A New Building and a New Brand
Big changes and a fresh chapter for coworking on Bainbridge Island!
Founded in 2011, OfficeXpats had long been established in the Bainbridge Pavilion. Then in 2025 the founders Jason Omens and Leslie Schneider made the leap to purchase the building directly across the street—an opportunity that aligned with their vision for long term stability, expanded services, and deeper community roots. The building was acquired from former owners of Aspect Engineering, and prior to 2011 is fondly remembered by islanders as the former Bainbridge Island Veterinary Clinic.
First, about the brand.
After 15 years of "OfficeXpats," we are now "Expats Coworking." It’s a name that we hope reflects how the understanding of the term “coworking” has evolved from niche concept in 2011 when we first opened our doors to a core role in today’s work landscape. We don’t really need the explainer of “office” anymore, right?
A new brand for the first coworking community in Kitsap County, always and only on Bainbridge Island.
It was our ambassador team that first opened up the idea that the move to the new building would be an opportunity to also refresh the rebrand along with a slight name change. It wasn't easy, the decision or the process. But I guess a rebrand shouldn’t be easy.
Some thoughts that went into the decision: the old logo was mostly about the big X, right? Maybe over the 15 years of our history, a big X has changed in its subtext. Then, working with Joseph Steck, one of our ambassadors and founder of Rocketroom, many versions of creative direction emerged. Where we landed was with this fun text treatment that almost has a cadence of multiplication or addition equations to it. It even has exponent and delta symbols! We will have fun with all that.
No worries, we will always be “also known as” OfficeXpats, so no need to change habits if the change doesn’t come easily.
Second, some recent discoveries about the history of the building we just moved into!
Fifteen years ago, renown local architect Charlie Wenzlau was engaged to remodel the interior, and he added the rooftop deck as well as many new private offices.
Tying the new coworking home to the island’s architectural heritage, Wenzlau believes that the building was originally designed by Hal Moldstad, a noted Northwest architect who developed his own version of modernist regional architecture, often incorporating Asian influences, local materials, and sweeping roofs. His work includes vacation compounds for Paul Allen and Bill Gates, as well as several iconic Bainbridge Island residences including the Harold Runstad House (1969), the Fred Smith House (1969), the John P. Glase House (1970) and the James H. Todd House (1971).
Making it work for coworking.
Since taking occupancy May 1, we have completed a series of interior updates to support modern work styles, including new phone booth rooms, transformed work zones, and improved amenities for hybrid workers, freelancers, and small teams.
Expats Coworking was Kitsap County’s first coworking space, and we keep improving our offering of flexible work environments, meeting rooms, professional development events, and a supportive community for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Since 2011, Expats Coworking has championed the idea that work is better when people have access to shared resources and a sense of belonging. This beautiful building, with its soaring windows, rooftop deck, and private workspaces, feels like it was waiting for a community minded purpose. We’re honored to steward this space and excited to welcome members into a place that blends history, creativity, and the future of work. Welcome to our next chapter.
