Redefining Exclusivity: Inside Soho House's 'Cities Without Houses' Program
I interviewed Camila Rodriguez, Membership Manager for Cities Without Houses, Europe at Soho House, to learn more about the Cities Without Houses program. In a world where the concept of private clubs is constantly evolving, we wanted to explore how Soho House has redefined exclusivity, creating a global community beyond traditional club walls.
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What are the main exclusive benefits offered by the "Cities Without Houses" program for people living in cities without a physical Soho House location?
The "Cities Without Houses" (CWH) program grants members access to all Soho House locations worldwide, even if there isn't a physical House in their city. Members can enjoy the facilities and services of any Soho House globally, including co-working spaces, restaurants, bedrooms, Health Clubs and spas. Additionally, CWH members receive invitations to exclusive events and gatherings in their own cities, fostering a sense of community among local creatives.
What kinds of events and opportunities are organized for members of "Cities Without Houses"?
Members can attend curated local events such as art exhibitions, live music performances, wine tastings, and networking gatherings, fostering connections with the local creative community. Dinners, parties, workshops—the programs are designed to highlight the best of local creativity, often collaborating with the members themselves. It’s wonderful to travel far from home and still feel part of a group.
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How does Soho House believe the concept of an exclusive club has transformed in recent years, especially in an increasingly digital and interconnected world?
Soho House has redefined exclusivity by offering memberships that are not tied to a physical location. The "Cities Without Houses" program allows members to engage with the local and global Soho House community and access global benefits even without a dedicated House in their city. When selecting members, we look for creative, fun, and interesting people who are doing exciting things all over the world. It doesn’t matter if you live in Detroit or Zurich—if you’re in the same room, you just get each other.
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What aspects of inclusivity and diversity is Soho House striving to promote compared to traditional clubs?
Soho House is redefining what it means to be an exclusive club by placing inclusivity and diversity at the heart of its membership approach — something that sets it apart from more traditional private clubs. One of its key initiatives is the Inclusivity Board, which works closely with local membership teams and the Diversity, Learning & Inclusion Director to ensure that all Houses foster a welcoming and representative culture. This board includes both members and non-members, allowing for a broader range of voices to shape the community. In 2020, Soho House also made a Diversity and Inclusion Pledge, committing to increasing representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals in leadership positions, diversifying teams across all departments, and introducing mandatory unconscious bias and anti-racism training for employees. This initiative was a response to global conversations around racial equity, signaling a serious commitment to meaningful change. To make its spaces more accessible, Soho House created Soho Fellowship and Soho Mentorship, two programmes that offer support to creative talents who face barriers to entry in their industry due to social and economic factors, but have the potential to make significant contributions to the industry. This ensures that membership isn’t solely based on financial status but also on creativity, passion, and impact. Another important aspect of Soho House’s inclusivity efforts is its Way of Living Code, which sets clear expectations for members and guests. It reinforces a culture of respect, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or background—feels safe and valued in any Soho House location.
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How does Soho House aim to leave a cultural impact in the cities where it operates, particularly where no physical Houses exist?
Soho House aims to make a cultural impact in cities without physical locations through the community that forms from the "Cities Without Houses" (CWH) membership. This initiative connects creative-minded individuals in such cities by curating special experiences and events, fostering a sense of community. Members enjoy full access to Soho Houses globally when they travel. By engaging with local creatives and hosting events that resonate with the city's culture, Soho House contributes to the cultural fabric of these cities, even in the absence of a physical House.
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