It was when designer Paulo Falconer eventually tired of holding work meetings in coffee shops - generally noisy, often inconvenient, frequently inappropriate - that the idea of establishing an alternative venue struck him. "If this is my experience," he thought, "there must be scores of others who are in the same boat."His idea to cater to the mobile office generation became a reality two weeks ago when he opened his coffee shop-cum-work space, Home Bru Graft Café, arguably the coolest space in Durban to have coffee, hold a meeting or complete a project.There is a big market out there for the office/café hybrid and it is growing. With technology improving and business cutting back, this concept offers a functional and welcoming work space where creatives, mobile workers and freelancers can share equipment, congregate, have privacy when necessary, or just chill with a laptop and a cup of Java.These fusion venues may have been around New York for the last five years but it is a first for Durban. The coffee shop with its in-house roasted beans, freshly squeezed juices and salads in a jar is upfront; the soundproofed telephone booths, boardroom, and communal table of partitioned work spaces fills the double-volume space at the back.It is a highly functional venue - clients can book and pay for all their requirements (including their choice of coffee) online, the internet is fast, Wi-Fi is free, and an architectural printer and scanner are available, as is a staffed hot desk. As importantly, it is an appealing venue with its cool, surfer-inspired interior.Paulo, brother Roberto and father Ian Falconer make up Falconer Design, an interior design company specialising in commercial and hospitality projects.It is a great escape from the boardroom. Open until 8pm, this is a perfect spot for after-work drinks. "It's not a pub," said Paulo. "It's a quiet place to chill and have a craft beer."Beacon Rock Centre,21 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, 082-435-3911..