Photography provided by PureAlchemy
ModernWell is the premier Twin Cities–based coworking space born out of a passion for creating community centered around women’s needs. By cultivating a bright and warm environment, members are inspired to unleash their creativity and empowered for personal and professional success. Recently, ModernWell enlisted Stephany Eaton, principal designer of PureAlchemy Design, to bring her signature style to its brand new flagship space located in the heart of beautiful Wayzata. Here, Eaton gives Artful Living an exclusive glimpse inside the second location, detailing her intentional design choices and sharing the importance of versatility in motion.
For those not familiar with ModernWell, what was the inspiration behind your design?
We were asked to translate ModernWell’s women-centered, people-first ethos into a coworking office environment that moves with the day. Because we work end-to-end — from the initial spark through to the final reveal — we shaped the flow of the space and the implementation sequence together, so what’s beautiful is also practical and easy to live with. In short, it delivers a ModernWell day from the hello to the last task — complemented by owner personalizations during the build out to support evolving space-flow preferences.
How did the Wayzata community shape your design direction?
We translated the Wayzata community’s distinct lakeside sensibility with natural woods, layered neutrals and measured contrast. We anchored everything with “ModernWell Blue” as the throughline, so returning members feel at home immediately and new members recognize the signature space at first glance. The flow of the space feels both local and unmistakably ModernWell.
How does the coworking environment function throughout the day?
With intentionally built-in versatility. The collaboration zone is mobile and modular with smoothly rolling tables and seating nests or re-stacks. Layouts easily transition from solo work to team pods, broader huddles or workshop setups. This allows members to shift modes without losing momentum and take advantage of the planned second-nature adjacencies and circulation.
What other small design moves deliver outsized impact throughout the space?
Micro-zoning — texture, lighting and surface height quietly cue ModernWell behaviors, including focus, connection and momentum. Versatile surface heights also invite a quick change of perspective without a production.
From a design lens, what do great coworking spaces deliver that traditional offices often miss?
Choice with polish. People can select settings to match energy levels on demand, book true privacy when needed and reconfigure shared areas in minutes. Letting guests follow their work’s energy is important, and we selected the best ergonomics to support multiple postures with options to be seated, perched or standing while working.
Are there any fun facts you can share about this project?
The portion of the building ModernWell lives in is constructed over water. Contractor coordination got very creative, and we gained a local wink of charm — you can honestly say you worked “on the water” that day.
What’s one principle everyone should consider incorporating within their workplace?
Design for effortless context switching. Plan for micro shifts, not big events. Make it easy to move from deep focus to a 10-minute huddle to a video call without disruption. Favor mobile, modular furnishings and offer ergonomic options to complement workday needs without losing momentum.
