Essential Steps for Effective Space Planning

A great space is not just about stylish designs you got inspired by on Pinterest boards or aesthetic pieces of furniture that match your business personality or space’s general atmosphere. A big part of achieving this is effective space planning for maximum functionality. 

Nowadays, most offices have embraced hybrid and flexible work, upholding more adaptable and multi-functional spaces for their employees. In doing so, creating an interior design layout that does not put space planning at the bottom of their to-do list is vital. 

It should be a top priority, and in this article, we will explore the essential steps to practical office space planning that can inspire your team to perform their best work in the office. 

What is space planning?

Have you ever wondered why desks are placed in a certain area in an office or why a comfort room is placed near the end of the hallway? It’s probably not by accident, and it might be the result of carefully strategised interior design space planning by the designer or the design and build contractor. 

Space planning simply makes a physical space as helpful as possible for its occupants. It involves identifying the area’s general purpose, who uses it, what activities they perform within it, its location, and its functional requirements. 

The concept of space planning in interior design is pretty simple–personal tastes and aesthetic preferences should not dictate the layout of an area alone, and space planning should be the backbone of the entire interior design layout plan. The goal is to implement space-saving strategies to ensure efficient use of the entire area.

Once the space planning process is completed, it results in a “space plan”, which, according to study.com instructor Stephanie Pryzbylek, is “a drawing that identifies the needs and required elements of spaces…”

What are the benefits of efficient space planning?

Why is space planning important in interior design? Here are some benefits you must consider: 

• Not only does it save you space, but it saves you on costs, too. By eliminating unnecessary and unused areas, you can save space, reducing utility, maintenance, or rent costs.
• Enhanced functionality and movement circulation. A meticulously crafted space plan ensures a seamless movement for occupants, with obstacles and congestion intentionally minimised. It also addresses the users’ specific needs, considering accessible or safe fixtures and furniture placement for better functionality. 
• Improved productivity and well-being of occupants or office workers. A comfortable and attractive workplace can support your workflow, processes, and culture. This, in turn, paves the way for improved employee experience that will boost them to come into the office more often. Another outcome of this is stronger employee performance and a workplace that adapts as your company grows.  

Start inspiring your office team with these essential steps

1. Gather information and do your research 

Every space planning strategy starts with collecting information and determining the space’s use and how it can be transformed so employees can leverage it to their advantage. 

It is essential to conduct in-depth research and consider different aspects related to space use by considering the following questions: 

• What are these spaces’ specific requirements for view, light, or ventilation? 
• Is there any particular area that needs more privacy and additional security? 
• Which part should have access to external spaces? How should spaces be connected?
• What everyday activities do employees perform, and how can the space be transformed according to their needs? 

Get as much data as you can. The more information you collect in this first step establishes a more straightforward picture of your space plan. 

You can acquire it through employee feedback. Ask them if they use conference rooms more often, if they need more private or isolated desks, if they prefer natural light while working, and more. 

2. Know how the physical space’s layout reflects the organisation’s desired work styles, goals, or culture

A well-designed office layout must strategically reflect how the company wants its employees to work and what kind of culture it wants to cultivate. Take note of your workplace goals and objectives and ensure they align with your plan. 

For example, does your office advocate for a flexible, employee-centric workplace? If that’s the case, then you should allot an area in your layout for lounging or a collaborative room with inspiring designs, atmosphere, and facilities to fuel your team during brainstorming sessions. 

In another instance, does your company promote sustainable practices? Then, you must include measures that align with it in your space planning efforts. 

Doing all these can increase workplace satisfaction, encouraging loyalty and feelings of belongingness in the company.

3. Design a floor plan prioritising varying workspaces to accommodate different work styles and needs

All employees are different. The goal is to cater to the different ways they prefer to work and the specific needs of their tasks. Some might thrive in collaborative areas, while others need quiet, concentrated spaces. Similarly, specific jobs or tasks might require certain equipment or features.

So, an ideal space planning interior design and layout must have balanced characteristics to cater to the general needs of the occupants. Learn about occupancy profiles and how they make use of the workspace. Then, determine the correct number or mix of meeting rooms, one-on-one spaces, or collaborative areas. Offer various spaces based on their needs and allow them to thrive by accommodating the needs of each responsibility. 

4. Prioritise creating a safe and healthy working space

Above all, a secure and healthy working space–holistically–for employees should be a top factor to consider in office space planning. It is not something to be overlooked, as it is crucial to supporting every tenant’s physical, emotional, and mental state as they work and carry on with their tasks. 

Your workplace design should ultimately not trigger stress or anxiety but instead creativity and motivation. 

Consider the impact of natural elements, air quality, available rooms for social interactions, ergonomic pieces, and many other things that can positively contribute to employee well-being. 

5. Measure success, make changes as necessary, and assess for future needs 

Effective space planning is an iterative process that requires adjustments as necessary, even after implementation. The result should be spaces being used the way they were intended to be. You can check and monitor this by collecting utilisation data. 

Here’s how it works: For example, you’ve built an office pantry that can accommodate 30 people. As your company expands, you notice that the area cannot accommodate this number of people anymore, and it might be advisable to expand your pantry and look for other rooms that are not usually used by occupants. 

The bottom line is that your office space needs can change over time, so it is crucial to be prepared, leave room for changes, and assess future needs.

Get the most of your area through space planning services 

For a more efficient and effective space planning architecture, investing in office space planning services can help you do things right. 

Hire a trusted design and build solution provider like ID Craft, which has plausible interior design portfolio projects that you can count on for your space. We comprise space planning experts who can analyse your space and craft a strategic layout for your area. 

Contact us, and let’s talk about how we can unlock your space’s full potential.