How to Start Practicing Space Planning (Without Needing a Degree or Fancy Software)

If you’re trying to learn interior design and don’t know where to start, space planning is one of the first skills you need to build. And no—you don’t need a degree, AutoCAD, or expensive 3D software to get good at it.

You just need a process, a little practice, and the right tools.

Space planning is the foundation of every design. I don’t care how beautiful your vision board is—if your layout doesn’t work, the room won’t either.

That’s why I put together a printable workbook to help you practice and actually train your eye.

This workbook isn’t fluff—it’s based on the same exercises I used to teach myself layout and flow (before I ever touched a design program). And it’s what I still use when I’m sketching early concepts or teaching new designers how to think like professionals.

Why Space Planning Matters More Than Mood Boards

A lot of beginners jump straight into picking paint colors, pinning furniture, or learning rendering tools. But none of that means anything if your layout is off.

You need to understand:

How people move through a space
Where clearances are critical
How to zone open-concept areas
How scale and proportion affect comfort and flow

It’s not about guessing and hoping things fit. It’s about learning to think spatially—like a designer.

The Easiest Way to Start Practicing (No Tech Required)

So here’s what I made for you:

A printable, step-by-step Space Planning Workbook that helps you practice layout the way designers do in the real world.

It includes:

Scaled ¼" printable grid (with a 1” test square so you know it prints correctly)
Pre-sized traceable furniture pieces (so you can drag-and-drop or sketch accurately)
Real layout challenges based on actual client scenarios
Some standard rules for dimensions, clearances, and zoning (More no this can be found in the Course.)

And yes—it’s made for people who are learning this from scratch. You don’t need any prior experience to use it. You just need curiosity and a pencil.

If you're someone who learns by doing (not just watching), this is going to help you build your confidence and your portfolio.

This is the Skill Most Designers Struggle With (Even the Trained Ones)

Real talk: space planning is the thing I end up re-teaching most often—even to people who went to design school.

Because it’s not something you master in a PowerPoint or theory class.

You learn it by solving real problems. By designing for different client needs. By sketching five versions of a room and realizing the best layout isn’t always the prettiest—it’s the one that works best for the user.

Want the Full Crash Course?

The workbook is just one part of it.

If you’re serious about learning interior design without going back to school (or putting yourself in debt for a piece of paper you may not even need), check out the Degree-less Design Crash Course.

I walk you through everything you need to build real skills—from understanding layout and materials to getting clients, pricing your work, and presenting like a pro.

It’s the course I wish existed when I was teaching myself how to become a designer. No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just the stuff that actually matters.

Grab Your Workbook

You can download the Space Planning Workbook in Tools. Use it to build your confidence, train your eye, and start thinking like a real designer. (PS It's free for Course Members)

You don’t need permission. You just need to start.

XOXO,

Shira