Interview: Chris Glass of Soho House
Chris Glass has been the Director of European Membership for the famed Soho House for years now and we met for a chat over wine and calamari in Cecconi’s Italian restaurant, nestled luxuriously at the foot of Soho House Barcelona.
Interestingly enough, the first topic of conversation that came up was the change in the political landscape in the USA where he hails from (Glass is from Georgia). What strikes you about Chris is that he must be a perfect fit for his title. He is diplomatic, cordial to the several people who came up during the interview to say hello, and generally of a genteel manner. He’s been running the membership department of Soho House internationally for years, but has also been living outside of his country for over a decade and a half.
“This is the first time I’ve actually contemplated giving up my American passport, and I don’t know if I’m going to do it right now, but I’m considering it and that is a point to be made.”
Studying theatre at the Boston Conservatory, he eventually found himself in NYC and then in Europe, just after university, working in beauty and marketing. Being based out of Germany, he has learnt how being a member of a club like Soho House can create an essence of community and networking on a social scale that resonates with members and non-members alike.
“There is a perception that Soho House is about elitism or about ‘rich people,’ and that’s not at all who we really are. Nick Jones, the founder, has been known for preferring to have a struggling writer ordering glass after glass of tap water while working on his trade than some privileged suit ordering cocktails in the lounge.”
Note: the selection process is thorough and if you are a privileged suit your acceptance may not be in the bag. In fact, one of the rules that has been mandatory in Soho House since the Nineties is that no suit-and-tie/tux/fancy ballgown dressing is permitted. Punto!
“I made a rule awhile back that I never try to ‘sell’ anyone on becoming a member. If it’s right for you, and it fits in your schedule and interests, than perfect.”
Glass went on to mention the incentive given to 27’s-and under who are interested in becoming members, because oftentimes, even though the world seems to cater to younger crowds, few places take the time to hear them out and listen to their needs. If they join, they receive a half-price discount until they turn thirty.
A place like Soho House puts striving younger artists and creators and pursuers of something new into an environment where they can find mentors and like minds.
“Honestly, this new house in Barcelona is the most exemplary opening we’ve done and, in my opinion, it’s also the best house in the group, at the moment. What’s great about the Barcelona House is it has a magic size. By that I mean that it’s large enough for everything we need but small enough to have immediate atmosphere when you come through the doors, and the team here just blows my mind. They really have shown that their intention is to make people feel welcome. And most important is that the members get it too! They really understand the intent here. It’s been great”
There is a quarterly intake where all online applications are reviewed and chosen by committee, so take a moment to go to their website and check out what Soho House Barcelona has to offer, then fill in an application and get started. You’ll be quite glad you did.