How much studio space do I need?

Studio Matchmaker

At Eat Work Art we know that workspaces don’t operate on a one-size-fits-all basis. Creative businesses require their very own studio space to make, create and function. The workspace has evolved to reflect the nature of the companies that occupy them, designed around the people that work there.

Our fully serviced offices provide tailorability and ease for any ambitious business looking to rent a studio space. We can offer spaces that grow and change with the companies that inhabit the space. Teams can get the extra desk space they need and repurpose the space, too - avoiding unnecessary move fees. Studios were traditionally used as art space studios but have advanced to cater for all creative needs.

We want to take the hassle out of finding your space, so have put together a step-by-step guide to find a studio space right for your business. Once you’ve established that, we can show you a custom-selection, subject to our availability and pop you on a waitlist for future opportunities.

If you’re looking for a studio space to rent near you there are plenty of options across the capital, we have 2 sites in East-London and one in Waterloo. Workspaces that are truly fit for purpose encompass:

• Healthy and sustainable environment to support and improve wellbeing at work.
• Adaptable and efficient to make the best use of space.
• Operate to a consistent and modern standard that enables people to do their work well.
• Engaging and accessible so that the workplace is a destination that looks and feels desirable.
• Future proofed so they can adapt as working practices and organisations change over time.

1. What size space do I need?

The rule of thumb is that you should allow 100 sq.ft. per employee. Allowing for 50 sq.ft. for desk and computer space and the rest for room within the communal spaces, including meeting rooms and breakout areas. This is very much variable depending on whether you have a communal kitchen/breakout space outside the workspace and also the desk space required for your employees. Our in-house team of space planners can help advise on the final office layout before lease is agreed.

Workspace:

Amenities:

2. How much space do I need for social-distancing?

Many firms have come forward to confirm that they will be abiding to a new ‘six feet office’ rule which employs the idea that co-workers should remain that far away from one another. This can be helped by barriers between desks and pedestrian traffic lanes. With this in mind, you should consider offering around 10-20 sq. ft. extra per person if you are unable to stagger shifts between staff. A table that may have fit 8 people comfortably will now likely look like 3. Open plan offices are also still favourable, as they are much easier to clean and they also limit the amount of surface areas touched by different people. They also have more ventilation if you have window access as you can ensure the whole space has fresh air.

3. What are the essential requirements?

Business space requirements are usually governed by the building codes and regulations, alongside general employment law. Official guidance mentions that: ‘The total volume of the room, when empty, divided by the number of people normally working in it should be at least 11 cubic metres.’ This is roughly 55 sq. ft, which does generally fall below comfortable levels when desks and equipment are considered. As for bathrooms and kitchens, the number of toilets is governed by: 1-5 workers = 1 toilet, 6-25 workers = 2 toilets. Legally workers are entitled to rest and eating facilities but they don’t specifically mention kitchen. Eat Work Art provides enough communal bathrooms and kitchens for the capacity of each site (not inclusive of private facilities in some cases).

4. Basic checklist to consider:

• Headcount for company as it stands
• Plans for growth in the next year
• Essential workspace amenities (showroom space, natural light, workbench etc)
• Layout requirements (mezzanine, private office space, meeting room etc)