The first-of-its-kind female-centric co-working space, The Bureau, opened its doors in Dubai’s Gold & Diamond Park recently and the response to the new business centre has been “overwhelmingly positive”, according to its co-founders.

Set up by two sisters – Rhea and Nikita Patel, The Bureau has been purpose-built to create a community to support women both personally and professionally.

“The core idea behind the design of The Bureau was unique. The client’s brief was to create a space that would inspire and empower women while maintaining a warm and welcoming vibe,” Douglas Drummond, Managing Director at Horton Interiors, tells Gulf Construction.

Horton Interiors, one of the UAE’s best-known design-and-build companies with over 10 years of experience in the industry, was responsible for the complete design and fit-out of the spaces.

The 10,000-sq-ft (929 sq m) centre, which was completed last December, includes private offices, co-working lounges, meeting spaces, conference rooms, vanity areas and showers, multiple event areas, meeting and podcast rooms, phone booths, and silent zones. Bearing in mind the clientele it is designed for, The Bureau also hosts feeding or pumping rooms for new mothers, a Jones the Grocer-operated café, and a workout studio called Motion Cycling, which offers a combination of mindfulness and movement.

The Bureau includes a variety of spaces such as private offices, co-working lounges, meeting spaces, vanity areas and showers, multiple event areas and silent zones.

“The design concept for this female-centric co-working space aimed to generate positive feelings, inspire motivation, and foster a sense of community. Creating a workspace that caters specifically to the needs of women requires careful thought and attention to detail. In collaboration with the client, the project was executed with choice finishes and creative design elements, resulting in a visually appealing and functional environment,” Drummond says.

“The goal was to design a co-working centre that catered to different personalities and provided usable spaces for women at various stages of adulthood. The emphasis was on creating an aesthetically-pleasing environment with a home-like atmosphere rather than a typical commercial office space.  We also had to create a space that accommodates a variety of needs, whether it be internal meetings, client interactions, relaxed conversations, or formal discussions. The layout was carefully planned to strike a balance between collaborative areas and focused working zones, providing flexibility for individuals to choose the appropriate space for their tasks and preferences,” he adds.

To achieve the desired residential ambiance, Horton Interiors selected materials, textures, and colours that met the design brief. Soft furnishings, warm lighting, and curated decor elements were used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The result was a space that offered the convenience and comfort of home while maintaining the professionalism and practicality of an office.

Co-Founder Rhea says: “I have always been a big believer that a good workspace is the key to productivity, and the first step towards a happier work life. Everyone has varied work styles and preferences, and it is important to cater to diverse profiles. Our goal was to create something that truly enhances lifestyles. Creating good energy and culture is at the core of our purpose and Horton Interiors truly succeeded in accomplishing these goals.”

“With the way the world and workplaces have evolved post-pandemic, my sister and I believed this was the perfect time for a solution such as The Bureau. Our vision is to combine the convenience of your office with the comfort of your home. The Bureau is the first of its kind in the UAE and the reception since we opened our doors has been overwhelmingly positive! The plan was never to build just one; once we perfect our model, our next step is to expand The Bureau across Mena, South Asia and beyond with the support of Horton Interiors.” adds Nikita.

Soft pastel hues have been used to provide a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Interior features

The journey through The Bureau begins in the reception area, where visitors are greeted by a visually striking custom-made feature. This centerpiece sets a welcoming tone and makes a memorable first impression.  Throughout the co-working space, special attention was given to incorporating finishes, furniture, and design elements that cater to the female-centric nature of the environment.

While the exact colour scheme may vary in different areas of the co-working space, the overall intention was to maintain a cohesive visual experience. Consistency in the colour palette helps create a harmonious environment that promotes a sense of unity and flow, says Drummond.

For example, in the reception area, the custom-made features serve as a focal point and incorporate a combination of bold and vibrant colours that complement the overall colour scheme. This have been achieved through the use of accent colours or textured finishes, he adds.

In the collaborative areas, a combination of neutral tones and soft pastel hues have been employed. These colours provided a calm and inviting atmosphere, encouraging creativity and collaboration among members. Similarly, in the focused working areas, more subdued and calming colours have been utilised to facilitate concentration and productivity.

Understanding that versatility is crucial in a co-working space, the design provides a range of options to accommodate various working styles. Collaborative spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction and idea-sharing among members. Simultaneously, focused working areas are designed to provide privacy and concentration. This blend ensures that all individuals’ unique needs are met, whether they prefer a dynamic and collaborative environment or a more secluded and focused space, Drummond explains.

To enhance productivity and promote a balanced work experience, amenities such as a dedicated coffee area provided by Jones the Grocer have been incorporated. This space allows for informal discussions or relaxation with a cup of tea, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among co-workers.

The design also incorporates wellness and well-being as essential components, with a dedicated area for yoga or other fitness activities.

The selection of materials and finishes for the interiors of the female-centric co-working space was aimed at achieving a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Selected wood-effect vinyl and carpet were chosen for different areas within the space to provide both visual appeal and practicality, with considerations given to factors like durability and ease of maintenance.

For the walls, a combination of paint colours, wallpaper and drawings and textured finishes are used, depending on the desired aesthetic, allowing for versatility in creating different moods and visual interest within the space.

Various types of lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights in the reception area, recessed lights, or track lighting are employed to enhance the overall ambiance and functionality of the space. 

Unique and customised elements, such as the reception feature, have been created using materials like wood, metal, glass, or acrylic. These were designed and produced in collaboration with skilled craftsmen or fabrication specialists.

Commenting on the challenges of the project, Drummond says: “While executing any project, challenges arise and impact the timeline and the smooth progress of the work. A notable challenge was encountered with the approval of the steel structure for the mezzanine, resulting in a delay in the project’s execution.”

“Approval delays occurred for several reasons, such as changes in design requirements, coordination issues, and challenges in obtaining necessary permits and scanning structure inspections,” he adds.

To overcoming such challenges, Horton Interiors took proactive measures, including prompt resolution of design or compliance issues, effective communication with consultant, and the project timeline was revised and workflow to accommodate the delay. The project team also explored alternatives and worked on other aspects of the project that were not directly impacted by the delay to maximise productivity during this time.

Established in Dubai in 2012, Horton Interiors has evolved into one of the region’s most trusted design-and-build partners. The firm combines comprehensive interior design, construction, and fit-out capabilities under one roof.