Offices
Reception Small Space Design for Offices
Keep one clear route and make infrequent activities share a footprint. Measure what happens when the room is occupied.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Remove items used elsewhere and list what still needs to fit in the room.
- Put frequent-use storage against a fixed edge and test whether shallow storage works there.
- Tape the occupied footprint of the largest movable item, including the user and the space needed to operate it.
Worked example
A compact apartment entry has no separate closet, yet coats and bags pile up beside the front door.
Replace a deep cabinet with a shallow wall-mounted rail and a bench with lift-up storage. Tape the open door and seated footprint first to confirm neither blocks the route.
How to test it
Rehearse the busiest moment with everything open or pulled out. If the route disappears, change the furniture size or position.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Place the desk in direct sight of the entrance, with waiting seats beside it and a clear path onward.
- Detail
- Use a durable counter face and a warm, even light on the visitor side; keep the sign visible from the door.
- Trade-off
- A dramatic desk can make a strong first impression but consume space needed for circulation.
- Test the entry sightline from outside
- Walk a visitor route without crossing desk queues
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