When 7A was named Coworking Space of the Year last year, it wasn't just external validation—it was also an internal energy boost. The award strengthened the team, created pride among members, and confirmed that the work they had put into culture, service, and community really makes a difference.
When we meet Louise Strand, CEO, and Karolina Ameln Ringö, sales representative at 7A, they describe the win as something that has had an impact far beyond the award ceremony itself.
“Twice is a habit,” they say with a smile. For the team, the award was a way to stand tall and feel that the image they have of their business is also shared by the outside world.
At the same time, the effect is noticeable in everyday life. In the reception area, members are happy to talk about the award, and the diploma and statuette have become a natural part of the story of the place. The pride is shared by both staff and community.
A workplace that should feel like home – but professional
For 7A, coworking is much more than just space and desks. They describe their ambition as creating a “home away from home” – a place that is warm, familiar, and personal, but at the same time businesslike.
Culture is central. How the staff treat each other sets the tone for the entire building, and that atmosphere spreads to the members. The result is an environment where people not only work side by side, but actually feel part of a community.
This is also evident in initiatives such as Community Week, when 7A opens its premises to visitors who want to try out membership. During the week, there is often a generous atmosphere, with existing members happy to bring friends and contacts to show them what everyday life is like.
Creating a personal touch on a large scale: life at Posthuset
When 7A opened at Posthuset six years ago, the ambition was clear: to combine large scale with proximity. The challenge was to create the same personal feeling as in smaller facilities – but in a much larger environment.
Winning the award was proof that they had succeeded. Many people highlight the service, warmth, and personal contact as decisive factors.
Today, the team feels that the community is growing organically. Members get to know the staff, start talking to each other at the coffee machine, and participate in activities. Even larger companies, which otherwise tend to be anonymous, become part of the community.
The post office itself also plays an important role. The more than 100-year-old building, which was closed to the public for a long time, is now a lively meeting place where both office guests and conference visitors come and go every day.
The entrance serves as a social hub, while the reception is described as the heart of the building—a place where people are naturally drawn to for conversations and meetings. At the same time, there are quieter zones further inside, creating a balance between pulse and focus.
More than service: being a supportive colleague
A recurring theme in the conversation with Louise Strand and Karolina Ameln is their view of the role of a coworking operator. For 7A, it's not just about delivering services, but about being an active part of the members' everyday working lives.
They see themselves as “supportive colleagues” rather than just service personnel. This means that the relationship extends beyond practical issues—it is also about presence, commitment, and genuine interest in the people who work in the building.
This attitude, they believe, is an important reason why many people stay for a long time.
Price, value – and the misconception about cost
A common challenge in coworking is the price discussion. Many companies that have not previously used coworking react to the cost without considering the big picture.
7A believes that this is often a psychological effect: people think they are paying more and getting less, when in fact the opposite is true. Cleaning, coffee, electricity, meeting rooms, common areas, service, and administration are included—things that otherwise take both time and energy to manage yourself.
They also link coworking to the sharing economy and sustainability. By sharing resources, both costs and climate impact are reduced, while at the same time providing access to social contexts and networks.
Development after the win: refinement and new contexts
Since the award, the focus has mainly been on further developing what already works. Instead of major revolutionary changes, 7A has invested in refinement, clearer communication of value, and even stronger relationships with existing members.
Feedback is a central part of the work. Regular surveys and conversations are used to identify needs and wishes and stay one step ahead in development.
At the same time, they have broadened their community work. One example is the female network Empower Her, which was started together with a member and is aimed at female entrepreneurs and professionals who want to strengthen their position.
This year, 7A is also celebrating its 20th anniversary, which has provided an opportunity to reflect on what has been crucial over the years: responsiveness, flexibility, and a strong corporate culture.
Collaboration instead of rapid expansion
Instead of growing rapidly with new locations of its own, 7A has chosen to complement its presence through strategic collaborations. The collaboration with Mindpark and The Pool in Marbella gives members access to more locations, both nationally and internationally.
In this way, it is possible to meet the needs of members without compromising on quality or focus.
The ambition is not to be the largest in terms of space, but to be in the right places – where it is possible to create something unique.
Coworking Awards: bringing the industry together
As host of the Coworking Awards, 7A sees an opportunity to contribute to a stronger and more collaborative industry. They describe the event as a natural extension of their role as a meeting place.
As the coworking industry matures, they are also experiencing a shift: from pure competition to a greater willingness to collaborate and develop the market together.
Looking ahead: meetings that create value
When Louise Strand and Karolina Ameln look ahead, they return to the same basic idea that has characterized the business for two decades: creating environments where people can truly meet.
They see a growing need for physical contexts in an increasingly digital everyday life, and believe that the value of community, spontaneous conversations, and networks will only become more important.
Continuing to build places where people not only work but also develop together is at the heart of 7A's vision for the future.