About Work-Live Spaces

The original live/work concept origniated from the use of existing commercial and industrial buildings that had become disused.

Work/Live spaces are one component of municipal urban renewal initiatives that also include renovation of industrial buildings into art galleries, salons, and studio space as well as promotion of a new part of the city as an "arts district".  A live/work space is designed to house a resident and their business. This concept has been a vital part of the redevelopment of major downtown cities' inner cores. The concept of cutting costs on space, travel and more is essential in the live/work space environment. 

Typically these spaces are not defined, but usually are big open spaces (some with lofts), that are ideal for entrepreneurs that need a lot of space for their work. Creatives such as architects, photographers, artists, etc, are flocking to these properties, bringing once derelict sites back to life and creating hubs of activity. Originally popular with artists, they are now highly sought-after by an array of business owners seeking creative living-work spaces located in hip urban areas. 

Today live-work as a concept remains one of the simplest and effective ways that entrepreneurs have structured their lives.  Its virtues have become increasingly apparent as the world becomes ever more crowded and environmentally aware. 

 

Benefits of Live-Work Spaces

  • Live-Work suites combine the advantages of both office and residential accommodation. 
  • They are distinctly different from an apartment with a study that facilitates working from home. Instead, the work space provides for a much higher intensity of uses and is intended to facilitate the operation of a standalone office enterprise, accommodating additional employees that do not live in the property and visits from clients to the office.
  • Unlike normal home working, where family and/or personal life often intrudes on the workspace, the living and working areas of a Live-Work suite are generally physically separated and this therefore minimises any potential disruptions.
  • Live-Work suites are a particularly attractive option for those starting up a new business and whose budgets may not stretch to the purchase of both home and business premises. At a much broader level, the Live-Work concept promotes more sustainable land-use objectives, creates new employment opportunities and helps minimize your carbon footprint.
  • Live-Work suites can offer substantial cost savings. One of the biggest advantages is that there is only one monthly mortgage or rent payment for the entire unit. Other advantages include reduced heating, electricity and telecommunications costs and the need for just one utility bill for each of these services. In other words, running a business from a Live-Work suite means paying for one premises and not two.
  • Live-Work suites also eliminate the need for commuting, which is a major attraction for many potential purchasers in Dublin and saves both time and money. They also help facilitate a healthy work-life balance, which is a particular attraction for those with young families.

Live-Work Spaces are ideal for entrepreneurial ventures:

  • Architects
  • Graphic or Visual Artists
  • Fashion Designers
  • Music & Production Companies
  • Photography/Video Studios
  • Hospitality/Event Specialist
  • Salons or Spa Specialists (Hair Stylists or Beauty Techinicians)