Q & A with Kathryn Brown
Anyone who has visited Framework will find it no surprise that our flexible and welcoming approach suits occupiers from fields as diverse as cutting-edge camera development, engineering and finance recruitment, employment law and IT solutions.
Variety is also the spice of working life for Kathryn Brown, our Workspace Host, who took the time to tell us all about her role, the building and why it’s great being part of the Framework family!
So Kathryn, what does a typical day look like for you at Framework?
“It’s my job to give every person through the door the best experience I can, and this can include anything from issuing access cards to office dog-sitting!
“I love getting to know everyone that works here and hearing about what their roles entail, but another big part of my job is to support the Framework team by reporting any day-to-day maintenance needs and carrying out daily supervision of the building, including the car park and gym, looking out for any health and safety issues that arise. As part of this I’ve been planning a new gym access system to ensure the safety of our Framework community, and I’m looking forward to seeing what people think of this.
“Day-to-day I also look after the Flexspace kitchen and breakout areas, including stocking the Nespresso coffee machines, and arranging the fresh fruit delivery. I update our social media pages, organise upcoming events, and liaise with our letting agents to assist on viewings with prospective new tenants. It’s a very varied role!”
You clearly take pride in helping Framework to provide a second-to-none occupier experience – what can occupiers expect as part of the Framework family?
“Framework offers stylish, modern and well-equipped office spaces that are ready to move into. Depending on the specific studio, between 10 and 20 team members can work together comfortably, enjoying flexible all-inclusive licences, with access to the Framework gym, which has Peloton bikes, a treadmill, rowing machine and handy showers, as well as a bike store with heated lockers and a bike repair stand.
“The basement car park has chargers for electric vehicles, and the building has no gas supply. Instead, all of our electricity is from renewable sources.
“Our Flex @ Framework offer is designed to provide the ideal solution to occupiers seeking fitted out, furnished space with hassle-free, easy-in leasing. Both Flex floors have a shared kitchen, stocked with Nespresso coffee machines, biscuits and fresh fruit, all included in the agreement. The breakout area also has a meeting room available to book out.
“For those wishing to fit out their workspaces according to their own requirements, we also have around 4,670 sq. ft. of vacant available floor spaces.
“The attractive Framework reception area is perfect for meeting visitors or relaxing with colleagues, and coming soon our handy Framework app for all staff based here will offer discount codes as an extra perk!”
Framework has benefitted from a recent revamp – tell us about some of the businesses who have already moved in, and what they think of their new workplace.
“All members of our community are welcome to come along to our informal get-togethers, such as our recent festive gathering in the breakout area of the Flexspace on Level 3.
“This was a great chance for everyone to meet properly and get to know each other better, as well as to give us feedback on their experience of Framework so far.”
Framework occupier, Kris Flanagan of iMultiply , which specialises in recruitment in the finance sector, told Kathryn the following:
“I’d say that we enjoy the overall ambience and environment. The quality of fittings and furnishings is also great. And of course, things have improved considerably since you came into the role and have been on site all the time.”
Similarly, Charles Altuzarra from Metahelios ltd , a company developing the latest in camera equipment, having been founded by two metasurface physicists, said: “I love that we’re right on St. Vincent Street, which means we’re in a vicinity of delicious restaurants and shops.”
Alongside Kris and Charles, occupiers at Framework also include The Adecco Group , Jackson Boyd LLP , First Marine Solutions and Aspen IT Solutions.
And what about the location?
“As well as having great amenities at Framework, we are centrally located on Vincent Street in Glasgow, and in the local neighbourhood there are bars close by, including All Bar One, The Drum & Monkey, and Counting House to name but a few, and restaurants offering a plethora of world cuisine, like Topolabamba, Jo Jo Macs, Chakoo Bombay Café, Sugo Pasta, Yo! Sushi, Pizza Punks, Akiko, Bao, Mowgli Street Food and Turtle Bay.
“Not only that but we are well served by both chain and independent cafes such as Caffe Nero, Tantrum Doughnuts, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Sexy Coffee and Mackintosh at The Willow, and by shops including the new flagship Lush Glasgow store on Buchanan Street, H&M, Kiehls, Hobbs, Cos, Space NK, and Waterstones, with hairdressers such as Toni & Guy, and Paragon Barbering only about five minutes away.
“Nearby Princes Square has many top brands as well as the Everyman Cinema, and Buchanan Galleries has more shops including John Lewis, Lego, Next, Boots, Hollister, Typo and Flying Tiger.
“Because Framework sits in the heart of Glasgow’s Central Business District, we’re close to Glasgow Central railway station and are within walking distance to both Queen Street railway station and Buchanan Street, as well as the King’s Theatre, Theatre Royal and the Pavillon. For those staying overnight nearby, The Dakota Glasgow is only an eight-minute walk, and we have Malmaison and Citizen M.”
Finally, you’ve been able to really make your mark since arriving at Framework – what are you hoping to achieve over the course of 2024?
“My goal is to continue to evolve and nurture the community here, encouraging and fostering relationships between the businesses.
“I’d love to organise small talks by individuals from within the Framework community, giving occupiers an opportunity to make connections and share information about their organisations and their jobs.
“I’m also hoping to initiate a book swap in the reception area, with possible workshops or talks from external providers, such as local charities, firms that can support our teams’ wellbeing, or facilitate more practical certifications such as first aid.
“I’m excited to see more lettings taking place in the Flexspace, and then to support possible works on the next vacant floor.
“I know almost everyone by name, so it’s small enough to feel like a real community, but it’s also exciting to be around such established organisations working alongside some relatively new and highly innovative companies, all in the same building!”
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