Nashville Private Office vs. Open Coworking Space: Which Is Right for You? 

They say that you become what you surround yourself with, and this holds as true in your professional life as it does in any other part of life. This is why where you work matters. The right workspace model for you is determined by a combination of various factors, including industry, professional needs, and personal preference. Nashville is so full of workspace options that it can be hard to even figure out what kind of setting you want. Private offices offer an elevated, intentional, and driven environment, while open coworking offers creativity, energy, and an active networking community.  

So, which industries prefer which kind of office? From a practical standpoint, there are some industries that are simply better suited to one model or the other. For example, private offices are somewhat of a must-have for professions where confidentiality is a priority. This includes legal services, human resources, counselling and healthcare, finance and accounting, and executive management. People who frequently need a quiet place for phone calls, interviews, and client pitches also prefer the private office model.  

In open coworking, the shared space plan fosters constant networking, peer-to-peer collaboration, creativity, and a community that encompasses multiple companies or industries. This is perfect for industries where a more casual setting is acceptable or even preferable for productivity, such as tech, IT, marketing, writing, content creation, and independent consulting.  

Next comes the needs that your job entails. What does your day-to-day look like? Even within a specific industry, there can be a wide range of needs between professionals in different roles. If you are always on the phone, you might want a private office. If you frequently need space for confidential meetings, you might want a private office. If your tasks usually require head-down focus in a distraction-free zone, you probably want a private office. Another huge advantage that private offices hold over open coworking spaces is that you don’t have to transport your whole set up from home to work and back again every day. This gives you the ability to build a branded presence in a permanent location, which gives you credibility in the eyes of clients, recruits, and investors when they visit you.  

So, what are open coworking spaces good for?  If your set up is just a laptop and some Wi-Fi, the freedom to switch desks when you want might help boost your creativity. If your meetings tend to be casual and nonconfidential, a coworking space can be a fun, energetic place to welcome your guests. If your work involves frequent collaboration, a coworking space gives you the ability to easily work side by side with your team. Overall, coworking is a good option if your daily schedule includes flexible, solo or team tasks that don’t require privacy or low background noise.  

There are some jobs that truly could be done in both a private office and an open coworking space. In this case, the choice falls to personal preference. Coworking is a great option for professionals who like a more relaxed, community-focused environment. Coworking can be a great way to meet new people and grow your network. While some people thrive in the bustling energy of an open coworking space, others need a distraction free zone for focused work. 

Private offices tend to be sought after by professionals who prioritize a polished, upscale brand image. In a private office, you have control over the temperature, lighting, and room setup, which you don’t have in a coworking space, and which helps make a space the perfect place for you to get your work done. 

A private office would be the first choice for most people, but coworking tends to be perceived as the more budget-friendly option. There is some truth in that, but both options come at a wide range of prices. Coworking memberships can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 per month depending on what kind of experience you want. Lucid Private Offices offers full-time private office space starting at $550. Lucid also offers Part-time private offices for professionals who don’t want to limit themselves to just one of the basic work models. In our part-time private office plan, members get the perks of a private office three days a week but have access to shared spaces all the time. Contact us today to tour our Nashville location and see if we can provide the environment you are looking for!