So now you have determined the role of your associate and have defined their function.  You realize their job will require casegoods (desks, credenzas, hutches, bookcases, etc.) for their hardwall office.  This will usually consist of a freestanding configuration, or an "L" or a "U" shape.

The desk will have a "modesty panel" which is the piece that goes across the front of the desk to create visual privacy for the associate's lower body.  That panel might be a "full modesty" which goes all the way down to the floor, or a "1/2 modesty" or "3/4 modesty" which would go 1/2 or 3/4 of the way to the floor.

The freestanding desk would be called a "double pedestal" because it has a set of drawers, or a "pedestal," at each end.  Those drawers could have many configuration options, among which might be: B/B/F (box/box/file), F/F (file/file), B/F (box/file), B/B/B/B, and many others.  You can usually order that desk with a center drawer, or you may want a keyboard tray instead.

Behind the desk would sit the "credenza." The credenza is designed to hold filing, supplies or even your computer.  It may have lateral files built into it ("double lateral credenza"), or pedestals at each end with doors in the center ("storage credenza").  It might also have pedestals at each end with the center being left open so you can pull up a chair and use it as a workstation ("kneespace credenza").

An "L" desk is a desk with a "return" that becomes an "L" shape when the two pieces are connected.  The desk is a "single pedestal desk" because it will have only one pedestal.  The return is defined directionally as a "right return" or a "left return," based upon which side of the desk it is on.  Left or right will always be determined based upon the position of the return to the user.  If you are working at the desk and the return is on the right, it is a "right return."  The return can be a shell (no drawers) or have a pedestal on the end.

A "U" configuration will have a single pedestal desk, a "bridge" and a credenza. The desk will be just like the "L" desk, but instead of a return being attached to the desk, there will be a "bridge."  This piece simply connects the desk to the credenza, forming the "U" shape.  Like the return, it is either a right or left bridge based upon it's location to the user.

To attach in a "U" configuration the credenza will be a single pedestal, but is usually not called that.  Often, the credenza will have a lateral file built in, due to it's size.

Sitting on the credenza or mounted to the wall is a "hutch" or "overhead storage"  These can be "open" (an open shelf) or "closed" (having doors).  Generally you want a "task light" mounted under the hutch.  This almost hidden light fixture significantly increases the illumination in your work area.

You may want to add a "tackboard" under the hutch.  This is a fabric-covered panel that attached to the hutch allowing you to pin things up (photos, important bulletins, etc.).  It also provides sound-absorption, aesthetically softens the workstation and, with the right fabric, can add a nice designer touch.

You may also want to consider bookcases, lateral files, wardrobe cabinets, glass covered shelves, and a myriad more options available.

Contact us at 702-471-0332 or james1.27@juno.com for assistance with your layout, or just for some free advice.  Remember, we specialize in quick-ship product and have thousands of items available in a two-day turnaround.

I know it's been two months since we posted Part One of this series.  Hope we didn't keep you holding your breath too long as you anticipated Part Two!  This time we want to talk about "Hardwall" or Private Offices.  These would be the fully enclosed offices, generally reserved for management or those with positions where privacy and/or security of information is critical (Human Resources, Payroll, etc.).

If you are going to invest in new furniture to allow your associate to become more efficient and effective while also creating an environment that makes a specific statement, shouldn't you first make sure you consider all of the issues regarding their actual needs?

To assess your furniture needs first consider the job function or role of the associate.  Are they management or clerical?  Do they share the office?  Do they require exclusive privacy?  Will they always work with the door closed?  Will they need to conference in small or large groups?  Do they ever have visitors?  Are the visitors from inside the company or outside?  Are the visitors truck drivers, clients, investors? 

Next stop and consider what business tools they may need to best perform their job function.  What are the filing needs of this associate?  How many inches of filing drawer space will they need?  Do they keyboard all day?  Do their documents or any of their work tools need a fireproof/impact resistant cabinet?  Do they need to spread out a lot of paperwork (requiring a lot of work surface)?  Do they need storage?  How much shelf space will they need for books, manuals, binders, etc?  Will they have multiple computer monitors, printers or other business machines?  Are those machines free-standing or will they need a stand to sit on?

Based upon how you answer those questions, you can begin to lay out the office furnishings.  These answers will help you figure out position of the desk/workstation in relation to the door, and how large it should be.  You can determine if the furniture should be veneer or laminate.  Now you also know whether or not you need guest seating, and if so, how much.  For storage or additional filing, consider a credenza.  Don't forget the bookcases or overhead storage hutches.

If you would like additional assistance with your office layouts, we'd love a chance to help out!  Contact us at james1.27@juno.com or call 702-471-0332.

Part Three is next....

You're looking to outfit that office with furnishings, and thought you made a thorough list of your needs. But every day finds you adding to the list.  Let's see if we can put together a reference tool to assist you with your planning.

First, make a list of all of the people who will be working in the office. Remember to include those new hires who will be starting soon. 

Next, consider the style of work environment for each person: private office, open workstation, cubicles, bullpen, reception, file room clerk, etc.

What is the function of each person?  How do they interact with the rest of your personnel? What type of furniture and accessories will they need? Are they on the computer all day? If so, then you need to provide them with ergonomic products such as a great all-adjustable chair, articulating keyboard tray, monitor arm and CPU holder.

Are they less computer intensive and more geared toward meetings?  Perhaps a conference style desk with a P-top would work well.

Don't forget all of those common areas like your lobby and reception station, the conference room, copy/file room, break room and warehouse offices.

You'll need furniture (chairs, desks, credenzas, overheads, bookcases, file cabinets...maybe even a filing system, machine stands, mailroom furniture, etc.), lights, whiteboards and bulletin boards, training room tables and chairs, floormats, projector screens and TV mounts, plants, artwork, ashcans and trashcans, lockers, storage cabinets, literature racks, children's toys and books, copy holders, footrests, plan holders, leather, wood and metal desk accessory sets, window blinds, a signage system, and more!

WHEW!!!

There's so much to consider! Next time we'll start breaking down the lists and the terms. Then we'll provide you with a printable tool that will allow you to more efficiently plan every single area of the office.

The most amazing thing is that all of these office furniture and accessory items are available in a quick-ship lead-time...most of them are able to ship in one or two days....even complete cubicle systems!!!

Part Two coming soon....

I want a nice desk and need quick-ship furniture.  Should I buy laminate or wood veneer Furniture?  Which is better?  Have you ever wanted to ask those questions, but for some reason....you just didn't?

The truth is, they are equally valuable; they just each serve a different purpose.

Laminate (melamine or HPL) is designed for durability, a wide variety of color options, lowering the cost of your furniture and drastically reducing lead-times. Think about a kitchen counter, the desk at work with the cool colors, or your new faux hardwood flooring. Those are all laminate finishes.

Wood Veneer finishes are designed for beauty, warmth, elegance, image, ambience, and make a bold statement about the owner.

Veneer comes with a soft laquer finish, a hard-shell laquer (almost identical to the finish protecting your car's paint), or one of many stages in between.

When purchasing furniture with a veneer finish, it is always good to ask for care instructions to maximize the look and to protect your new investment.  With so many types of finishing processes, it's best to ask how the manufacturer of your new furniture recommends caring for it.