Every good tech startup knows you need an amazing office layout to work at maximum productivity. Deciding whether to use an open layout or have separate offices may also be impacted by world events.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 1.5 million jobs in the software development industry. Many people decide to strike out on their own and create their own startup. However, software isn’t the only game in town. Ultimately, no matter what sector of the industry you enter, you likely have competition.

Every little advantage, including how well your office space functions, can give you a slight edge. Here are some things to consider as you layout your tech startup office.

1. Consider Connectivity

As a tech startup, employees and clients expect you to be with the current trends of the day. Before you place a single piece of furniture, consider the equipment you’ll have and where it might fit best.

If you plan to have smart screens for team meetings, you’ll need a big space and a blank wall for the screen. Perhaps you plan to go wireless, in which case you won’t need to run as much Cat 7 as if you wire everything.

Really think through your own technological needs and the best location for the hardware and wiring throughout your space.

2. Reduce Outside Noise

If you lease a space in a busy part of town, you’ll get foot traffic and make it easy for customers to find you. Unfortunately, there may also be unwanted outside noise. Some employees have a hard time focusing with too much busyness.

One of the best ways to block noise is by adding acoustical panels and filling up holes and gaps. Make sure windows are fully sealed and add panels on walls with busy outside streets.

3. Choose Open or Closed

Decide beforehand if you want an open office concept or closed off spaces. With the pandemic and unknown factors about whether another trails behind COVID-19, it might be best to have individual offices.

You can always add an open space for stand-up meetings, brainstorming sessions and other events. Think about the different tasks your staff completes during the day. Perhaps they have clients in and you need a comfortable boardroom for presentations.

4. Enlist an Interior Architect

Architects aren’t just for designing buildings. Some specialize in how to layout an interior space for best use. A professional can help you see issues you might encounter as your company grows. You might want to put your offices in an L shape, but it might also create an inconvenience for those workers at the back of the L. A U pattern might work better for your workers.

5. Remember Reception

Just because the focus of your layout is on those who work their every day and meeting the needs of a growing tech startup doesn’t mean you should ignore your reception area.

As you gain more and more clients, you’ll need to meet with them in-house. Some will want to see your operation before making a commitment to come talk to you. Make sure you have a space for them, even if it is just a small waiting area at the front of your building. Ideally, you’ll install a receptionist to field visitors and make sure they connect with the right person.

6. Ignore the Trends

Just because every other startup has an open layout doesn’t mean you have to. In a report by Inc., they explain that your office layout impacts employee productivity and job satisfaction. Your design should start by considering your workers.

If you are just opening, you may have to talk to them about what worked at their old companies. Try different things until you find the solution that works for you. Some office spaces are made to move around, and that might be a great option if you’re still in the infancy of your brand.

Which Layout Should You Choose?

Ultimately, you may find that the layout you start with isn’t the one you stick with. In the beginning, be open to changing things around. Don’t worry if you have an open layout one day and your employees beg you for separate offices with walls and doors the next.

Try different ideas until you hit on what works for maximum efficiency. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your office layout won’t be either.

Source: Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. She was the creative director at a digital marketing agency before becoming a full-time freelance designer. Eleanor lives in Philly with her husband and pup, Bear.