A Decade of Collective Creativity: Celebrating Createscape and the Vision of Keller Davis
Createscape’s original location on EM Franklin Avenue
Createscape Coworking Reaches 10-Year Milestone as Austin's Creative Hub
Celebrating ten years of creativity, collaboration, and a decade of persistence and hard work, Createscape Coworking stands tall as a testament to the power of community and collective ownership. From its humble beginnings in 2013-2014 to our current thriving presence on Tillery Street, Createscape has been a beacon for artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking more than just a workspace.
The founding tale of Createscape is one of visionaries, Keller Davis and Jensen Yancy, who, fueled by a desire for a workspace beyond a desk, embarked on a journey along with partner Brandon Willett to create a haven for filmmakers, videographers, designers, writers, and entrepreneurs. Their mission evolved rapidly, embracing a diverse range of professionals and transforming Createscape into one of Austin's enduring coworking spaces, a pioneer in the local creative collective movement.
Among the fundamental pillars shaping Createscape's identity has been the spirit of collaboration and community fostered by Keller Davis and the dedicated team he cultivated over time. Keller's vision and unwavering commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem have been lauded by members and staff alike. A former Createscape staff member shared that, “He wasn't just receptive to feedback; he actively sought it out, implemented suggestions whenever possible, and fostered a culture of open communication. His leadership style, characterized as approachable, enthusiastic, and deeply committed to the community, has formed the foundation upon which Createscape thrives.”
Reflecting on Keller’s leadership, a member shared, "Keller Davis has always been the backbone of Createscape. His work ethic has built a community from a handful of members to the thriving hub it is today. From day one, his upbeat and kind energy made everyone feel welcome. His dedication to constantly improving the space is inspiring."
The Spirit of Collective Ownership and Transformative Change
From the beginning, Keller's leadership embodied the principles of transformative and social change. He understood that the needs of the community and the coworking landscape were constantly evolving, and that Createscape needed to adapt in response. This wasn't just about changing the physical space; it was about fostering a culture of inclusivity and using member and staff feedback as the guiding light for the workspace's direction.
Keller's leadership spearheaded a a fundamental, system-wide reorganization across technological, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values at Createscape. “His willingness to try new things and the dedication he shows by always considering the opinions of others makes our workspace feel more like a home than an office,” said a long-time Createscape member.
His dedication to considering the voices of everyone at Createscape – members, guests, and staff alike – is legendary. He isn't just approachable; he is genuinely interested in others’ opinions, demonstrating an authentic care for their experiences. This, coupled with his willingness to embrace new ideas and implement creative solutions, fueled an impressive work ethic that became contagious. It's no wonder that his commitment has translated into the successful business model Createscape enjoys today – a model built on a foundation of community, collaboration, and a constant drive for progress.
The addition of Brian Mahood, who joined as the first part-time employee in 2019 and eventually became a partner, was a testament to this philosophy. Brian’s' contributions were instrumental in developing the business side of Createscape. Similarly, Jensen Yancy, with a filmmaking background, brought his focus on fostering creative exchange within the space, reflecting the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping Createscape's future.
A Community Where Everyone Feels Welcome
Testimonials from members highlight the welcoming ambience Keller created and cultivated with the Createscape team. One seasoned member recalls, "I truly believe the biggest reason I have stayed at Createscape all these years is because of the friendly atmosphere Keller has created and nurtured. When I came to Createscape in 2014, it was because I needed a place to work outside of my home. Today, I remain a member by choice because I like the place, feel relaxed, and get things done. More importantly, I like the people around me, and that all comes down to Keller."
“When I got here I liked the look and feel of the place and the people that I met here—and it was less than 5 minutes from my apartment—so I never even looked at another coworking space once I took a tour here.”
“In many ways, Createscape is like Jurassic Park. Just as the film’s visionary John Hammond saw the potential in an uninhabited tropical island, Createscape transformed an abandoned bread factory into a space where people could come together to collaborate, create, and inspire one another” Createscape member Mike D. explains, “Much like the park in the celebrated film, Createscape has grown into a vibrant ecosystem where creativity flourishes, ideas evolve, and the impossible becomes possible.”
The community at Createscape is not just about spacious shared workspaces, private call rooms, and 24-hour access; it's a place where individuals find connection, support, and inspiration. Members like Riki Markowitz (also staff) reflect on Keller's impact, “I moved to Austin in 2010... In 2014 I still didn't feel at home in Austin until I joined Createscpe. That's when I started meeting lifelong Austin friends,” she says, crediting him for creating an atmosphere where people feel valued, welcomed, and part of a larger family. Keller's ability to create a friendly environment has been pivotal in retaining long-term members and fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
In October 2024, two Createscape members, Maria and George, play a Halloween game before a wicked happy hour.
Through Keller's guidance, Brandon Willett's analytical insights, and the collective efforts of the team, Createscape has not only weathered storms but also flourished, enabling members to thrive professionally and personally. This dedication to transforming the coworking space into a dynamic hub of creativity and community engagement has been a driving force behind Createscape's success. “There are still people there today that were there in year one. That says a lot,” says member and long-time friend of Keller’s, Daniel Marlin.
Keller has been essential in fostering this one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Described as approachable, welcoming, and endlessly enthusiastic, he embodies the spirit of Createscape. He's not just a CEO, but a champion of collaboration, always present, always willing to listen, and always striving to make Createscape the best it can be for its members and staff.
Daniel shares a poignant memory: “What's stood out over the years is Keller's work ethic. I've watched him grow this family from a handful of members to what it is today. He's dedicated so much energy and time to making Createscape what it is today… Over the years, I've watched Keller put in so much effort into Createscape. He spends countless hours considering how the space can be better. So often he'll tell me he's renting a truck to go pick up something neat for Createscape. He's found something that people will love; usually it's something very heavy and awkward to move. It's easy to jump in and help someone that still has the heart and curiosity of a kid. He's kept the same spirit that I saw on day one. It's inspiring to say the least…”
“Createscape has been my work oasis since 2019. It’s more than a coworking office, it’s its own little thriving community of friendly and interesting folks. Keller and his team put a ton of heart into making this place special, and it shows. There’s no place in Austin like Createscape!”
“…What I consider to be the real success story of Createscape is the home it's provided for people like myself,” Daniel reflects. “People that needed a community and space to grow. Createscape has fostered the growth of some pretty amazing companies. I am amazed and proud of what they have built. I can only imagine what year 15 will bring.”
Keller's mother, Ruth Davis, attests to his innate ability to bring people together. “Keller was born a creative genius. He started working on videos pre-kindergarden with his brother and sister. Cartoons, stories, skits, etc. were part of the entertainment we enjoyed with Keller growing up. He even perform as Elvis in a gold lame suit and slicked back black hair in 6th grade,” she explains. “He formed and was president of the Irish Club in High School and was president of film clubs at TX A&M.”
Recalling his childhood penchant for hosting gatherings and his genuine desire to see others thrive, she perfectly captures the essence of his leadership style: "Keller has a bit of a 'servant' philosophy and always wants the best for others, which is probably why his leadership has resulted in huge success keeping members not only happy, but part of the Createscape family. I can’t wait to see what the second 10 years will look like. Love, Mom"
A Decade of Growth and Gratitude
Ten years ago, nestled in the heart of Austin, a dream began to take shape. It wasn't just about desks and wifi, but a yearning for a space where creativity could flourish, collaboration could thrive, and a sense of community could fuel the entrepreneurial spirit. That dream was Createscape, and at its helm was a visionary leader, Keller Davis.
From those early days at EM Franklin, Createscape faced its share of hurdles. Limited membership and an unexpected relocation could have easily derailed their mission. But Keller, along with co-founders Brandon Willett and Jensen Yancey, remained dedicated to their vision of a collaborative haven. They understood that true success wasn't just about square footage, but about fostering a spirit of collective ownership.
This commitment to community feedback and collaboration led them to their current haven on Tillery Street. What was once an abandoned bread factory transformed into a bustling ecosystem where individuals from diverse industries could connect, proliferate, and inspire one another. As Jensen wisely observed, they had recaptured that invaluable "vibe" of a built-in network, a place where people genuinely wanted to see each other succeed.
“Keller's work ethic throughout the years has been remarkable, and he's dedicated so much energy and time to making Createscape what it is today. His spirit is inspiring, to say the least," says an associate involved in the project.
Celebrating our 10th birthday on June 1, 2024, Createscape is now a flourishing coworking space with a rich history and a dedicated team. We remain committed to our core mission of empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and the community at large, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome to create, work, and collaborate.
As we reflect over a decade of creativity and connection, Keller's words resonate deeply: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." And create we have. Createscape stands as a testament to what happens when a shared vision is nurtured by a community, led by a leader who understands that true success is about empowering others to achieve their dreams. Here's to many more years of collaborative innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and the enduring power of community that defines Createscape.
“I truly believe that the biggest reason I have stayed at Createscape all these years is because of the friendly atmosphere the place (and all through Keller) has created and nurtured...
And today, 10 years later, I remain a member by choice.
I make that choice and spend my own money in order to keep my membership because I like the place, I feel relaxed when I am there and I get things done. But more important than all of that, I like the people around me. And I bring that all down to Keller, who besides being a kind and decent person brings in the same in the Createscape Team and in the members who are there. I am surrounded by nice people when I am there and that truly is the glue that keeps me at Createscape... I owe Keller and Createscape a lot. I really do. These last 10 years at Createscape have all been a pleasure for me. The fact is that now my employer has an office in North Austin which is 15 minutes from my home and I never go there unless I must. I’d rather pay my monthly fee to Createscape and be there.
I am very grateful to Keller and to this day very happy I remain a member.”
“In addition, I like the fact that there are constant things going on at Createscape… I look forward to each one, especially the happy hours. And that was something that began even when Createscape was located on EM Franklin Street in Austin when I first joined. I distinctly remember one Friday afternoon around 3 or 4 PM when somebody (maybe Keller, maybe Jensen) said to whoever was there, ‘Let's sit down and have a beer together, we've all worked hard and it's time to wind it down,’ Createscape member Jerry E. recollects. “I was so taken aback by that in that moment, because it was so unexpected and so welcome. Those kinds of gestures are never lost on me and that one (only a week or so after I joined) set the precedent for what now is my 10 year association with Createscape. Lastly, I would like to talk about Covid and that rotten period. During the lockdown, the fact I couldn't go to Createscape and / or my gym with my group classes drove me bat shit crazy and truly affected my mood. So when Createscape re-opened and it was all partitioned with plexiglass and we all had to mask, I ran back there as fast as I could.”
As Createscape set its sight on the future, the echoes of gratitude from the community reverberate. The legacy of Createscape is not just in its physical spaces and abundant amenities, but in the intangible sense of belonging, camaraderie, and in the aspiration that it instills in all who walk through its doors.
Createscape’s Journey: A Microcosm of the Coworking Movement
Createscape’s story reflects the broader evolution of coworking spaces. It began with a focus on community before evolving into a space that embraced a diverse range of professionals, all seeking a vibrant and collaborative work environment. The key differentiator, however, has been the unwavering commitment to its populace.
At the close of our 10 year celebration, Keller expresses his optimism for the future: "A big thank you to our sponsors and partners. Your support has been invaluable in helping us grow and thrive. As we look ahead to the next decade, I'm filled with excitement for what's to come. We have big plans for the future of Createscape, and I'm confident that, together, we can achieve even greater things. Let's continue to support and inspire each other as we move forward."
He leaves us with a quote that perfectly captures the spirit of Createscape: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker.
Here's to Createscape's 10-year milestone, a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of community. A special thank you to Keller Davis for his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fostering a space where creativity thrives!