Because of factors such as the shape of the building, locations of the core areas (stairs, lifts and toilets) columns, windows etc, different buildings will be able to accommodate different numbers of staff. Even so, having an idea of the amount of space your firm will require will help you budget more efficiently and avoid wasting time reviewing options that are really not suitable.
Many companies may initially feel they have a reasonable understanding of the office space they need, although this is usually based on the amount of space they currently occupy. Changes in furniture solutions and different working practices may mean that the space a company requires is very different from what is currently utilised. Also, by looking at predicted space requirements in advance of any detailed design work gives the opportunity to group teams together properly and develop a space standard by considering options such as greater open pan working or different approaches to meeting spaces.
A proper workspace audit requires time and commitment from senior staff as they will need to provide information and their views in to the process, but it is possible to carry out an early assessment using the following guidelines.
Open plan areas are likely to be where the majority of your workstations are going to be located and it will form the most efficient use of office space. The amount of space required for a workstation in an open plan environment will depend on the size of the desks and how they fit together but with efficient furniture solutions and large open plan areas, workstations can accommodate three square meters or less.
As you would expect, offices for individual workers take up far more space than an open plan desk, and usually can not be planned as efficiently. A large single person office with room for a small meeting table in addition to a desk, will occupy about five times as much space as an open plan workstation whilst a smaller office, without the meeting table for example, will take up about four times as much space.
Meeting rooms also need to be allowed for in the space calculation. These can range from about four meters by four meters (sixteen square meters) for a medium sized meeting room to accommodate six to eight people, rising to thirty six square meters for a boardroom capable of seating eighteen to twenty people around a large table.
In addition to all of these you need to make allowances for kitchens or tea points, break out areas, filing storage, comm rooms as well as a reception. Once you have these figures, circulation space should be added to the calculation and whilst this will depend on how efficiently it is possible to plan the office refurbishment, you should expect to allow an additional 20% for general circulation.
More information can be found on how to calculate how much office space you require with examples of different layouts and for advice and assistance on office refurbishment.
Simon Murray is an experienced office refurbishment project manager who writes about business and real estate matters.
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