The Mid-Atlantic Design Exchange began as an idea for a co-op of design professionals, where we would co-own equipment and share office tasks. As I talked with people about it, I was asked what the co-op would be for. And I realized that this could be something much bigger and better than just shared space.

Currently our interest group consists of architects, architects-in-training, graphic designers, marketing people, civil engineers, and structural engineers. Our areas of expertise include residential and commercial primarily.

Our value statement is: The Mid-Atlantic Design Exchange is a community of design professionals committed to open sharing of knowledge and service to the community.

Our mission statement is: The Mid-Atlantic Design Exchange provides business support to design professionals in four main areas: business and technical skills development; project collaboration; shared workspace and benefits; and membership promotion. The shared workspace goal is the coworking space that we are starting. I feel that with a space as a clubhouse (to use Alex Hillman's term) we can begin to explore working together and the further goals of the group.

We have decided that only principals, partners, and sole proprietors should be members, since they are the people in charge of the business aspect of their firms. We may extend this to senior associates since they are being prepared to assume a leadership role.

Our plan is to be in a space by January 2011.

Our website is www.made-x.org.