Office Space Layouts

After you search a market for locations that suits your needs and you have created a short list of buildings, you will need to evaluate the specific layouts of the available spaces in each building. This can be done in a variety of ways. Assuming you have a good idea of the quantity of space you need, (a good subject for another discussion), you will need to obtain a copy of the "as-built plans" for existing suites or the floor plans for unfinished space.

Some buildings will have their architect provide you with a layout of your space needs known as a"test-fit" or you may choose to have your own architect evaluate the various alternative locations on your behalf. While this latter method does cost money up-front, it can potentially save you money in the long run. The test-fit is derived from a program you will need to provide to the architect which specifies the number and sizes of each room you require and their adjacencies. The architect's job is then to arrange your needs within the available space in a manner that best suits the operation of your business. By way of example, if you have a sales department and a production department that have to communicate frequently, you would want them to be located next to each other, not at opposite ends of the space.

Each space will have its own unique elements. The distance of the front entry relative to the elevators, lobby, bathrooms; the floor within the building; the exposure (direction the windows face); the ceiling height; the distance of the common corridor to the outside window wall and the physical shape of the space all matter, (some points more then others), depending on your needs and preferences.  

Once you begin comparing the various layouts, you will see that some fit your specific needs better then others. In one building all of the private offices may fit on the window wall and that may be one of your preferences. In another building the available suite may have its entrance right opposite the elevator which may also be one of your preferences. In the final analysis, you will need to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each of the opportunities and make the judgement call of which is overall best suited to your needs.

Comments

[Bill Brand]

This makes total sense.