplace + interiors, sustainability + research and healthcare + education. After years of living in Ireland, I moved to Kraków to take up the position of Office Lead at our Polish branch.

How long have you/has your company been using the Cowork by Memos spaces?

We have been renting offices from Cowork by Memos since May 2022. Since then our Polish operation scaled up from one person to 39, which required us to move from a small 8-desk office to a large one with over 40 desks.

What type of spaces do you rent?

Since April 2023 we have been renting a large open-plan office space with two associated small meeting rooms and a phone booth, located at the corner of Cowork by Memos at Mogilska 43. What we value is a direct entrance to our office from the main Cowork by Memos reception area. Occasionally, we rent the large meeting room for a larger group of people.

What significance does the flexibility of the tenancy have for your work or your company? / What prompted you to rent a flexible office space?

The growth of our Polish operation shows the importance of having the flexibility to scale up without any hindrance. Renting offices from Cowork by Memos allowed us to scale up while retaining the same postal address, moving people from one room to another with minimal effort from logistics, IT and a legal point of view.

As 2026 has begun, what trends do you see emerging in workspace design, and how does flexible coworking align with the direction in which the near-term future of work is heading?

Workspace design is shifting towards adaptable, experience-led environments. The workplace now has to earn attendance. This involves moving towards settings that support different modes of work rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Flexibility has become a core design principle, not just an operational benefit. Clients want spaces that can evolve over time, respond to changing team sizes, and remain resilient in uncertain conditions. Flexible coworking aligns closely with this direction. It reflects the near-term future of work by offering agility, choice, and community, while supporting hybrid working patterns and evolving business needs. Coworking is increasingly becoming mainstream. In fact, we are seeing it influence how all workplaces are designed, as part of a broader ecosystem of places that support how people work today.

From an architect’s perspective, what characteristics should a well-designed coworking space have to support both individual focus and team creativity?

A well-designed coworking space needs to function as a balanced ecosystem that supports both individual focus and collective creativity. It needs to be a space that provides a clear hierarchy of spaces from quiet, acoustically protected settings for deep work to more open, energetic areas that encourage collaboration and exchange. Equally important is choice and permeability. Users should be able to move easily between different work modes throughout the day without friction, supported by intuitive planning, strong sightlines, and clear spatial cues. Furniture-led zoning, varied scales of space, and layered lighting all help signal how a space is intended to be used. Finally, the most successful coworking environments foster community without distraction. This means thoughtful acoustic control, shared spaces that encourage informal interaction, and amenities that bring people together naturally without compromising focus. When these elements are well integrated, coworking spaces can support productivity and creativity in equal measure.

You were involved in designing the Cowork by Memos space at Mogilska 35. What were your key considerations when designing this space, and which solutions have proven to work particularly well?

When designing the space, our key consideration was balance. Balance between flexibility and structure, focus and interaction, individuality and community. Users come with very different needs, often within the same day, so the space has to support a wide range of work modes without feeling chaotic. Solutions that worked well include clear zoning and acoustic separation, offering everything from quiet focus rooms to collaborative hubs and social spaces. Furniture-led flexibility allows spaces to adapt quickly, while strong digital infrastructure ensures users can work seamlessly wherever they choose to sit. What’s proven most effective, though, is designing for experience and community, not just occupancy. Hospitality-inspired shared spaces, generous amenities, and intuitive layouts encourage connection and repeat use, while thoughtful use of materials and lighting support comfort and wellbeing. When people feel supported and welcome, productivity and creativity follow naturally.

What would you recommend that other creative or design-driven companies should consider when choosing a flexible workspace?

Creative and design-driven companies should look beyond flexibility as a leasing model and consider how a workspace actively supports their culture and way of working. The space needs to offer a variety of settings so teams can move easily between different modes of work. It’s also important to assess the quality of the environment, not just the quantity of space. Natural light, acoustics, materiality, and spatial character all have a real impact on creativity and wellbeing. Equally, shared amenities and communal areas should feel intentional and well curated, as these are often where ideas and connections happen. Finally, creative teams benefit most from flexible workspaces that foster community and alignment of values. Choosing a provider whose ethos, design quality, and approach to experience reflects your own can make the space feel like an extension of your brand, rather than just a place to work.