We're delving deeper into Canada's first WELL Coworking Rated operator, And-Co, who is putting the spotlight on people and the planet. Read the full interview with Director Ryan Dass.
And-Co, a standout flexible workspace in Vancouver, has officially earned the prestigious WELL Coworking Rating, setting a new benchmark for what it means to build workspaces that care for people—and the planet. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in partnership with our team at The Instant Group, the WELL Coworking Rating evaluates shared workspaces across key pillars of health, wellbeing, and sustainability. For And-Co, the rating isn’t just a badge—it’s a reflection of their founding mission.
“We weren’t just building an office space; we were building an experience rooted in care,” said Ryan Dass, Director at And-Co. “Wellness wasn’t an afterthought; it was the foundation.”
From its inception, And-Co has been guided by a belief that when people feel good, they do great work. Every design decision, every partnership, and every community initiative has been shaped by that core principle. As the only WELL Certified Platinum site in British Columbia, and now, the first flexible workspace operator in Canda to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating, And-Co has put structure around those values—raising the bar for what a workspace can and should offer.
To delve deeper into what this achievement means for the coworking industry and how And-Co is paving the way for human-focused design, we interviewed Ryan Dass, Director at And-Co.
1) Why did you decide to pursue the WELL Coworking Rating for And-Co, and how does this align with your broader mission as a coworking operator?
When we set out to create And-Co, we weren’t just building an office space—we were building an experience rooted in care. We imagined a space where people could do their best work while still feeling grounded, supported, and healthy. Wellness wasn’t an afterthought; it was the foundation. So, pursuing the WELL Coworking Rating felt like the natural next step. It gave structure to our values and pushed us to raise the bar even higher. It aligns perfectly with our belief that when people feel good, they do good work—and that’s what we want to cultivate every single day.
2) What are the key elements that set And-Co apart as a workspace focused on health, wellbeing, and sustainability?
At And-Co, everything is intentional. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the difference—natural light everywhere, calming design, clean air, and spaces that invite connection. But what truly sets us apart is our belief that wellness doesn’t stop at materials or air quality—it extends to how people feel when they’re here. We curate our partnerships carefully, from local suppliers to wellness practitioners, and we actively build a community that lifts each other up. That sense of shared values and care is something people notice right away.
3) How does the WELL Coworking Rating process ensure that spaces meet the highest standards for wellbeing? Were there any specific challenges you encountered during this process?
WELL, is incredibly comprehensive. It touches every layer of the space, from the air and water to the light, acoustics, and even the food offerings. But what stood out to us most was its focus on community. That’s often the hardest part to quantify, but for us, it’s the heart of the experience. One challenge was ensuring that all our decisions—whether selecting materials, designing layouts, or choosing partners—met the technical requirements without losing the warmth and energy we wanted people to feel. It took a lot of collaboration and care, but it was worth every step.
4) Sustainability and wellness are becoming increasingly important for tenants and employees. How have you seen these priorities shape demand in the coworking industry?
The shift is real—and growing. People want more than just a place to work; they want a space that reflects their values. More members are asking about sustainability features, indoor air quality, and even mental health support. Wellness and sustainability are no longer “nice-to-haves”—they’re must-haves. We’ve seen this firsthand with the level of interest and engagement from businesses and individuals who are seeking workspaces that care about both people and planet.
5) In practical terms, what does a "wellbeing-focused" workspace look like for members? Could you share examples of design features, materials, or technologies incorporated into And-Co?
A well-being-focused workspace at And-Co means thoughtful, human-centered design. We’ve used natural materials like oak and concrete to create a calming atmosphere, layered with soft textures and curated art to bring warmth. Acoustic panels keep the space quiet and focused, while natural light pours in from every angle. There are cozy nooks for downtime, community lounges to connect, and even a wellness room for a quick reset. Everything, from the layout to the lighting, is designed to support clarity, comfort, and connection throughout your day.
6) Sustainability is a critical decision-making factor for many global corporate occupiers. However, budget for bold sustainability investments isn't available for all operators. How do you see your investment in sustainability as a driver for growth?
WELL concerns itself with the sustainability of people within our built spaces. The human desire to be cared for never goes away. We see our investment in sustainability as an investment in people. Yes, it takes more up front-but the payoff is real. We attract mission-aligned members, reduce our operational costs over time, and create a space that people are proud to be part of.
When sustainability is built into your core offering, not just as a marketing angle, it drives loyalty, word-of-mouth, meaningful partnerships, longevity, and relevance. We fully support human health, happiness, and the intentional means to sustain our people. People remember how a space made them feel, and when that feeling is wellness-centred and purpose-driven, it is powerful.
7) How has achieving the WELL Coworking Rating influenced the way you market And-Co to potential tenants? Have you seen an uptick in interest or engagement?
It’s been a game-changer. The WELL Coworking Rating gives people instant clarity that we walk our talk—it’s a symbol of trust. It’s also opened the door to conversations with companies who are specifically looking for spaces that support ESG goals or employee wellness. We’ve seen more engagement, and not just because of the certification, but because the space lives up to it. It’s not just something we talk about—it’s something people experience the moment they walk through the door.
8) What role do you think coworking operators like And-Co play in advancing sustainability and well-being in the workplace compared to traditional offices?
Coworking spaces like And-Co are leading the way. We’re not tied to legacy systems or old-school models. We can innovate fast, try new ideas, and respond to what people really need. And we’re building not just workspaces, but communities that live those values every day. Compared to traditional offices, we can integrate wellness, flexibility, and sustainability into the experience from day one. That agility is what lets us keep evolving—and keep pushing the standard higher for what a workplace can be.
9) How do you measure the success of a wellbeing-focused approach? Are there any metrics or feedback mechanisms you use to evaluate its impact on members and your business?
We track things like member satisfaction, retention, and engagement, and we also listen deeply. When members tell us they feel more focused, healthier, or simply happier here, that means everything. We get feedback through surveys, conversations, and the organic energy that builds when people feel truly supported.
We also keep a close eye on indoor environmental quality and usage patterns to make sure the space is functioning as it should. But the biggest indicator? People want to stay. They invite others. They become part of the ecosystem.
10) Looking ahead, how do you see sustainability and wellbeing evolving in the coworking industry, and what’s next for And-Co in this space?
We believe this is just the beginning. The future of coworking isn’t just flexible; it’s conscious. More operators will need to embed wellness and sustainability into their core operations, not just their aesthetics. For And-Co, we’re continuing to deepen our commitment: expanding wellness programming, exploring new sustainable technologies, and finding creative ways to bring people together in meaningful ways. Our goal is to keep raising the standard—and to help shape a future where workspaces feel as good as they look.
Want to learn more about the WELL Coworking Rating? Check it out here.
