Makers Gym 

Frisco, TX | 12,000 SF

Makers Gym

Frisco, TX | 12,000 sq. ft.  

  • The central stair at Makers Gym
  • The open office space at Makers Gym
  • A photography studio in Frisco, Texas
  • The Makers Gym photography studio
  • The music studio at the IA-designed Makers Gym
  • A meeting space at Makers Gym in Frisco

Project Highlights

  • Prototype co-working space brings together makers, entrepreneurs, and small creative businesses and agencies
  • State-of-the-art photo, video, sound editing, and recording studios for members
  • Lounge spaces and amenities encourage networking
  • Design concept based on refraction; camera lens as analogy

Awards

Summary

In the revitalized historical district of downtown Frisco, Makers Gym occupies 14,000 square feet on two floors and is the first co-working space that brings together makers, entrepreneurs, and small creative agencies and businesses for mutual advantage and inspiration. All have access to state-of-the-art production equipment and spaces that support and celebrate the creative process, as well as opportunities to build a strong network of contacts.  

Based on the refraction of light, the design concept uses the camera as an analogy. Like the camera lens that alters the velocity of light and deflects its course, Makers Gym inspires its members to shift, change momentum, and pursue new avenues of creativity. Design elements throughout emphasize angles and reference this concept: a grand central stair with a balustrade of angled grillwork; a floating chandelier inspired by the curve of a camera lens; angled glass and patterns on glass-fronted meeting rooms; as well as angled partitions, lines of LED light, and other features.

From the themed conference spaces outfitted to represent icons, including Lauren Hill and Karl Lagerfeld, and a custom spray-paint mural by JC.Ro to refurbishing the floorplate for special requirements, every aspect of the space is designed to help members do their best work. Specialty areas include a sound stage and production, photo, podcast editing, and recording studios.

As a magnet for creatives across a wide range of media, users can work and collaborate without the expense and burden of maintaining staff and a future-forward infrastructure. Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi, coffee, tap beer, and snacks. Interacting and learning from one another inspires creativity, and members develop a  significant network not available through traditional career paths.

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