The Origins Behind Riva Offices.

Charting Entrepreneurial Journeys, Designing Dynamic Spaces, and Fostering a Community.

In a recent interview with the founders of Riva Offices, Hugh and Richard Ellis, we uncovered their entrepreneurial journey, diverse experiences, and the conception of Riva Offices. The co-working space, located in the heart of Bundall on the Gold Coast, stands as a testament to their passion for business and the community. Let’s dive into the key insights revealed during their interview.

Humble Beginnings

The story begins with Hugh and Richard, an uncle and nephew with diverse experiences. Hugh began his entrepreneurial journey in his 30s, his initial venture involved the establishment of childcare centres. With belief, he put his house on the line to open the first childcare centre, as Hugh explained, "It's funny how you can make businesses work when your back's against the wall."

Richard, on the other hand, commenced his entrepreneurial journey at a younger age. From having a small jumping castle business, studying, and playing VFL, all at the same time. Studying construction management paved the way for Richard to delve into the complexities of the construction industry, eventually leading him into Project Management roles. Hugh and Richard’s paths converged when they ventured into property development together, overseeing the construction of childcare centres and various commercial projects.

Three Years Adrift

In 2019, Hugh and Richard took a break and embarked on a three-year sailing expedition around the globe. A journey that took them from Brisbane and back again, encountering pirates in the Red Sea, and exploring remote places like Yemen and Socotra. Hugh reflects on the journey, saying “I think there comes a time in your life where you go, you know what, I just actually have to do this and I was fortunate enough that we could do it”.

As they recount their global exploration, it becomes clear that the experiences were not only about the locations but also the personal growth and character-building moments. Hugh and Richard share how the journey reinforced their understanding of patience, cultural acceptance and the joy of discovering remote, less-touristy destinations.

The Birth of Riva Offices

In 2023 Riva Offices was born, a passion project that emerged from their desire to create a high-end, flexible co-working space on the Gold Coast. Their passion for business and dedication to fostering growth within the community became the driving forces behind this project. However, the decision to transform a building they owned into a co-working hub was not an impulsive one. Thorough feasibility studies, market research, and a desire to bring a unique offering to the Gold Coast led to the birth of Riva Offices.

Hugh and Richard outlined the design inspirations for Riva Offices, emphasising the importance of creating a flexible workspace. With offices ranging from two-person to ten-person spaces, Riva offers a flexible space that evolves with your business needs.

Fostering a Thriving Community

Riva Offices isn’t just about providing office space; it’s a testament to Hugh and Richard’s passion for business. They believe that supporting businesses extends beyond brick-and-mortar spaces, understanding that networking and access to resources are important for businesses to thrive. With the aim of providing valuable resources to their members, they are introducing initiatives like a leadership program and guest speaker sessions on various business topics. Hugh's belief in the importance of access to such events stems from his personal journey, where he acknowledges the value it would have added to his own entrepreneurial beginnings.

Richard emphasises, "We want everyone to be comfortable here and have access to knowledge that can help them grow. It's about being the best you can be."

Their vision is for Riva Offices to serve as a space where businesses not only coexist but forge meaningful relationships, learn and grow together. Building a supportive ecosystem, Hugh notes, "Having access to other businesses within the same space is a game-changer. Need a quick quote, or just want to bounce ideas off someone? You can do it right next door."

Journey to New Beginnings

If you have ever visited Riva Offices, you’ve likely noticed a piece of art at its core - a painting titled “Journey to New Beginnings”. This bold piece of artwork depicts individuals in Africa crossing into a new chapter of their lives. Hugh stumbled upon this piece in the Sunshine Coast and recognised its symbolic connection to Riva’s mission.

“Everything happens as it’s supposed to,” Hugh explains. “The painting’s theme perfectly aligns with our vision for Riva Offices - a place where businesses embark on their journeys to new beginnings.”

In essence, Riva Offices emerges not just as a physical space, but as a community hub where businesses converge, collaborate and collectively chart their paths to success.

Listen to the Full Interview