Malori Bizzell

The right office location isn’t about choosing the “best” Texas market. It’s about choosing the market that best fits the way your business works. For Texas businesses looking for office space, Houston and San Antonio both offer compelling opportunities. But they are very different markets, and the right choice depends on more than rental rates or the size of the available space. For many small and mid-sized businesses, the decision also isn’t about choosing between downtown high-rises. Class B office properties in established business corridors and suburban locations can offer the professional environment, accessibility, amenities and value that businesses actually need, while not without paying for space or features they don’t. So, should your next office be in Houston or San Antonio? The answer depends on your business. Start With Your Business, Not the Building It can be tempting to begin an office search by looking at available properties. A better approach is to first understand what your business needs from its location. Consider: Once you know the answers, Houston and San Antonio become much easier to compare. Houston: More Choices Across a Large, Diverse Market Houston offers businesses an enormous range of office locations, from established suburban business corridors to major employment centers throughout the metropolitan area. For companies that want access to a large and diverse workforce, clients across multiple parts of the region, or a particular business ecosystem, Houston can offer significant flexibility. But Houston’s size is also something businesses need to consider. Choosing the right submarket can make a major difference in the day-to-day experience of an office. A location that looks attractive on a map may not be convenient for employees or clients coming from the other side of the metro area. That’s why, for a Houston office search, the question isn’t simply “Where in Houston?” It’s “Where in Houston makes the most sense for our people and our business?” Class B space can be particularly attractive for businesses that want to prioritize location, functionality and value. This can give businesses an opportunity to put their office budget toward the things that matter most to them. San Antonio: Accessibility, Growth and Value San Antonio offers a different kind of opportunity. The market is more compact than Houston, and businesses can find office locations throughout established commercial corridors that provide convenient access to employees, clients and major transportation routes. For businesses that don’t need a downtown address, suburban and non-CBD office locations can provide a strong combination of accessibility and value. San Antonio’s office market also demonstrates why businesses shouldn’t assume that the most expensive space is automatically the best space. In Q2 2026, Class B properties had a lower vacancy rate than Class A properties across the overall San Antonio market—15.6% compared with 18.5%. For a growing business, professional services firm or established company looking to make its office dollars work harder, that can make Class B an attractive option. Houston vs. San Antonio: What Matters Most? Rather than asking which market is better, consider which one aligns with your priorities. If workforce access is your biggest consideration Houston’s size can be an advantage if your employees are distributed across a broad area and you need to choose a location near a particular concentration of workers. San Antonio’s more compact geography may appeal to businesses that want to serve a concentrated local workforce without navigating the scale of a market like Houston. If client accessibility is critical Think about where your clients actually are. A prestigious address isn’t necessarily the most convenient address. For businesses that rely on frequent client meetings, a well-located office with convenient highway access and parking may be more valuable than a downtown location. If value is a priority Class B office space can provide an opportunity to balance cost with the professional environment your business needs. The goal isn’t simply to find the lowest rental rate. It’s to find the best overall value, which is a property that gives you the location, space, amenities and service that support your business without paying for things you don’t need. If you’re planning for growth Don’t choose an office based solely on today’s headcount. Think about where your company expects to be two, three or five years from now. You may need additional offices, more conference space, a different layout or simply more flexibility. The right property should be able to support your business as it changes. Don’t Overlook What Comes With the Building Two properties with similar rental rates can offer very different experiences. When comparing office space, look beyond the square footage and ask: These factors can have a much greater impact on your day-to-day experience than whether an office is technically Class A or Class B. For many businesses, a well-maintained Class B property in the right location can be a better fit than a more expensive Class A building in the wrong one. Houston or San Antonio? There Isn’t One Right Answer. Houston and San Antonio are both strong Texas markets. The right choice comes down to what your business needs from its office. If Houston puts you closer to your employees, clients and business opportunities, Houston may be the right choice. If San Antonio offers the accessibility, workforce and value that better align with your business, it may be the better fit. And within either market, the right submarket and the right property can be just as important as the city itself. The best office isn’t necessarily in the biggest market, the most prestigious building or the most expensive location. It’s the one that works best for your business. Ready to Find the Right Office? Hartman Properties offers Class B office space in established Houston and San Antonio locations, with a focus on providing businesses with professional, well-maintained properties and responsive property management. Whether you’re relocating, expanding or simply reconsidering your current space, start by identifying what your business actually needs, and then find the property that delivers it. Explore available office space in Houston and San Antonio, or contact Hartman Properties at

Office space isn’t just square footage — it’s a reflection of your business, culture, and future plans. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding your growing team, the space you choose affects everything from employee happiness to your bottom line. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to calculate what you need (with flexibility in mind), how to create a space that works for your team, and how to plan for growth. Office Space Calculator: Start with the Numbers A general rule of thumb is: Open office layout: 100–150 sq ft per person Traditional office (private spaces): 150–250 sq ft per person But those are just starting points.  Over the 50 years, the average square footage per employee has steadily decreased. In the 1980s and 1990s, it was common for companies to have 250–300 square feet per person, with a more hierarchical office culture. This included large private offices and large workstations. As open-plan offices became popular by 2000, tech startups championed collaboration over cubicles. The square footage per person dropped significantly — and even more to around 150–175 square foot per person by the mid-2010s. Post-2020, the move to more hybrid and remote work has also affected this trend — with many businesses moving towards hot-desking, shared spaces, and flexible layouts to save on square footage and encourage collaboration. But here’s the catch: not everyone loves it. Even in a hybrid model, many employees still want their own personal space. Having a dedicated desk or office lets people leave their items and not have to “reset” every time they come to the office. It’s a small thing with a big psychological impact. While flexibility and shared areas are important, don’t overlook the comfort and stability that comes from having a space to call your own — especially if you’re focused on employee retention and satisfaction. Every business operates differently. One may prioritize creative collaboration zones, while another might need more private offices and quiet meeting spaces. The key is to match the layout and allocation of space to the way your team works day-to-day — and to leave just enough room to grow without paying for space you don’t use. Let’s break it down based on what your team actually needs — not just square footage, but how the space functions.  Basic Workspace Needs: Area Size Range Notes Desk space per employee 50–75 sq ft For individual workstations or desks Private office (exec/manager) 120–200 sq ft Varies by role or hierarchy Conference room (small) 150–200 sq ft 4–6 people Conference room (large) 250–400 sq ft 10–15 people Huddle room / breakout area 75–100 sq ft For 2–4 person chats Kitchenette / Break area 100–300 sq ft Depending on usage & team size Reception/waiting area 100–200 sq ft Optional for some small businesses Planning for Growth One of the most common questions small and mid-sized business owners face when securing office space is: Do we lease for what we need now, or plan ahead for a larger team? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here’s how to think through it: Option 1: Lease for what you need now + 15–20% extra Allows for 1–2 years of growth Budget-friendly More efficient use of space Option 2: Lease in a scalable space (same property, larger suites available) Gives you flexibility to expand without relocating Ideal if you expect rapid growth in 12–18 months Option 3: Plan to move later Pick a shorter lease term (e.g., 12–24 months) Best if you’re unsure of future headcount Design with Employee Experience in Mind (on a Budget) A happy team is a productive team — but you don’t need a high-end campus to create a great environment. Must-Have Zones: Quiet zones for deep work Collaborative areas (open lounges, huddle rooms) Flexible furniture that allows for quick layout changes Natural light and greenery for wellness Kitchenette or break space — even a small, clean area makes a difference Budget-Friendly Design Tips: Use modular furniture to adjust over time Create multi-use rooms (e.g., meeting room + quiet space) Look for lightly used furniture to save money Partner with a designer who specializes in small-to-medium sized businesses Your Office Should Work As Hard As You Do Don’t just think about how your office looks — think about how it functions. The best office space is one that scales with you, supports your team, and fits your budget. Whether you’re building out your first HQ or upgrading from a coworking space, use this guide (and calculator) to make smart, flexible decisions. Quick-Use Office Space Estimator Team Size Open Layout (Min) Hybrid Layout (Mid) Traditional Layout (Max) 5 500–750 sq ft 750–1,000 sq ft 1,000–1,250 sq ft 10 1,000–1,500 sq ft 1,500–2,000 sq ft 2,000–2,500 sq ft 20 2,000–3,000 sq ft 3,000–4,000 sq ft 4,000–5,000 sq ft 30+ Plan modular space or flexible options that allow for growth, meeting rooms, and support areas     Choosing the right office space is more than a numbers game — it’s about creating an environment that supports your team, fits your workflow, and sets you up for future success. Whether you’re building out your first space or looking to scale up, taking the time to think through your real needs (not just square footage) can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Need help figuring out what’s right for your business? We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you find a space that works now — and grows with you later. Give us a call at 713-400-1000. Let’s find your perfect space together.