Office Space Planning Calculator

Designing the right office space is one of the most important decisions any business can make. A poorly planned workspace can affect productivity, employee wellbeing, and even client impressions. At Molecule Designs, we understand the critical balance between functionality, aesthetics, and compliance with UK standards. That’s why we’ve created our Office Space Planning Calculator – a practical tool designed to give businesses an accurate understanding of how much space they need and how best to use it. From calculating workstation requirements to planning breakout areas and ensuring circulation paths meet accessibility standards, this calculator offers a structured approach that saves time, reduces guesswork, and sets the stage for efficient office layouts.

 

Whether you’re relocating, expanding, or refurbishing your workplace, our calculator provides data-driven insights that serve as the foundation for interior design decisions. The calculator is not only a space measurement tool but also a guide to understanding the needs of modern workplaces, including hybrid office planning, sustainable layouts, and provisions for employee wellbeing. By integrating industry knowledge and design expertise, Molecule Designs empowers businesses across the UK to plan spaces that are not only practical but also inspiring.

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Calculate the Exact Office Space You Need for Your Team​

Understanding how much office space is required can be a challenge, especially when businesses are balancing staff numbers, collaboration needs, and the flexibility of hybrid work. Our Office Space Planning Calculator makes this process simple. By inputting the number of employees and workspace preferences, businesses can quickly estimate the square footage needed, expressed in both square feet and square metres. This ensures accuracy for UK office fit-out standards, which often differ from international guidelines. Unlike general estimations, this calculator considers both direct and indirect space allocations, including workstations, meeting rooms, break areas, and circulation paths. By starting with the exact headcount and combining it with your company’s unique working style, open-plan, private offices, or flexible layouts, the tool provides a tailored result.

 

Planning for future expansion is also built in, meaning businesses avoid costly moves or disruptive refurbishments later. For small businesses, this might mean scaling efficiently, while larger corporations can evaluate their needs for hybrid teams. Molecule Designs integrates these calculations into practical design solutions, ensuring that when you step into your new office, it feels like a space designed around your people, culture, and growth plans

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Enter the Number of Employees and Workspace Preferences​

The number of employees is the foundation of any space planning exercise, but employee count alone does not tell the full story. Our Office Space Planning Calculator goes further by incorporating workspace preferences, helping to establish whether your team needs compact, standard, or more generous workstation allocations. For instance, businesses focused on creative or technical roles may require larger desks with equipment space, while consultancies may prefer open-plan layouts that encourage teamwork. Each of these choices directly affects the square footage required per person, typically ranging from 75 to 250 sq ft per employee.

 

By tailoring the calculation to your unique business model, the results go beyond raw numbers, providing a clear vision of how employees will use their environment. This approach reduces inefficiency, avoids wasted space, and ensures that staff enjoy comfortable, productive workstations. At Molecule Designs, we take these calculations and transform them into practical layouts that balance density, comfort, and flow, making sure the office is not only space-efficient but also aligned with your company’s culture. The right balance leads to greater productivity, employee satisfaction, and a professional environment that impresses clients.

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Choose Office Type: Traditional, Hybrid, or Flexible Workspace​

Every organisation is unique, and so is the type of office environment it needs. Traditional office layouts with dedicated desks for every employee are still relevant in some sectors, but modern businesses increasingly require hybrid or flexible arrangements. Our Office Space Planning Calculator enables you to choose between these models, tailoring the results to your company’s needs. Hybrid spaces, where employees alternate between working remotely and in-office, can significantly reduce the overall space required without compromising collaboration. Flexible layouts, incorporating hot-desking and multi-purpose areas, help businesses optimise costs while creating dynamic work environments.

 

Traditional layouts, meanwhile, may suit legal firms, consultancies, and industries where private workstations remain essential. By understanding these differences, the calculator provides accurate results that support your chosen model, ensuring that square footage is distributed correctly across workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces. Molecule Designs uses this data to advise clients on the best interior design strategies for their specific office type. From hybrid-ready layouts to agile workplaces that foster innovation, we help companies align their office type with long-term business objectives, ensuring efficiency and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world of work.

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Plan Ahead for Future Growth and Expansion​

Future-proofing is essential in office space planning. Many businesses make the mistake of calculating only for their current workforce, leaving no room for growth, which leads to premature relocations and costly redesigns. Our Office Space Planning Calculator is designed to anticipate expansion by factoring in growth projections. Whether you expect a gradual increase in team size or are planning a major recruitment drive, the calculator ensures that space planning accounts for future headcount, avoiding overcrowding and disruption. In practice, this may mean allocating an additional 10–20% square footage as a buffer, ensuring your office can adapt to new hires, departmental growth, or shifting workstyles. Molecule Designs applies this data within design layouts that can evolve with your business.

 

We incorporate modular furniture, adaptable meeting rooms, and flexible breakout areas that can easily scale as your team grows. By doing so, we ensure your workspace remains functional, cost-effective, and visually impressive over time. Businesses that plan for growth gain a competitive edge by maintaining a stable, professional environment, avoiding the downtime and expense associated with frequent office moves, and ensuring that employees always feel they have space to thrive.

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Get Your Customized Office Space Requirements in Square Feet and Square Metres​

In the UK, businesses often need to present space requirements in both square feet and square metres, depending on whether they are negotiating leases, planning fit-outs, or discussing budgets with contractors. Our Office Space Planning Calculator simplifies this by automatically converting and presenting results in both units. This ensures clarity for decision-makers, avoids costly conversion errors, and provides an accurate base for real estate discussions. For example, if a company with 50 employees requires 7,500 sq ft of space, this translates to approximately 697 square metres.

 

Presenting the results this way provides flexibility when dealing with UK landlords, property agents, or contractors who may use different metrics. Molecule Designs takes this further by using the calculated figures to create bespoke design concepts, ensuring that every square foot or metre is planned with intention. From workstation density to meeting room ratios, we transform raw numbers into practical layouts that make the most of your investment. Having a clear, precise understanding of requirements allows businesses to negotiate better deals, streamline design discussions, and move forward with confidence when creating a workspace that enhances productivity and supports business growth.

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Download Your Detailed Office Space Report with Layout Recommendations​

Our Office Space Planning Calculator doesn’t just provide numbers; it creates a detailed report that gives you a clear picture of how your office can function efficiently. This report highlights how space is distributed between workstations, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and amenities, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Molecule Designs uses this data to prepare layout recommendations tailored to your business style, even if you prefer open-plan or private spaces. You’ll also see guidance on how circulation areas impact flow and compliance.

 

The benefit is more than just knowing your square footage,  you gain actionable insights that help in lease negotiations, fit-out decisions, and design strategies. By combining calculations with professional design knowledge, our reports serve as a bridge between data and creativity, ensuring your office is both functional and inspiring.

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Space Breakdown by Workstations, Meeting Rooms, and Amenities​

A key feature of our calculator is the space breakdown report, which shows precisely how much area is required for each office element. Workstations are measured based on employees and desk preferences, while meeting rooms are allocated according to team collaboration needs. Amenities such as kitchens, reception spaces, and breakout areas are included to ensure your office is complete and comfortable. This breakdown is essential for planning efficient layouts and avoiding wasted or underutilised areas.

 

At Molecule Designs, we go further by interpreting this data into practical design solutions, making sure your office has the right balance between functional areas and collaborative zones. The result is a workspace that feels seamless, supports productivity, and provides a clear understanding of how every square foot or metre will be used effectively.

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Suggested Floor Plan Layouts for Efficient Space Utilisation​

Efficient space utilisation is one of the biggest challenges in office design. With our Office Space Planning Calculator, you receive suggested floor plan layouts that show how your calculated requirements can be practically implemented. This includes workstation placement, meeting room distribution, and amenity positioning, all while maintaining proper circulation paths. At Molecule Designs, we believe every layout should serve both people and business goals.

 

Our recommendations maximise usable space while promoting comfort and collaboration. By providing layouts that consider natural light, flow, and accessibility, businesses gain more than numbers,  they see how their future office can look and feel. This ensures that once you move forward with your fit-out, you are working from a plan that is realistic, efficient, and tailored to your needs, reducing costly mistakes during implementation.

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Estimate Costs, Fit-Out Needs, and Design Possibilities​

One of the greatest advantages of using a structured calculator is its ability to support cost estimations and fit-out planning. Once your space requirements are identified, Molecule Designs can align these figures with likely build-out costs, materials, and furniture investments. The calculator provides the groundwork for understanding how much budget may be required for workstations, meeting rooms, reception areas, and collaborative spaces. Our expertise ensures these estimates are realistic, based on industry standards and UK-specific benchmarks.

 

Beyond costs, we explore design possibilities,  from modern agile layouts to traditional corporate environments. This combination of data-driven calculation and creative interpretation allows you to see not just what space you need, but what that space could become. It helps you make informed decisions, balancing budget with vision, while ensuring the end result reflects both your brand identity and business growth aspirations.

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Why Use Our Office Space Planning Calculator for Your Business?​

Businesses often underestimate the complexity of office planning. Choosing the right space involves balancing employee comfort, efficiency, and long-term growth, all while staying within budget. Our Office Space Planning Calculator simplifies this process by providing a quick yet highly accurate estimate of your requirements. Instead of relying on generic industry averages, it tailors calculations to your company’s size, layout preferences, and projected growth. Molecule Designs takes these insights and turns them into practical, design-led solutions that align with your business objectives.

 

Using our tool not only saves time but ensures you enter lease negotiations and design discussions with confidence. It’s more than a calculator; it’s a professional planning tool designed by experienced interior designers who understand the nuances of workspace planning. This makes it an invaluable resource for businesses across the UK preparing to relocate, expand, or refurbish.

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Save Time with Accurate Office Space Estimates​

Time is a critical resource for every business. Our Office Space Planning Calculator is designed to deliver accurate results quickly, avoiding the lengthy guesswork often associated with space planning. Instead of sifting through conflicting information online, you receive clear data tailored to your team size and office type. Molecule Designs adds value by transforming this data into actionable strategies, saving countless hours during the planning phase. Businesses can move forward confidently with lease negotiations, budget preparation, and fit-out discussions, knowing their calculations are precise.

 

The speed of our tool is matched by its accuracy, reducing the risk of costly mistakes such as leasing too much or too little space. By saving time and providing a clear roadmap, our calculator allows you to focus on business priorities while ensuring your office planning is in expert hands.

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Industry-Standard Guidelines Backed by Interior Design Expertise​

Office space planning is not just about numbers ,  it’s about ensuring layouts meet recognised industry standards. Our Office Space Planning Calculator is built around UK-specific guidelines, including the British Council for Offices (BCO) benchmarks. These set recommended workspace allowances for desks, meeting rooms, circulation, and amenities. By using these guidelines as a foundation, the calculator ensures that your workplace complies with accepted best practices while remaining practical and comfortable.

 

At Molecule Designs, we apply our interior design expertise to interpret these standards creatively, blending compliance with style. This ensures that every square metre is used efficiently without compromising aesthetics or wellbeing. Clients benefit from both accurate technical calculations and the insight of experienced designers who understand how to create inspiring workplaces. It’s this combination of precision and creativity that makes our tool a trusted resource for UK businesses.

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Tailored for Small, Medium, and Large Offices in the UK​

Every business has unique needs depending on its size, culture, and future growth plans. The Office Space Planning Calculator has been designed to suit small, medium, and large offices across the UK. For small companies, it highlights efficient use of limited space and scalable layouts that accommodate growth. Medium-sized firms benefit from balanced designs with a mix of workstations, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas. Larger corporations often require complex planning for multiple departments, breakout spaces, and hybrid working models.

 

Molecule Designs tailors these calculations into customised design strategies, ensuring every business type has a workspace that reflects its identity and supports operations. Whether it’s a 10-person start-up in London or a 500-employee corporate office in Manchester, our approach ensures accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability. This flexibility makes the calculator a valuable planning tool for organisations at every stage of growth.

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Designed by Professional Interior Designers at Molecule Designs

Unlike generic online tools, our Office Space Planning Calculator has been developed by professional interior designers at Molecule Designs. With years of expertise in UK office design and space planning, we understand the practical challenges businesses face. Our team has combined data-driven accuracy with design knowledge, ensuring the calculator provides results that are both realistic and functional. By embedding design thinking into the process, we help companies avoid the common pitfalls of underestimating circulation needs, overlooking breakout areas, or neglecting future growth.

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Understanding Different Office Space Types and Their Importance​

Not all office space is created equal, and understanding the different types is essential for effective workplace planning. Our Office Space Planning Calculator goes beyond headcount to assess how workstations, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and amenities contribute to a balanced office environment. Employee productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing are shaped by how these spaces interact. For instance, open-plan layouts may suit creative agencies, while private offices may be necessary for law firms or financial institutions. Meeting rooms, reception areas, and circulation paths all play a role in shaping efficiency and impression. At Molecule Designs, we guide businesses through these choices, ensuring that each space type is accounted for in the right proportion. Recognising the importance of these different zones allows organisations to create workplaces that not only function effectively but also reflect company culture and enhance employee engagement.

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Employee Workstations – Open Plan vs. Private Offices​

Workstations form the heart of any office. Deciding between open-plan layouts and private offices has a major impact on space requirements and working culture. The Office Planning Calculator highlights the difference, showing how open-plan spaces typically use less area per employee, while private offices demand more square footage but provide privacy. Open-plan designs encourage collaboration and flexibility but may lead to noise or distractions. Private offices offer focus and confidentiality, often suiting professional interior design services.

 

At Molecule Designs, we balance these options by creating hybrid layouts ,  blending open zones with quiet rooms or pods for deep work. This approach provides the best of both worlds, enhancing productivity while maximising efficiency. By factoring workstation preferences into calculations, businesses ensure their office design reflects both employee needs and business identity, delivering a workspace that truly supports its users.

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Meeting Rooms and Conference Spaces​

Meeting rooms are critical for collaboration, presentations, and client discussions. Yet many companies either underestimate or overestimate how much space they actually require. Our Office Space Calculator takes into account team size, frequency of meetings, and company culture to provide accurate allocations. For example, a small firm may only need one formal meeting room, while larger corporations benefit from multiple conference spaces of varying sizes. Molecule Designs ensures that these spaces are proportioned effectively, balancing large boardrooms with smaller breakout rooms to encourage agile working.

 

Efficient planning prevents wasted space, while ensuring meetings take place in an environment that enhances professionalism and communication. By incorporating meeting rooms into the calculation and design process, businesses can achieve layouts that support collaboration, improve workflow, and create a polished impression for clients visiting the office.

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How Many Meeting Rooms Does Your Team Really Need?​

Determining the right number of meeting rooms is a common challenge in office planning. Too few leads to scheduling conflicts and frustration, while too many results in wasted space. Our Office Space Calculator addresses this by factoring in employee numbers, meeting frequency, and working style. For example, companies with hybrid staff may require fewer dedicated rooms, while organisations that rely on frequent collaboration or client meetings may need multiple. Molecule Designs helps businesses strike the right balance, often recommending a mix of formal rooms, informal collaboration zones, and technology-enabled spaces for virtual meetings.

 

By tailoring meeting room allocation to actual usage rather than assumptions, businesses avoid costly inefficiencies. This thoughtful approach ensures that employees always have access to the right kind of space when needed, supporting productivity while optimising square footage.

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Breakout Areas and Collaborative Spaces

Breakout areas are no longer a luxury ,  they’re a necessity in modern office design. These spaces encourage informal discussions, brainstorming, and relaxation, helping employees recharge and collaborate outside of formal meeting rooms. The Space Planning Calculator includes breakout zones in its calculations to ensure they are properly proportioned within your office footprint. At Molecule Designs, we recognise that well-designed collaborative spaces boost creativity, improve morale, and support hybrid working by offering flexible zones for both social and professional interaction. Whether it’s a lounge-style area, high-table seating, or casual pods, breakout spaces must balance comfort with practicality. They also contribute to employee wellbeing, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.

 

Planning them correctly prevents overcrowding or underuse, ensuring your office achieves both efficiency and vibrancy. By embedding collaborative areas into the overall office plan, businesses create environments where teams thrive together.

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Reception Areas and First Impressions for Clients​

The reception area is the first physical touchpoint a client experiences when entering your office ,  and first impressions matter. Our Office Space Planning Calculator ensures sufficient space is allocated for receptions that reflect professionalism, hospitality, and brand identity. At Molecule Designs, we design receptions that combine functionality with visual impact. Beyond being a waiting area, it’s a stage where your company values and culture are communicated. Comfortable seating, welcoming décor, and thoughtful branding create a positive impression from the outset. Reception design also considers practical needs, including accessibility, visitor check-in, and security.

 

By planning this space correctly, businesses avoid cramped or uninviting entrances that can weaken credibility. A well-designed reception signals organisation, trustworthiness, and attention to detail ,  qualities clients associate with successful businesses. Incorporating this area thoughtfully into calculations ensures your office speaks volumes before a meeting even begins.

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Circulation Paths and Accessibility Compliance in Office Layouts​

Circulation paths are often overlooked but play a crucial role in how people move through an office. These include corridors, walkways, and access routes that connect desks, meeting rooms, and amenities. Our Office Space Planning Calculator factors in circulation space to ensure compliance with UK building regulations and accessibility standards. At Molecule Designs, we design layouts that prioritise ease of movement, safety, and inclusivity. Proper circulation ensures that employees and visitors can navigate comfortably, while accessibility compliance guarantees the office is usable for all, including individuals with disabilities. This is not just a legal requirement but an ethical one, reflecting a company’s commitment to inclusivity. Circulation paths also impact workflow efficiency, overly narrow or obstructed layouts cause frustration and reduce productivity. Thoughtful planning ensures smooth movement, compliance, and an office environment that is both practical and welcoming.

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Why a Professionally Designed Office Space Matters​

A well-designed office is more than furniture and walls; it’s a strategic investment in productivity, culture, and brand. Our Office Space Planning Calculator provides the foundation, but professional design expertise ensures the results are brought to life effectively. At Molecule Designs, we create offices that are not only efficient but also inspiring, aligning your physical space with business goals. Professionally planned spaces consider employee wellbeing, client perception, and long-term adaptability, going far beyond generic layouts. In the UK, businesses face challenges such as compliance with building regulations, hybrid working models, and future-proofing for growth. By combining data-driven planning with interior design expertise, Molecule Designs ensures your office is both compliant and creative. The result is an environment that supports your people, enhances your brand, and delivers long-term value,  making professional design not an expense, but an essential business advantage.

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Employee Productivity and Wellbeing​

The design of a workplace has a direct impact on employee performance and wellbeing. Poorly planned offices can lead to stress, fatigue, and disengagement, while thoughtfully designed spaces encourage focus, creativity, and satisfaction. Using the Office Space Planning Calculator, Molecule Designs ensures that employees have enough space for comfort and that layouts support both collaboration and quiet work. Natural light, ergonomic furniture, and well-proportioned breakout areas are also key contributors to wellbeing. A workplace that prioritises its people fosters higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and greater employee retention. In today’s competitive market, businesses cannot afford to ignore the relationship between space design and staff morale. Investing in a well-planned office is investing in your team’s success, ensuring they feel valued, motivated, and supported every day.

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Client Impressions and Brand Identity​

Your office is a physical representation of your brand; it tells clients who you are before a word is spoken. From the reception area to meeting rooms, the design and layout communicate professionalism, innovation, and attention to detail. The Office Space Planning Calculator helps businesses allocate sufficient space for client-facing areas, ensuring they reflect the right image. At Molecule Designs, we focus on creating spaces that align with brand identity, whether that means sleek corporate interiors, creative collaborative zones, or high-end executive boardrooms. Clients notice these details and often associate them with trustworthiness and credibility. A poorly planned or cluttered office can create the opposite impression, weakening confidence. By planning with precision and designing with intent, your office becomes a powerful brand asset, reinforcing your values and leaving a lasting impact on everyone who visits.

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Compliance with UK Building Regulations and Accessibility Standards​

Compliance is a critical aspect of office planning in the UK. From fire safety to accessibility standards, businesses must ensure their office layouts meet legal requirements. The Office Space Planning Calculator incorporates circulation and accessibility space into its results, ensuring a compliant baseline. Molecule Designs builds upon this by applying in-depth knowledge of UK building regulations, covering everything from fire exits and emergency access to Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines. Compliance not only avoids costly fines and legal issues but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment for staff and visitors. Our expertise ensures regulations are met without compromising creativity or efficiency. By blending compliance with design, we deliver offices that are both legally sound and visually inspiring, giving businesses peace of mind alongside outstanding interiors.

Future-Proofing Your Office for Hybrid Work and Grow

The way we work is evolving, with hybrid models now the norm for many businesses. Offices must adapt to support flexible schedules, remote collaboration, and fluctuating headcounts. The Office Space Planning Calculator helps businesses plan for future growth by considering not only current needs but also projected expansion. Molecule Designs designs spaces that accommodate change, ensuring layouts remain functional as teams grow or shift. This may include flexible workstations, modular furniture, or multi-purpose collaboration areas. Future-proofing also means designing with technology in mind, creating spaces that support virtual meetings and digital tools. By planning, businesses avoid costly relocations or refurbishments down the line. A future-ready office ensures resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing work landscape, making it a smart long-term investment for any organisation.

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Plan Your Office Space with Confidence​

Planning an office can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and expertise, the process becomes straightforward and empowering. Our Office Space Planning Calculator provides the clarity businesses need to make informed decisions about size, layout, and functionality. Molecule Designs builds on these insights with professional interior design services, ensuring your office reflects your vision and supports your business goals. From accurate space calculations to tailored design strategies, we help companies across London and the UK transform their work environments into spaces of productivity and inspiration. Confidence comes from knowing your office is planned with precision and creativity, balancing compliance, efficiency, and style. With the right approach, your workplace becomes more than just a space, it becomes a catalyst for growth, culture, and long-term success.

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Use Our Free Office Space Planning Calculator Today​

Taking the first step towards a well-planned office is easy with our free Office Space Planning Calculator. In just minutes, you’ll receive tailored estimates based on employee numbers, meeting room needs, and future growth projections. Unlike generic tools, our calculator is backed by professional interior design expertise, ensuring accurate, practical results. Molecule Designs provides this service to empower businesses across the UK with the knowledge they need before committing to leases or fit-outs. Using this tool saves time, reduces risk, and gives you a clear vision of your office requirements. Whether you’re a start-up planning your first workspace or a growing company seeking expansion, the calculator is the perfect starting point. Take advantage of this free resource today and start planning your office with clarity and confidence.

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Book a Consultation with Our Interior Design Experts​

While the calculator provides essential insights, a personalised consultation takes your planning to the next level. At Molecule Designs, our interior design experts translate calculations into fully realised office strategies. During a consultation, we review your company’s culture, workflows, and brand identity, ensuring your workspace reflects who you are and what you aim to achieve. We provide guidance on design styles, fit-out options, and compliance considerations, turning raw numbers into actionable solutions. This bespoke approach ensures your office not only meets technical requirements but also inspires your team and impresses your clients. Booking a consultation gives you direct access to industry expertise, helping you avoid costly mistakes and achieve a design that works for both today and the future. It’s the bridge between data and design, a vital step in creating an office that truly supports success.

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Transform Your Workspace with Molecule Designs - London & UK Wide​

At Molecule Designs, we specialise in transforming offices into inspiring, efficient, and future-ready work environments. Using our Office Space Planning Calculator as a foundation, we deliver tailored design solutions across London and the wider UK. Our approach combines accurate space planning with creative interior design expertise, ensuring that every office we create reflects the unique needs of the business it serves. From small start-ups to large corporations, we provide end-to-end solutions, from calculations and consultations to full fit-out designs. By partnering with Molecule Designs, you gain not just an office but a workspace that supports productivity, showcases your brand, and adapts to future challenges. Our nationwide expertise ensures every project benefits from professional insight, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Transform your workspace today with Molecule Designs and create an office environment where people and businesses thrive.