1 November 2026 · 3 min read

6 Things to Decide Before Designing Your Shop or Office

A good design starts with good decisions. Spending an hour on these six questions before you meet a designer can save you a lot of money and rework later.

1. What will the space be used for each day? List the main activities and how many people will be there. The layout follows from this.
2. What is your budget? Decide a realistic range, and keep some extra aside for surprises. Knowing your limit early helps choose the right materials and finishes.
3. How should people move through it? Think about where customers or staff enter, where they wait and where they work. Smooth movement makes a small space feel bigger.
4. How much light and fresh air will it get? Natural light and ventilation make a space more comfortable and can reduce running costs.
5. Where will things be stored? Storage is often forgotten until the space is full. Plan it from the start.
6. Will your business grow? If you may need more seats, staff or stock in a few years, leave room for it now.

One more thing: approvals

Rules and approvals for building or changing a space differ from city to city. Check what is needed early so it does not delay your project.

Not sure where to start? Tell me about your space and what you want to do with it, and we can plan the next steps together.