How One Real Estate Firm Found a Space to Grow into at Firmspace Austin

Growing a firm is tough work. It’s even tougher when your office space makes it difficult to meet partners, welcome clients, and focus on your core business activities.

Slate Real Estate Partners faced this challenge early on. But today, its team is thriving in Firmspace’s professional work environment. To learn what led Slate to Firmspace, we interviewed Jeff Lahr, a partner in the Austin office. Here’s that story.

The Challenge: Finding a Professional Workspace to Scale Operations

When Jeff joined Slate, the firm only had a handful of employees, most of whom worked out of home offices or local cafes. But Slate had major growth aspirations, and it needed a quality office space that could support its evolving needs. As Jeff explained, “We quickly realized we needed a more professional setting where we could meet clients and partners, work on designs with engineers and architects, and conduct key research and permitting tasks."

Slate’s first solution was to join a coworking space in downtown Austin. Over time, though, the team noticed that several other members had moved to Firmspace – and couldn’t stop raving about it. So Jeff and his team booked a tour to see the space for themselves. They joined the space soon after.

The Solution: A Premium Environment in the Heart of Downtown Austin

Firmspace checked several boxes for Slate: individual office suites for focused work, well-equipped conference rooms for meetings, robust privacy features to keep conversations and data secure, and a premium feeling throughout.

The Slate team also found it easy to connect with other Firmspace members without disrupting their workflow. "It's great to interact with other professionals in the building when we want to,” Jeff noted, “but also have the ability to close our doors and work quietly.” The environment felt conducive to meaningful professional connections – especially compared to the loud office happy hours at traditional coworking spaces.

One of biggest draws to Firmspace, though, was its central downtown location. Many of Slate’s clients, partners, investors, and collaborators already worked in the area. “It’s easy for anybody that we meet with to get here,” Jeff noted, “whether we’re meeting for coffee, lunch, dinner, or a cocktail.” Paired with the office space itself, Firmspace’s location enhanced Slate’s status as a firm – without the expense of a sublease.

The Result: More Focus, Flexibility, and an Enhanced Professional Image 

Since Slate joined Firmspace, the team has enjoyed a distraction-free work environment that helps them engage in deep work, whether they’re conducting demographic research or handling permit paperwork. 

Visitors also love the space. Jeff recalled one day in particular when Slate welcomed an equity group to Firmspace’s main conference room. After the meeting was over, the group asked how Slate had found such a professional, boutique space. So the Slate team shared their story. 

Today, that equity group is a key investor. “While I can't say it sealed the deal,” Jeff said, “it certainly helped make a positive impression."

Going forward, Slate is focused on continuing their growth trajectory. The team has several projects in the works and is securing capital for future endeavors. Jeff expects Firmspace to be a crucial home base for that work. And there’s enough flexibility to add offices as Slate’s head count grows.

Looking for a serious workspace that can support your business needs and enhance your professional image? Firmspace could be a great fit. Book a tour today at a location near you.