The Co-Working Collective
Mijas Pueblo
Concept Overview
The Co-working Collective will be a creative hub for connection, collaboration, and community in the heart of Mijas Pueblo.
Located on Calle San Sebastián, one of the most iconic and historic streets in southern Spain, the building known as Casa de la Luz holds deep significance for the village. Once the first home in Mijas Pueblo to receive electricity, it has long stood as a symbol of innovation and light.
We seek to honor that heritage while reimagining the space for a new generation—preserving its spirit, its architecture, and its story. The Co-working Collective will blend modern creativity with the warmth of home, creating a place where locals and internationals alike can gather, work, and connect in an atmosphere that feels authentic to Mijas Pueblo.
Just as Casa de la Luz once illuminated the village, this new space will illuminate a new chapter for Mijas; one where history, community, and creativity converge.
The Vision
Every chapter of Casa de la Luz's history matters. Once a family home and later the Museo del Vino, it has always been a place of gathering and connection.
In this new season, we will carry that legacy forward by creating a space that feels both familiar and renewed. The Co-working Collective will serve as a bridge between tradition and modern creativity, a place where locals, artisans, and professionals can come together in an environment that feels like home.
We envision a collaborative co-working space paired with a curated café and artisan marketplace, designed for:
Creative entrepreneurs and remote professionals seeking community.
Locals and internationals who want to work, gather, and exchange ideas.
Artisans and makers whose work deserves visibility in an environment of design and beauty.
Why Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is flourishing, drawing a new wave of young families, professionals, and creatives who appreciate its unique rhythm, cultural richness, and Mediterranean lifestyle. This vibrant demographic, however, faces a clear challenge: a lack of dedicated spaces where they can connect, collaborate, and work.
New Demographic
Mijas Pueblo attracts a growing wave of young families, professionals, and creatives.
Market Gap
There's no dedicated gathering place for this new generation of thinkers and business owners.
The Solution
The Co-working Collective bridges this gap, creating a hub for creative collaboration.
The Co-working Collective offers both functionality and soul, positioning Mijas Pueblo as a dynamic hub for creative collaboration on the Costa del Sol.
The Experience
Ground Floor: The Café & Artisan Collective
Specialty Coffee & Local Flavors
Serving premium coffee alongside a curated menu of locally sourced pastries and baked goods that reflect the flavor and character of southern Spain.
Andalusian Market
Featuring a small specialty market offering Andalusian wines and olive oils which pays tribute to the building's chapter as the Museo del Vino and celebrating the region's world-class offerings.
Inviting Atmosphere
The space retains the essence of home it once held. Designed with warmth, texture, and intention to create a natural sense of welcome, echoing the timeless ease of Mediterranean living.
Local Artisan Showcase
Retail displays highlight local artistry like ceramics, small furniture, locally woven textiles, and handcrafted pieces made by Andalusian artisans.
The Experience
Upper Level: The Co-Working Studio
Flexible Memberships
Flexible memberships with dedicated desks and shared tables.
Focus & Collaboration Zones
Quiet zones and meeting areas for focus and collaboration.
Private Booking Options
Private booking options for workshops, creative sessions, or small business meetings.
Evenings & Events
Curated Gatherings
Curated gatherings such as storytelling nights, cultural dinners, workshops, and intimate business events.
Creative Showcases
Rotating exhibitions and artisan showcases that foster connection between creators and the community.
Core Values
Community
A space where connection replaces competition.
Culture
Honoring Andalusian heritage through art, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
Creativity
An environment that fuels innovation and collaboration.
Sustainability
Thoughtful sourcing, minimal waste, and partnership with local suppliers.
Intentional Living
Every element from the design to the food, and experience is chosen with care and purpose.
Revenue Model
1
Co-Working Memberships
Monthly and day-pass options.
2
Café Sales
Coffee, baked goods, and light bites.
3
Retail & Artisan Product Sales
Featuring locally made goods and Andalusian specialties.
4
Private Events & Workshops
Small gatherings, business events, and cultural evenings.
5
Pop-up Collaborations & Brand Partnerships
Opportunities with local creatives and aligned brands.
Community Impact
Heritage Preservation
Revitalizes a historic landmark while preserving its spirit and story.
Local Support
Supports local artisans and small producers.
Cross-Cultural Connection
Encourages cross-cultural connection between locals and internationals.
Regional Development
Establishes Mijas Pueblo as a creative destination and economic contributor within the region.
Collective Team
Justin & Carolyn Lubbe
Justin and Carolyn are the founders of Casa Driftwood and bring complementary expertise in design, hospitality, and business development. Carolyn is a university-educated interior designer with over 15 years of experience creating timeless spaces around the world, with expertise in hospitality design and guest experience. Justin brings 20+ years of experience in marketing, sales, and customer service and has a natural gift in community relations. Together, they bring the expertise needed to guide the vision and execution of The Co-working Collective, ensuring it embodies both purpose and design integrity.
Thomas & Erika Hexeberg
Thomas and Erika relocated their family from Norway to Mijas Pueblo, bringing with them over 15 years of experience in business entrepreneurship and startups. They successfully owned and operated a thriving café and coffee shop in Norway, and their expertise in business strategy and development provides a valuable foundation for the success and sustainability of The Co-working Collective. In addition to their operational and hospitality experience, they bring extensive knowledge of spatial organization and design, contributing to both the function and aesthetic integrity of the project.
Sean & Victoria Smith
With deep roots and community connections in Mijas Pueblo, Sean and Victoria Smith share a long-term commitment to raising their family here and investing in the future of the village. They have owned and operated successful hospitality businesses in Mijas for nearly a decade, contributing to the local economy. With 20+ years of experience in media production, marketing, and entrepreneurship, they bring a strong strategic foundation to the project. Their expertise in hospitality and event planning further enhances the guest experience, ensuring that The Co-working Collective reflects the warmth, culture, and spirit of the community it serves.
The Potential of Transformation
The Invitation
Casa de la Luz once symbolized innovation and progress. We now have the opportunity to rekindle that light by transforming this building into a modern beacon of creativity, culture, and connection.
This collaborative space will not only function for co-working and a café, it will be a living expression of community and intention, shining a new light on what's possible for Mijas Pueblo.
Connect with Us
We’re honored to share this vision for The Co-Working Collective and look forward to bringing it to life. We’re happy to answer any questions or provide additional details as we move this project forward.
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