What The Yard offers and who it's designed for
The Yard is a coworking network with locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and London that caters specifically to creative professionals — designers, filmmakers, photographers, architects, and other makers who need both workspace and community. Unlike traditional office coworking, The Yard emphasizes shared studio space, equipment access, and events that bring creative people together around actual projects rather than just desk rental.
The space includes private studios, shared workshop areas, and common gathering zones. Members have access to equipment like photography studios, editing bays, and fabrication tools depending on the location. The membership model is built around the idea that creative work often requires more than a desk and WiFi — it requires tools, natural light, and proximity to other people doing similar work.
The Yard works best for freelancers, small creative teams, and independent makers who work in visual or hands-on fields. If you're a solo designer who needs occasional studio space, a photographer looking for a professional backdrop, or a small production company that can't justify renting a full studio, The Yard's flexible membership tiers are designed to fit those patterns.
Key Takeaways
- The Yard operates in New York City, Los Angeles, and London with membership plans ranging from hot-desking to private studios.
- Membership includes access to shared equipment like photography studios, editing suites, and workshop tools that vary by location.
- Monthly costs depend on membership tier and location, so you should visit the specific location's website or contact them directly for current pricing.
- The Yard hosts regular events, workshops, and community gatherings designed to connect members and create collaboration opportunities.
- Day passes and short-term memberships are available if you want to test the space before committing to a monthly plan.
Membership tiers and what each includes
The Yard typically offers several membership levels, though the exact names and features vary by location. Most locations include a hot-desking option (access to shared desk space), a dedicated desk option (your own assigned desk), and private studio options (enclosed spaces for teams or solo practitioners who need privacy or specialized equipment).
Each tier usually includes 24/7 access to the building, WiFi, and common areas. Higher tiers add perks like dedicated storage, priority booking of specialized equipment, or exclusive access to private studios. Some locations offer add-ons — like dedicated phone booth access or extended equipment rental — that you can purchase separately.
The best way to understand what's available at your nearest location is to contact The Yard directly or visit their website, since equipment and amenities differ between New York, Los Angeles, and London. Pricing also varies significantly by city and membership type.
Equipment and facilities by location
The Yard's main draw for creative professionals is access to equipment most freelancers can't afford to own. Photography studios with lighting and backdrop options, video editing bays with professional software, and workshop areas for physical making are standard across locations. Some locations also include green screen facilities, podcast recording booths, or 3D printing equipment.
The specific tools available depend on which location you're considering. The New York location, for example, has historically emphasized photography and video production facilities. The Los Angeles location tends to focus on film and media production. Before signing up, ask The Yard directly what equipment is available at your location and whether it matches the work you do.
All members can usually book equipment in advance through an online system, though availability and booking windows vary. Some equipment may require a brief orientation or certification before first use.
How The Yard's community and events work
The Yard positions itself as a community space, not just a desk rental service. Each location hosts regular events — portfolio reviews, skill-sharing workshops, panel discussions with established creatives, and social gatherings. These events are typically included with membership, though some special workshops or guest speakers may charge an additional fee.
The community aspect is worth considering seriously if you work alone. Many members report that the regular interaction with other designers, photographers, and makers leads to collaborations, referrals, and friendships that wouldn't happen in a home studio or traditional office. The Yard also maintains an internal directory of members so you can see who else is working there and what they do.
If you're the type of creative who thrives on isolation and doesn't want to attend events, The Yard may feel like wasted money. But if you're looking to build professional relationships and stay connected to your creative community, the events and member network are often the real value of membership.
Pricing and how to test membership before committing
The Yard does not publish fixed pricing on its main website — costs vary by location, membership tier, and current promotions. A hot-desking membership in New York will cost more than the same tier in another city. The best approach is to contact the specific location you're interested in or check their individual location pages for current rates.
Most locations offer day passes so you can visit and work for a single day before committing to a monthly membership. This is worth doing if you're on the fence. Spend a few hours there, use the facilities, talk to members, and attend an event if one is scheduled. A day pass usually costs between $25 and $50, depending on location, and gives you a real sense of whether the space and community fit your work style.
Some locations also offer a discounted first month or a trial period. Ask about these when you contact them — they're common enough that it's worth inquiring, especially if you're signing up for a longer commitment.
Comparing The Yard to other creative coworking options
The Yard competes with other coworking spaces that serve creatives, though the specific competitors depend on your city. In New York, you might compare it to spaces like Workspace or other photography-focused studios. In Los Angeles, you'd look at production-focused coworking spaces. The main differences usually come down to equipment focus, community size, and price.
The Yard's strength is that it's designed specifically for makers and visual creatives, not just general office workers. If you need a photography studio or editing bay, The Yard is more likely to have it than a generic coworking chain. The trade-off is that you're paying for specialized equipment and community you may or may not use.
If you only need a quiet desk and WiFi, a cheaper coworking chain might serve you better. If you need specific equipment — like a photography studio or video editing suite — The Yard is worth the premium. The decision really depends on what tools your work requires and how much value you place on being around other creatives.
How to get your free guide with The Yard
Start by identifying which Yard location is closest to you — New York, Los Angeles, or London. Visit that location's website or call them directly to ask about current membership options, pricing, and available equipment. Ask specifically about what tools are available and whether they match the work you do.
If you're interested, request a tour or book a day pass. Spend time in the space, talk to current members if you can, and get a feel for the community and energy. Pay attention to whether the other people there are doing work similar to yours — that's a good sign the community will be useful to you.
Once you've decided to join, the membership process is straightforward — you'll sign an agreement, provide payment information, and get access credentials. Most locations can get you set up within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to commit to a full year, or can I do month-to-month?
Most Yard locations offer month-to-month memberships with no long-term contract required. Some locations may offer a discount if you commit to three or six months, but you should be able to cancel or pause your membership after a single month. Confirm the cancellation policy with your specific location before signing up.
Can I bring clients to The Yard for meetings or shoots?
Yes. The Yard is designed to be a professional workspace where you can meet clients and conduct business. If you're booking equipment like a photography studio for a client shoot, you'll typically reserve it in advance through the member portal. Some locations may have guest policies or require advance notice for large client meetings.
What if I only need space a few days a month?
The Yard offers day passes and some locations have flexible or part-time membership tiers that let you pay for fewer days per month. A day pass is the cheapest way to test the space, and if you find you're using it regularly, you can upgrade to a monthly membership. Ask about part-time options when you contact your location.
Is The Yard good for remote workers who aren't creatives?
The Yard is designed for makers and visual creatives, so if you're a writer, developer, or consultant who just needs a desk, you'd probably be better served by a general coworking chain that's cheaper and doesn't require you to pay for equipment you won't use. The Yard's value is in the specialized equipment and creative community.
Can I use The Yard's equipment for client work and paid projects?
Yes. The Yard's equipment is available for professional and commercial use. If you're shooting a paid photography job or editing a client video, you can book the relevant studio or editing bay. There are no restrictions on commercial use — that's the whole point of the membership for many professionals.