When you’re setting up or redesigning an office—whether it’s a growing business in Des Moines or a home office tucked away in Cedar Falls—it all starts with space planning. At Workspace Inc., with locations in Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines, we have seen firsthand how a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. The truth is that office design isn’t just about choosing stylish furniture or picking a trendy color palette. It’s about creating a layout that works for the people who use it every day. That’s where office space planning comes in.
Think about it: before you add in a desk, a chair, or a collaborative table, you need to know where everything fits, how people will move through the room, and how the space will actually function. Without this step, even the most beautiful office can feel cramped, awkward, or just plain inefficient. That’s why we always encourage our clients to start with space planning—it sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Why Space Planning Matters
Let’s be honest, most of us spend a massive chunk of our day at work. The environment around us can make or break our productivity. If the layout feels cluttered, distracting, or uncomfortable, it’s hard to focus. On the flip side, a well-planned office feels like it “flows.” People know where to meet, where to take calls, and where to buckle down on solo tasks.
Planning office spaces is about more than just fitting furniture into a square footage. It’s about striking a balance between functionality and comfort, as well as collaboration and privacy. You need to think about traffic flow, sight lines, natural light, and even things like acoustics. It’s a bit like putting together a puzzle—every piece matters, and when they fit together correctly, the whole picture comes into focus.
The Role of a Test Fit
One question we hear a lot is: What is a test fit? Simply put, a test fit is a preliminary layout that shows how your furniture and workstations might fit into a given space. It’s a way of “trying on” a design before committing to it.
Imagine you’re leasing a new office in Cedar Rapids. You want to make sure the space you’re about to sign for can actually meet your needs. A test fit answers questions like: Will the conference room be big enough? Can we add more workstations down the road? Do we have enough storage?
This step takes away a lot of the guesswork. Instead of making expensive mistakes later, you can see a visual representation of the layout upfront and make adjustments. It’s one of the most innovative tools available when planning office spaces.
Planning for Businesses
For businesses, space planning is directly tied to efficiency and culture. Do your employees need collaborative areas to brainstorm, or do they need more quiet zones to focus? Maybe it’s a little of both. The right plan makes sure everyone has the environment they need to do their best work.
A thoughtful plan also leaves room for growth. We’ve worked with plenty of companies in Ames and Des Moines that have scaled quickly. If you only design for today, you’ll end up redesigning tomorrow. But if your office space planning includes flexibility, like modular furniture or adaptable layouts, you’ll be ready for what’s next without major headaches.
Planning for At-Home Use
Of course, not all office planning is for large corporations. Many people now work from home at least part of the time, and having a smartly designed home office is just as important. The challenge at home is usually maximizing a smaller footprint.
Even in a spare bedroom or corner nook, planning office spaces matters. Where should your desk go to take advantage of natural light? How do you minimize distractions while still keeping the space comfortable? What kind of storage will keep your work organized but not overwhelm the room?
The key is making intentional choices. A little planning up front saves you from a home office that feels cluttered or uninspiring.
Why Start with Planning
The bottom line is this: without planning, design becomes guesswork. And guesswork usually means wasted money and time. Whether you’re setting up shop in downtown Des Moines or creating a quiet home office in Cedar Falls, office space planning helps you avoid those pitfalls. It makes a clear roadmap that keeps your project on track and ensures the result is a space that actually works for you.
At Workspace, we love helping people make these decisions. We’ve seen what happens when planning is skipped, and we’ve seen how transformative it can be when it’s done right. Starting with a plan isn’t just the first step; it’s the smartest step. Contact us today to get started on your office design plan today!
FAQs About Office Space Planning
Why is space planning important in office design?
It ensures your space is functional, efficient, and comfortable, while also allowing room for future growth.
What is a test fit, and why should I use one?
A test fit is a preliminary layout that shows how furniture and workstations might fit in a space. It helps you visualize the design before making commitments, saving time and money.
How does office space planning benefit businesses?
It improves workflow, supports company culture, and creates a space that grows with your business.
Is space planning useful for home offices, too?
bsolutely. Even in small spaces, planning helps maximize comfort, productivity, and organization.
When should I start planning my office space?
As early as possible, before you sign a lease or buy furniture. That way, every decision you make is guided by a clear layout.