When most people think about an office fitout, they picture new offices, updated furniture and a great-looking reception area.

But long before finishes and furniture are selected, one thing determines whether an office actually works: space planning.

A well-planned workplace makes your team more productive, improves collaboration, creates a better experience for clients and can even save you money by making the most of every square metre.

At Edit Interiors, space planning is one of the first things we tackle on every commercial project. It's more than fitting desks into a room, it's about understanding how your business operates and designing a workplace that supports it.

Here are five of the biggest mistakes I see businesses make when planning their office.

1. Trying to Fit Too Much Into the Space

One of the most common mistakes is trying to maximise every square mm by adding "just one more desk."

While this might seem efficient, it often has the opposite effect.

An overcrowded office feels stressful, limits movement, increases noise and makes everyday tasks frustrating. Staff end up working around the layout instead of the layout working for them. There is also the unseen effects such as increased load on the mechanical systems (air conditioning cant keep up with the increased amount of bodies), issues with compliance (Australian Standards stipulate 1 person for every 10m2) etc.

I always recommend allowing the following circulation space so people can comfortably move, collaborate and work without feeling cramped:

• back to back workstations 1800mm minimum (less can work but you compromise employee comfort)

• Single workstations 1200-1300mm if there is a wall or fixed unit behind the chair

• kitchen with an island 1200mm is ideal but no less than 1000mm between the island and opposing joinery

• walkways, clearances between furniture, corridors 1000mm minimum. Some corridors will attract a wider clearance if there are doorways, a change of direction or if the corridor has a 90° or 180° turn.

2. Forgetting How People Actually Work

The modern workplace has changed dramatically over the past few years.

Many businesses now operate with hybrid teams, video meetings, collaborative workshops and focused individual work.

That means a workplace shouldn't consist of rows of identical desks anymore.

Instead, think about providing a mix of spaces, such as:

• Flexible workstations for hybrid staff

• Meeting rooms/zones for collaboration

• Quiet rooms for focused work or confidential calls

• Informal breakout areas

• Flexible spaces that can adapt as your business grows

• Prayer Rooms, Parents Rooms, Wellness Rooms.

  
  

3. Ignoring Future Growth

An office fitout is an investment, so it should work not only for today but also for where your business will be in three to five years.

Before we finalise any layout, I always ask clients questions like:

• Will your team grow?

• Will you need additional meeting rooms?

• Could hybrid working change your occupancy?

Planning for future flexibility now is far more affordable than carrying out another fitout in 18 months.

4. Putting Aesthetics Before Function

A beautiful office is important but if it doesn't function properly, employees notice very quickly.

Great workplace design balances aesthetics with practicality.

That means considering things like:

• Furniture sizes

• Storage requirements

• Power and data locations

• Acoustics

• Natural light

• Accessibility

• Traffic flow

• Building compliance

The most successful workplaces are the ones where everything feels effortless because every decision has been carefully considered.

Good design should make work easier, not harder.

5. Treating Space Planning as Just Moving Furniture Around

Space planning is much more than arranging desks.

It's about understanding how your business operates.

• Who collaborates most often?

• Which teams require quiet work?

• Where do clients enter?

• What impression do you want visitors to have?

• How can the layout improve productivity?

These are the questions that shape a successful workplace.

When your office is designed around your people instead of simply fitting furniture into a floor plan, the difference is immediately noticeable.

Good Space Planning Adds Value

A thoughtfully planned office doesn't just look professional; it helps your business perform better.

Done well, it can:

• Improve staff productivity

• Encourage collaboration

• Create better client experiences

• Support employee wellbeing

• Maximise your lease area

• Reduce costly changes during construction

• Adapt as your business grows

Every business is different, which is why there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

The right workplace should reflect the way your team works, your company culture and your future goals.

Planning an Office Fitout?

Whether you're relocating, expanding or refreshing your existing workplace, investing time in proper space planning will save money, reduce construction changes and deliver a workplace that genuinely supports your business.

At Edit Interiors, we specialise in commercial office design across Brisbane, creating workplaces that are functional, compliant and tailored to the way each business operates.

If you're considering an office fitout, I'd love to help you make the most of your space.