To Open Plan or Not to Open Plan? Why Good Design Makes All the Difference

Open-plan offices have had a rough reputation for decades. Poor concentration, low productivity, and frustrated employees often get blamed on the layout itself.

But let’s be honest — most of these spaces deserve the criticism.

The problem isn’t open plan. It’s lazy design. Cookie-cutter office layouts do more harm than good, whether it’s a start-up or a large corporate floor.

The Cost of Poor Open-Plan Design

When open-plan offices are designed without thought, they can create long-term costs instead of savings. Typical mistakes include:

• Rows of desks thrown together to save space or cut costs

• Random soft seating areas that no one uses

• Tea points located so inconveniently that someone feels like the unofficial office barista

The consequences? Noise spreads, irritation rises, focus and creativity vanish, and employees retreat into headphones and frustration.

The Power of Intentionally Designed Open Plan

When executed thoughtfully, open-plan workplaces can be transformative. A well-designed open-plan office can:

• Increase daylight access and visual connection, supporting employee wellbeing

• Encourage movement throughout the day, improving energy and circulation

• Make collaboration feel natural, rather than forced

And this applies whether your team has five people or five hundred.

How I Approach Open-Plan Office Design

I’m a big fan of the open-plan concept because it’s a design puzzle with endless possibilities. When I look at a floor space with open plan in mind, I focus on:

• Zoning solutions to create functional and fluid spaces

• Sightlines to improve communication and connection

• Acoustics — always, always, always

The goal is to give people an environment where they can not just do the job, but enjoy being there.

If Your Open Plan Isn’t Working, the Design is the Problem

Open plan isn’t inherently bad. It’s the thought behind the layout that makes or breaks the office experience. Poor design leads to frustrated employees and lost productivity. Good design leads to engaged teams and spaces that work as hard as the people inside them.

Local Expertise in the North West

If you’re based in Manchester, Cheshire, or Merseyside and feel like your open-plan office isn’t performing, this is exactly the kind of problem I help solve.

I work directly with business owners and operators to create intentionally designed open-plan workplaces that:

• Boost productivity and collaboration

• Improve employee wellbeing

• Maximise floor space and circulation

• Reduce noise and friction

Whether it’s a refurbishment or a new build, I focus on strategic, experience-led design that transforms how your team works — and enjoys the space they’re in.

If this resonates, feel free to get in touch to discuss your office project.