How Mindspace Is Reshaping Flex Offices and the Future of Work in Major U.S. Cities

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, one thing is certain: flexibility has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. At the forefront of this transformation is Mark Goldfinger, General Manager and Head of North America at Mindspace, a global leader in boutique flex office spaces. Goldfinger discusses the rising demand for flexible work environments in major U.S. cities including New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. He also explains how Mindspace is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of today’s dynamic entrepreneurs.

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HAUTE LIVING: From your perspective at Mindspace, what’s driving the surge in demand for flex office space among entrepreneurs in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia?

MARK GOLDFINGER: The biggest factor driving the surge in demand for flex office space among entrepreneurs in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia is the growing recognition of the importance of being back in the office. During and after COVID, we all learned that hybrid work models could function, but now, a few years down the line, there’s a real fatigue from being behind a screen for every meeting. CEOs, executives and even first time founders are increasingly seeing the value of in-person collaboration and are exploring more creative, flexible office solutions, whether it’s for just one day a week or on a longer-term basis, like 12 months or two years. Flex space offers exactly that kind of adaptability.

HL: How do Mindspace’s offerings align with what today’s entrepreneurs are looking for?

MG: At Mindspace, our offerings align closely with what today’s entrepreneurs are looking for because we go beyond the traditional nine-to-five office model. Entrepreneurs today want flexibility, inspiration, and a sense of community. That’s why we focus on curating a full experience from the moment someone walks in, to the moment they leave. It’s not just about a desk. It’s about providing high-quality amenities like coffee, tea, water, rooftop spaces, gyms, and thoughtfully programmed events such as networking sessions, lunch & learns, sunrise Yoga or Sound Meditations. These features create an environment where people actually want to be, work creatively, and connect with others.

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HL: Can you speak to the unique needs or behaviors of entrepreneurs in NY, SF, and Philadelphia and how Mindspace responds to them?

MG: Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia are true hustler cities full of driven, ambitious entrepreneurs who are always on the move. At Mindspace, we recognize that this kind of energy doesn’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we offer 24/7 access to our spaces, ensuring our members have the flexibility to work whenever inspiration strikes. Especially in a place like New York City, where the hustle never stops, it’s essential to provide a space that matches that intensity and supports entrepreneurs and creatives around the clock.

HL: Are there differences in how flex office space is adopted in each of these markets?

MG: While the overall adoption of flex office space is fairly consistent across New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, what really sets each market apart is how we localize the Mindspace experience to fit the character and needs of each neighborhood. In Williamsburg, New York, our space has a creative, loft-style feel with exposed red brick and large open areas that foster collaboration which is perfect for the entrepreneurial energy there. In San Francisco, our location is in the heart of the Central Business District near Market Street, so the design leans more toward private offices and meeting rooms, reflecting the demand for more focused, one-on-one workspaces. Mindspace Philadelphia, which is located in the historic Wanamaker Building, offers a blend of private offices, natural light, expansive communal areas, and even a large event center that members use for everything from corporate offsites to weddings. Across all markets, our goal is to make each location feel authentic and relevant to its local community.

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HL: One of the biggest draws of flexible workspace is the ability to scale. How does Mindspace support startups as they grow and evolve?

MG: We take a consultative approach to supporting startups as they grow. We take the time to understand each member’s hiring plans and growth trajectory so we can offer solutions that meet their needs today and well into the future. For startups entering a hyper-growth phase, we offer strategic pricing on larger suites and flexible space configurations, allowing them to scale up seamlessly within our community. This personalized approach ensures our members have the right space at every stage of their journey.

HL: What kind of feedback have you received from founders about the role flexibility plays in their ability to take risks or pivot?

MG: The feedback we hear most often from founders is how much they value the flexibility Mindspace offers, especially when it comes to taking risks or pivoting their business. A portion of our entrepreneurial members operate on month-to-month agreements, which allows them to scale up quickly, like bringing in a few engineers for a short-term project, and then scale back down once that sprint is complete. This kind of agility is critical as they refine their business roadmaps. Whether it’s a startup founder or a C-level executive at a Fortune 500 company, they really appreciate that our flexible commitment terms allow them to adapt without being locked into long-term leases. It gives them the freedom to focus on strategy and innovation, not real estate constraints.

HL: How do you position Mindspace as a cost-effective solution in cities with such expensive real estate markets?

MG: In cities with expensive real estate markets, we position Mindspace as a cost-effective solution by taking on all the risk and overhead for founders. When a founder takes space at Mindspace, they get a true plug-and-play experience, bringing their team into a fully equipped office with essentials like internet, printers, coffee, and mail services all included.

What might look like just a six-person office for a certain price actually comes with so much more value. Members get access not only to their private office but also to shared common areas, conference rooms, and phone booths within their location. Plus, they can use any of our five other U.S. locations and 44 global locations. This global access is something traditional leases or subleases don’t offer, giving entrepreneurs unparalleled flexibility and value beyond just square footage.

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HL: How do you see the flex office space model evolving over the next few years, especially in these major cities?

MG: I see the flex office space model continuing to accelerate rapidly over the next few years, especially in major cities. The future of work is definitely flexible. Corporations are moving away from taking on large overhead costs and committing to massive commercial real estate footprints that often go underutilized. Instead, operators like Mindspace can absorb those costs and provide tailored workplace strategies that fit companies of all sizes. This model allows businesses to be more agile, efficient, and cost-effective, making flex office space the clear way forward.

HL: What would you say to an entrepreneur still weighing whether flex space is the right move for them?

MG: I’d say come try it out for a day. Anyone who steps into a Mindspace location quickly sees the value, whether it’s a rainy Friday afternoon in Williamsburg or a busy weekday, the energy and buzz are undeniable. Founders especially benefit from being around like-minded individuals and creators. Seeing others hustle and go above and beyond naturally motivates you to do the same for your company. Flex space isn’t just about a desk. It’s about joining a community that drives you forward.

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