What is space planning in interior design?

Space planning or space optimization is the organisation of interior spaces to improve function, circulation, and comfort. It precisely defines how rooms are used, how furniture is placed, and how spaces relate to each other, before decoration or styling decisions are made. This is done with 2D floorplans.

Space Planning & Optimization

Flow & Function

Stella Studio | Interior Designer Geneva at work on clients' projects

Copywright Stella Studio | Interior Design Geneva

Stella Studio floorplan drawn by hand for a clients' project

Enquire

The Purpose:

Space-planning & space-optimization is the cornerstone of my work. I rethink your home so that every square meter serves a function, supports your way of life and feels natural to move through.

What I do:

Analyse and define your needs (your habits, your daily life, your dreams)
Map out technical and architectural constraints (the original floor plan, whether a new build or a renovation)
Optimise the existing plan to deliver options of floor plans relevant to your lifestyle

The role of Space Planning & Optimization

Space planning isn’t luxury, it’s the foundation of a home that works, a home that helps all its inhabitants grow together in harmony and just feels great to be in. Space planning is incredibly personal, the same house could be planned in opposite ways depending on the owners, and so it's really important to map out your needs first. A few examples of elements I've seen in other people's houses that, ultimately, create various types of frustrations and grievances:

Planning after finishes

People choose materials, furniture, lighting, then realise the space still feels wrong. Without thoughtful space planning, everything else is superfluous. Yes it is the more fun stuff, and after being feed pretty images non-stop on Instagram or Pinterest, we are led to believe an expensive throw will solve our problems. Until we realize it doesn't.

Circulation isn’t considered early

Rooms may be beautiful but awkward to use. People bump into furniture, drift through inefficient paths, feel cramped where there’s potential or on the contrary feel lost in a vast empty space. Space planning is important for both small apartments and grand mansions. The human body doesn't enjoy feeling like an ant or an elephant, proportions and adequate circulation matter.

The function is unclear

Is this a living room, a dining room, or an office? Without defining what you need each space to be, poor space planning brings sufficient chaos in our lives that actually need comfort when coming home. And yes, spaces can be multifunctional, like in a studio, but still have defined spaces. I will show you.

There’s no roadmap for design decisions

Without a clear floor plan, all of the renovation or building choices will be harder, the builders can quote you whatever they wish and your renovation risks being expensive and misaligned with your actual needs. I don't think there's anything worse than finishing a renovation and thinking a few months down the road: "oh, we should've thought of that".

My Space Planning & Optimization service addresses each of these points and adapts the approach to your home, your family and your life.

Let's talk

Who this is for

You want to understand, not just get a floorplan

You don’t want someone to hand you a plan without context, you want to understand why each spatial choice works for your life. As I said above, there's rarely a one plan fits all and you know that, you want tailor-made, bespoke, space planning logic explained simply and thoroughly.

You want to be part of the process

You might not have the time, or the expertise, or even the desire to do everything yourself, but you do want to stay involved and informed at every stage.

You want a clear process

You want structure (what will happen, in what order, and why). You want a plan that you can trust as a basis for the rest of the decisions you'll need to be making.

You’re tired of superficial advice

You don’t want vague suggestions like "timeless design" or pretty ideas that don’t improve daily life. You want clear, practical spatial solutions, done by a human being, who listens to and understands the human being that you are. Not a multitude of AI tools.

Enquire

How my
space planning process works

Residential - Commercial - Office Space - Health Institutions

1. The foundation

We begin with a detailed brief based on your lifestyle, routines, preferences, and budget. Not guesses. I will ask a lot of questions, be prepared to talk alot about yourself and your family. This is my first step before even looking at the space.

2. Architectural analysis

Once I have access to your property, I study its architecture, proportions, constraints, light, opportunities and its story, to understand what's already working, what I can improve and what I have to plan with.

3. Layout options

I will draw three 2D floor plan proposals, each to offer you a different way to organise areas, improve flow, and serve you, the clients.

4. Selection & clarification

Together we review these options, discuss trade-offs, refine details, and choose the one that aligns with your actual needs defined in step 1.

What this
service includes

After the Space Planning phase

Eligibility

Detailed project brief and needs definition
Spatial and architectural analysis
Multiple 2D layout options
Refinement with a final proposal if needed
Clarity before renovation or design decisions

At the end of the planning phase, you have:

A clear spatial logic to guide your interior design renovation
Confidence in decisions before investing in finishes or construction

A foundation that prevents costly mistakes, or frustrations later

Your project is a good fit if:

You are ready to think through how your space is used
You value structure and long-term functionality
You want clarity before aesthetic or renovation decisions
You're ready to invest on human expertise to make your space a better place

The projects I take on:

A single room
An apartment
An entire property
Residential investments
Old or new builds
Commercial, professional and health-related spaces that want to be experienced like a home

How to begin working with me

Step 1 - Reach out

You send me your details, explain your project, needs, budget, deadline if you have one and we set up a meeting.

Step 2 - Initial talk

We discuss your goals, constraints and priorities in a first call. If I need to see the site before I make you an offer, I will let you know during this call.

Step 3 - Proposal

I prepare a proposal outlining scope, deliverables and pricing according to our discussion. This may include Phase 2 and 3 of my services, depending on your needs.

Step 4 - We begin

Once you approve, we begin the planning process together.

Let's make your place yours

Stella Studio | Interior Designer in Geneva's desk at work while space planning on paper

Stella Studio | Interior Designer in Geneva's desk at work while space planning by hand on tablet

What this space planning service is and isn’t

It is:

A structured, methodical approach to space and function
Personalised, adapted to you and your life.
A clear basis for future design decisions
The cornerstone of my work for phase 2 and 3 of my Interior Design Services.

It isn’t:

A shopping list
A loose zoning sketch
A vague software recommendation
Anything done with artificial intelligence. It's all me, my brain and my pen, working for you.

There’s no “one layout fits all”. There’s a best layout for the way you live, and that’s what Phase 1 - Space Planning & Optimization delivers.

Is this exactly what you need? Send me a message

Estelle a su intégrer nos idées tout en proposant les meilleurs agencements possibles. A l'écoute, créative, efficace et rapide, elle a tout de suite compris ce que nous recherchions et a su transposer nos souhaits. Elle nous a fait gagner de la place et réaliser des économies, tout en créant un joli espace de vie, chaleureux et pratique. Je vous la recommande sans hésitations :)

Anna-Léna S.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Optimising a small apartment for living and working starts with clear space planning. The goal is to define distinct zones for work and daily life, even without walls, and to improve circulation so the space feels fluid. Furniture placement, light, and storage must be planned together so each square metre serves a clear function. This is exactly what this service is for, reach out and let's optimise your apartment!

The cost of a professional space design quote depends on the size of the property, the complexity, and the level of planning required. There isn't a cut-clear answer for this as quotes are usually project-based and reflect analysis, layout design, and documentation needs. It's also important to note that hiring an interior designer and space-planner will not only save you time and headaches, but they also look out for your budget and with their knowledge and expertise, costs will be saved. Talk to me about your project and request a quote here (https://www.stellastudio.ch/booking-calendar/space-optimization-planning?timezone=Europe%2FParis&referral=service_details_widget)before committing.

In architecture, space planning is the organisation of rooms and circulation within a building’s structure. It considers volumes, structural constraints, light, and regulations to ensure the building supports its intended use efficiently and comfortably. It's a little less inhabitant-centric than in interior design. I like to say that architecture is Macro, the big picture of the building, and interior design is Micro, the details and the life it's going to hold. When you're building a new house, or purchasing a new build, you want both knowledges for a happy result.