Despite launching amid the pandemic, The Malin continues to set a stylish precedent for workplace design in New York and beyond. The flexible workspace concept has rolled out seven locations in 36 months, and is readying to expand its portfolio in new cities and countries. Luckily, founder Ciáran McGuigan is game to optimize the brand’s functionality and materiality as it grows. Here, McGuigan discusses lessons learned, markets of interest, and, of course, Mad Men.
Workplace Design: What inspired you to launch The Malin?
Ciáran McGuigan: Serviced offices back in the ’50s and ’60s had a real environment. There was design, there were details, there was hospitality. It was kind of like Mad Men, how you see everything had a lot of discerning touchpoints. When we decided to enter into hospitality, we looked at hotels and F&B straight off the bat. When I looked at offices, I just felt no one had really done a number on it.
What did you learn launching the first location?
CM: The first time you never get it right. We opened our first location in November of 2021 in Soho, which was phenomenal. Originally, we started at 10,000 square feet, but now we’re saying 20 to 30,000 square feet is our sweet spot. We’re able to maximize our operations, we’re able to maximize the overall energy and space, and deliver larger returns, which is great for our landlord partners.
How has your design ethos changed?
CM: We are kind of hypnotized by simplicity and we do that. We try and do the basics really well, setting a new standard for how you should communicate, operate, and be hospitable within an office environment. We’re a service provider for showing up to work every day, providing a really clean, nice, functional environment. In terms of functionality, we’re just evolving and we’re trying to get better. We’re our biggest critic.
What are some throughlines in each Malin design?
CM: There’s a very fluid and casual flow state that Jean [Jean Morana of Malin design partner Fettle Design] and I have when it comes to design. It’s not like we look at trends. We just get together talking about what we feel, how we can evolve, and design details around what the members are ultimately saying. We certainly look at inspiration and draw from other designers. Pierre Yovanovitch, for example, using natural oak and some of those warm colors. And I have been, for a long time, a huge fan of Martin Brodinski.
How would you like the workplace typology to evolve?
CM: We’ve got a lot of opportunity to continue to elevate the office environment and continue to add warm hues, to add touchpoints and a chicness to the office. There should be an intent, there should be a desire. There should be the right budget allocated to create a beautiful space to allow your employees, staff, or your collaborators to come in and get after it. You want to provide them the best foundation possible.
Where are some markets of interest right now?
CM: We’re looking at San Francisco, we’re looking at Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Dublin. London in Fitzrovia. We’ve got a really interesting project that we’re looking at in Chicago. Toronto, as well as Atlanta and Denver. We’re going to do a few more banging spaces in New York, which I’m excited for. Our most recent one that we opened in Park Avenue South has been incredibly well received.
Has the return to office impacted your model?
CM: There’s absolutely a return to office—that benefits the product and the sector that we’re choosing to do business within. I always believe that if you create desirability, you’re going to create profitability. The future of work is certainly flex, and I feel that the future of work is going to be a lot of meetings, congregations, and events. I’m excited to be a part of it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity