SESSION 2 - Local Interviews
Talked to 5 people this week, rough notes

INTERVIEW: Rashid (runs a small co-working space in Gulberg, Lahore - 30 desks)
- Been running for 2 years
- Says the BIGGEST mistake new spaces make: underestimating internet costs
- "You need redundant connections. If your internet goes down for even an hour, people leave."
- His occupancy: 72% average, took 14 months to get there
- Revenue split: 60% desk rentals, 25% meeting rooms, 15% events
- Says community is "nice to have" but people mostly care about: internet, AC, clean bathrooms
- Contradicts what I read online about community being #1??
- Generator backup is ESSENTIAL (load shedding)
- Monthly running costs: about PKR 400,000 for his 30-desk space (rent + utilities + staff + internet)

INTERVIEW: Sana (freelance designer, uses co-working spaces)
- Uses 2 different spaces depending on the day
- Pays hot desk rate at both
- What she wants: quiet zones, good monitors, natural light
- What annoys her: "bro culture" at tech co-working spaces, loud phone calls in open areas, events during work hours that take over common spaces
- Would pay MORE for a women-friendly or creative-focused space
- Says most spaces in Lahore feel like "WeWork knockoffs" - same furniture, same vibe, no personality

INTERVIEW: Ahmed (startup founder, 4-person team)
- Currently renting a small office, considering co-working
- Needs: private meeting space, registered business address, storage
- Worried about: noise, security for equipment left overnight, client impressions
- Would consider co-working if: private office option available, space looks professional for client meetings
- Budget: up to PKR 80,000/month for his team of 4
- Says he'd move TODAY if the right space existed near Johar Town

INTERVIEW: Farah (remote worker for UK company)
- Works from home, misses social interaction
- Tried 3 co-working spaces, left all of them
- Problems: unreliable internet, no standing desks, food options limited, too noisy
- Her company gives her $200/month co-working stipend
- Would want: guaranteed quiet zone, ergonomic setup, 24/7 access (she works UK hours)
- Doesn't care about community events AT ALL, just wants a professional workspace

INTERVIEW: Hassan (real estate agent)
- Commercial rents in Lahore neighborhoods:
  - Gulberg: PKR 100-150/sqft/month (premium)
  - Johar Town: PKR 50-80/sqft/month (growing area)
  - DHA: PKR 80-120/sqft/month (established)
  - Model Town: PKR 40-60/sqft/month (affordable but less trendy)
- Recommends Johar Town: "fastest growing, young population, universities nearby, rents still reasonable"
- Says get at least 2000 sqft for a viable co-working space
- IMPORTANT: factor in fit-out costs. For co-working quality: PKR 2000-3000/sqft one-time
- Lease terms: typically 3-5 years for commercial
- Watch out for: parking availability, building generator capacity, water supply
