Space Planning, Done Properly: A Q&A With Seniz Gokdemir

Space planning was once treated as a technical exercise… fit the desks in and tick the compliance boxes. But done properly it becomes the foundation for how a business actually functions, day in, day out, for years to come.

We sat down with Seniz Gokdemir, GTA’s Senior Designer, to hear her approach: What she looks for before a single piece of furniture is placed, the rules she won't bend regardless of the brief, and how she plans for a business that will look very different in three or five years' time.

Before you start space planning, how do you approach it? What's the very first thing you look at when you walk into a new space?

The first thing I look at is how the space naturally works before I start thinking about where everything should go. I pay close attention to the flow of natural light, the best views from the windows and how these change throughout the day. This helps me understand which areas of the floorplate might be best suited to different functions and where people are likely to feel most comfortable.

I also look at the architecture of the space itself, its proportions, ceiling heights, existing features and any more intricate or quirky characteristics. These elements can often provide the starting point for the design direction rather than something we try to design around or hide. Ultimately, I want to understand the personality and potential of the space first, before imposing a layout onto it.

What are your rules when it comes to space planning - the things you won't compromise on, no matter what the brief says?

One of my biggest rules is allowing a space to breathe. There can be a temptation, particularly in commercial environments, to maximise every available square metre, but if you overpopulate a space, you can quickly compromise comfort, functionality and ultimately the experience of the people using it.

I also won't compromise on the critical dimensions and clearances needed for people to move comfortably and safely through a space. Good space planning should feel intuitive, people shouldn't have to navigate around furniture, squeeze through circulation routes or constantly negotiate with other users.

Accessibility and compliance are also non-negotiable. A successful space needs to work for everyone, and these considerations should be integrated into the planning from the outset rather than treated as something to resolve at the end.

What's the most common mistake you see businesses make with their space, often before they've even brought in a designer?

One of the most common mistakes is trying to fit too much into a space. Businesses understandably want to make the most of their floor area, but there is a point where adding more desks, meeting rooms, furniture or functions starts to work against the people using the space.

Another common mistake is trying to force a particular look or layout onto a building without considering the character and fabric of the space itself. Every building has its own opportunities and constraints, and I think the best designs respond to these rather than fighting against them.

How do you balance what a client thinks they want with what actually works once real people are moving through the space day to day?

I think it's important to challenge preconceived ideas, but to do that collaboratively rather than simply telling a client that something won't work.

We use detailed and thorough design workshops with the project champions and key stakeholders to really understand how the business operates. We want to know what works well in their current space, what doesn't, how people actually use the workplace day to day, and where there are frustrations or inefficiencies.

That insight is incredibly valuable because sometimes what a client initially asks for is a response to a problem they've experienced, rather than the solution they actually need. By understanding the reason behind the request, we can explore different ways of addressing it. The aim is to create a space that reflects the client's aspirations while being grounded in how real people will use it. It also gives us the opportunity to avoid simply repeating the mistakes or limitations of a previous workplace in a new one.

How do you plan for a business that's going to change: so the space still works in three or five years, not just on the day it opens?

We always try to design with the future in mind. A workplace should be able to evolve with the business rather than becoming outdated as soon as it opens.

As part of our process, we produce what we call 'Day 2' layout plans, which look at how the business could continue to grow and adapt within the space over the coming years. This helps clients understand not just what the space will look like on day one, but how it can respond to future changes in headcount, working patterns and business requirements.

We also think about the infrastructure from the outset. For example, making sure there are adequate power provisions and other essential services in place from Day 1 can make a significant difference when layouts need to change further down the line. It means future alterations can be made with minimal disruption and without having to revisit the fundamentals of the space. 

For me, good space planning isn't about creating a perfect snapshot in time. It's about creating a framework that can flex, adapt and continue to work as the business evolves.

If you're planning a move, an office refurbishment, or simply want a space that works harder for your team, our design and build process starts with exactly the kind of thinking Seniz has described here. 

Explore our workplace design services, browse our latest projects to see it in action or email us to find out more.