The Eclat Approach 

What inspired you to create Eclat, and how is it different from traditional coworking spaces? 

When the Eclat founders were looking at the current coworking market, we felt there was an opportunity to do it better and create a more elevated experience. We believed we could incorporate high-end hospitality and state-of-the-art technology. But more than anything, we felt we could offer a level of connection and a sense of community that we hadn't seen in the market. 

Can you walk us through the journey of how Eclat started, from the initial concept to opening your first location in Hawthorn? 

The initial concept began 10 years ago when I had a conversation with one of our other founders, Jesse Hayes. He talked about the idea from a creative perspective, feeling there was a gap for places where creatives could go. We then trialled the concept in Williamstown, where he set up a photography studio and office spaces. We spent about six years trying to find someone who believed in the concept enough to invest in it once we'd proven it. 

Finally, I met Paul Tuddenham, who loved what we put forward. He had space in the development he was currently building, which is where Eclat landed. Over the last three or four years, we worked through the fit-out and brought all elements of the Eclat experience to life. Our wonderful staff were the ones to help tie it all together and realise the vision. 

The term "Eclat" means "to be brilliant." How does this concept manifest in your workspace design and member experience? 

In terms of design, the space speaks for itself. People are blown away by the fit-out from the moment they step foot in the door. 

For us, it's all about attention to detail, from the acoustic ceiling panels to the amenities. We tried to consider as many aspects of the member experience in the fit-out as we could. We even created our own furniture company called Forme Design with Mark Miller, which allows us to custom make most pieces housed in the space. 

Outside of design, it's about going above and beyond for our members. For small to medium businesses, it's a real challenge to resource additional amenities and extras for your staff, and that's where Eclat comes in. Our team thrives on helping members with anything from running events and finding ways to support business growth to creating unique networking and business development opportunities. 

You mention a culture balancing creativity, commerce, and connection. How do you nurture this environment at Eclat? 

I think one of the most powerful things about Eclat is that there are so many different businesses here, and you can always learn something from a different industry. To have access to new people every single day means you'll always learn something. It might not necessarily correlate directly to your business, but it allows you to think differently, and address challenges other businesses are facing. In turn, this helps you shape your own business and ideas. 

How do you see Eclat evolving the concept of shared working spaces, and what's your vision for its future? Are there plans for expansion or new innovative features in the pipeline? 

There are certainly plans for expansion. We're currently working through the feasibility of different options for future development. 

I think the evolution has mostly come from the changes in the world since COVID. We all became very transactional, constantly logging onto Zoom, having meetings, and logging off. People forgot how to interact with each other. They didn't realise how important the 'water cooler' chats were, and how not only their personal happiness and satisfaction dropped but also their professional development was hindered during that time. Coming out of COVID, we've seen that those who immerse themselves in the Eclat community are truly thriving and appreciate all the different opportunities Eclat has to offer. 

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