How to Create an Awesome Office Space
Over the years, I’ve had multiple offices. I’ve learned some important things to look for in an office space! These are not all must haves, but they sure do help the space to work well. This list can help guide you when you are looking for an office and talking with the landlord about possible improvements for the space.
Professional building.
Environment matters. Find a place that looks professional and an office space that you feel good in. It’s the first thing your clients experience when they walk in, so make sure it feels welcoming. You want the space to be consistent with your professional identity.
It feels good.
You are going to be there every day. Make sure the space feels good for you as well.
Available parking.
If you have it, you’ll barely notice it. If you don’t, it will become a huge issue for both you and your clients. I had to leave a building once because the parking situation got so untenable due to growth in the town. Clients would arrive ten minutes late for session, out of breath and frazzled because it was so hard to get a parking space. Not a good way to start sessions for anyone. You want your clients to be able to access your office space easily. Parking matters.
A good waiting room.
Clients should feel good when they walk in. It should be large enough so that clients are not on top of each other. It should also be as private as you can make it. If there is a window into the main building hallway or outside, cover it with window film. The last thing you want is your clients sitting in the waiting room exposed to everyone walking by.
It’s very nice if you can have a hallway separating the waiting room and your office.
I’ve had a few offices where my office door opened directly to the waiting room. I much prefer a bit more space between them. It feels more confidential, and it also allows you to walk out of your office without being in the waiting room with your clients. Nice if you need to go to the bathroom or get a snack!
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A Kitchen.
Speaking of snacks. Get yourself a kitchen in your office suite if you can. And, speaking of bathrooms…
A private bathroom for yourself.
This is such a huge bonus. If you can make it happen, even if it means asking the landlord to add a bathroom in your suite, do it. There’s nothing worse than that awkward moment when you and your client are both in the bathroom at the same time.
Many therapist are surprised to find out that they can ask a landlord to make all kinds of improvements to the office space. Find out more about what improvements you can ask your landlord to make (cool things like a call light system) and tips to make an office your special place in the Mini Course, Establishing Your Professional Identity. You can also find all this information in the Master Course.
Soundproofing.
This is key and can be tricky. Whenever I look for space, I always test the soundproofing (I literally go into the next room and see if I can hear someone else talking). If the space has real issues with sound, you will be miserable there. See if the landlord is willing to do some upgrades with soundproofing materials for the walls. If it’s a big enough issue, don’t rent that space. You will regret it. Be aware, though, that no space will ever be fully soundproof. Most therapists use sound fans in their offices, hallways, and waiting rooms to help with this.
It’s important to have a landlord who will be responsive to issues.
While that may be hard to tell up front, pay attention to how they interact with you during the leasing process and how the building is maintained. If you notice problems at this stage in the game, be mindful. You don’t want a landlord who is going to be a headache to deal with. My last landlord owned multiple buildings, had their own maintenance staff, and immediately responded to all issues. They even gave their tenants flower at various times during the year like the start of spring. Not a bad touch!
Close to home.
Hey, if you can get it, do. There is nothing like a 10-minute commute!
To find out more crucial information about the steps you need to take when starting your private practice check out The Master Course, Everything You Need To Know About Private Practice But Didn’t Know To Ask. To get the same information in more affordable, bite size pieces, don’t miss the Mini Courses!
I love helping therapists build successful private practices! For more great information like this to help you build yours, make sure to check out the Master Course and the Mini Courses. I’m here to support you and I want to help you reach your dream!
If you need some individual help with all of this, I’m here for you! I offer mentoring services for those who want some personal attention to help them build their successful private practice. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can find out more on the Mentoring page.
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