The influence of 21st-century member clubs like SoHo House on commercial workplace interiors is undeniable. Known for their exclusivity, these spaces have sparked a design movement that celebrates the balance between access and allure—exclusive, yet inclusive. This shift has rippled far beyond hospitality, with modern workplaces now borrowing cues from these environments, blending the “lived-in” luxury of home with the energy of a social hub.
The result? Offices that feel less like WeWork and more like thoughtfully curated destinations, complete with lounges, cafes, wellness zones, and spaces that inspire both creativity and community. In this Q&A, Raul Garcia-Moncada, Principal/Director of Design, and Chase Kaars, Senior Project Manager, of New York City-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm BD Design Associates, share how social club-inspired design can turn corporate into cool, balancing premium, brand-defining moments with everyday functionality.
- How have private member clubs like SoHo House influenced the way modern workplaces are being designed?
Raul Garcia-Moncada: In the post-pandemic workplace, clients are seeking environments that make people feel both special and supported, places associated with curated experiences, subtle exclusivity, and a sense of belonging. They want something we don’t get at home, but that still feels “home-like” in warmth and ease.
As a result, the design process has shifted toward creating distinct moods and celebrating individuality and choice within organizations. While collaboration remains essential, we’re increasingly designing for “co-existence,” the ability for people to work independently but in shared, socially charged settings.
You can see this shift reflected in the rise of “members-only” coworking and networking venues such as Zero Bond, The Ned, and Aman, whose environments promote connection, networking, and relaxation, qualities that today’s workplaces are eager to emulate.
- What specific design elements or strategies from these clubs translate most effectively to office environments?
Chase Kaars: These clubs excel at catering to a diverse range of people and their needs, offering serene library spaces for focused work, larger rooms that encourage collaboration, and plush lounge areas designed for comfort and conversation. Their cafés and pantries are intentionally crafted to bring people together, fostering interaction and promoting the importance of taking meaningful breaks throughout the day. We’re now seeing this philosophy influence workplace design, with features like golf simulators, pool tables, frozen yogurt machines, and other social amenities becoming integral parts of the office. These elements not only provide moments of relaxation and fun but also help keep employees engaged, motivated, and genuinely excited to spend time at work.
- What are the key benefits of blending social club-inspired design features, like lounges, cafés, and wellness zones, into traditional office spaces?
Raul Garcia-Moncada: It all comes down to “choice.” In our homes, different settings support our physical, psychological, and social needs, shaping how we behave and how we feel. Bringing similar options into the workplace “domesticates” the environment in the best way; it makes it more welcoming, more intuitive, and more aligned with how people move through their day.
Lounges, cafés, and wellness zones create opportunities for decompression, casual interaction, and mental reset. These spaces support not only productivity but also identity formation, community building, and long-term well-being, qualities that are increasingly essential for attracting and retaining talent.
- How do you balance creating an aspirational, social club-style environment with practical day-to-day office functionality?
Chase Kaars: Social club–inspired environments naturally bring people together. By creating spaces that support both casual interaction and collaboration, the workplace becomes a setting that fosters connection and strengthens team cohesion. When employees have access to a variety of settings, quiet zones for focus, open lounges for collaboration, and relaxed cafés for informal discussion, they can choose the environment that best supports their workflow. This level of autonomy enhances engagement, creativity, and overall workplace satisfaction.
- How important are tactile, visual, and acoustic experiences in creating a social club-inspired office? Are there particular materials or finishes you find effective in creating a space that evokes the warmth and intimacy of a private members’ club?
Raul Garcia-Moncada: Sensory experience is central. Social club-style environments are intentionally immersive; they rely on touch, tone, and texture to influence mood and support well-being. Materials that come into direct contact with the body are soft and luxurious. Visual and tactile textures introduce richness and variation, while the contrast between natural, organic finishes and polished, man-made materials creates a sense of both warmth and precision.
Warm color palettes and warm lighting, truly, the warmer the better, foster a sense of safety, intimacy, and comfort. Layering in art, ideally in multiple media, adds emotional depth and enriches the overall experience.
- Are there particular spatial configurations or materials you find work best for fostering both focus and social interaction?
Chase Kaars: In a social club–inspired workplace, the balance between focus and interaction is achieved not through separation, but through the thoughtful layering of experiences. The most successful environments guide people intuitively between moments of concentration and connection, creating a natural rhythm to the workday that mirrors how people truly live and interact. Subtle cues such as shifts in light, texture, and sound play a crucial role in this choreography. Dimmable lighting allows the atmosphere to adapt throughout the day, while material and acoustic variations signal changes in energy and intent. Physical elements, partial-height walls, acoustic screens, and lush planters—provide privacy without isolation, maintaining a sense of openness and belonging. At the heart of the office lies its cultural anchor: a communal core that houses cafés, lounges, and shared tables designed to foster connection, offering a deliberate balance between areas of activity and zones of calm.
As the boundaries between work, hospitality, and lifestyle continue to blur, the influence of private member clubs like SoHo House reflects a broader evolution in how the workplace is conceived. The office is no longer simply a functional backdrop for work, but a carefully curated experience that prioritizes choice, atmosphere, and emotional connection alongside productivity. By drawing on the warmth, material richness, and social dynamics of these clubs, workplaces can foster belonging, inspire creativity, and support well-being without compromising performance. The most effective environments are not imitations of private clubs, but thoughtful interpretations of their ethos—spaces designed to feel intentional, inviting, and deeply human.