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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