Interior Designer how-to

How to Create a Space Plan

Good layouts make spaces work.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good layouts make spaces work. In short: measure; list; draft, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Measure the space accurately.

  2. List client needs and activities.

  3. Draft zones and circulation.

  4. Place furniture to scale.

  5. Check codes and clearances.

  6. Review with the client.

Safety reminders for interior designers

  • Follow building codes and accessibility rules
  • Specify fire-rated materials where required
  • Wear PPE on construction sites
  • Protect client budgets with accurate estimates

Space planning · Floor plan · Elevation · FF&E · Finish schedule · ADA: see the full interior designer glossary.

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