Whether building a new building or renovating an existing space, many companies underestimate the importance of the last major step of a project - furnishing the new building or addition. The furnishings and overall aesthetics of an office environment can go a long way towards creating an image for your organization. The image your organization projects is especially critical if you frequently meet in house with customers or clients. Early, proper planning is extremely important to ensure that the proper image is portrayed. In this article, the design team at VerHalen Commercial Interiors will attempt to help you understand the design process and answer the seven most frequently asked questions of their staff.

How can I achieve the image I want for my company?

In today’s marketplace, image is critical. Your corporate image will be reflected in the overall ambiance of your office environment. The layout and design of the office space, as well as the finishes you select and the style of your furniture help to create this ambiance. A good way to start planning your portrayed image is to collect photographs and pictures from magazines, catalogs and trade publications. In addition, ask your vendor to let you tour examples of previous projects that incorporated similar designs, styles, furniture and quality. Your designer can then integrate these aspects into your layout. This process will ensure you receive exactly what you desire.

How do I select a designer/vendor?

Do your homework. Interview furniture providers as you would a potential new employee. Speak with other business owners who have recently completed the same process. In addition, ask for references. The design team at Ver Halen recommends looking for a company that is turnkey. This means someone who not only can supply you with material, but can also assist you in every step of the process. This includes design, space planning, selecting furniture specifications, project management, inventory, installation and service.

How is a master plan created?

Creating a master plan requires careful preplanning. Some of the issues that need to be addressed include:

• Growth projections-where will your organization be in two, five or ten years?
• Office interaction and departmental relationships (interior personnel planning).
• Traffic patterns.
• Individual space needs.
• Acoustical privacy concerns.
• Electrical plan.

Consider empowering your employees during this process. Interviews and surveys not only allow your designer to identify current problems, but it also lets your employees know you value and appreciate their opinions.

How do I plan for the future?

Growth and change are an integral part of the corporate workplace. Some furniture built today is created to respond to these changes and will adapt and transform as your company does. Factors such as price, convenience, privacy, versatility and workspace size must be considered when selecting furniture. The right selections will help make future office reconfigurations and technological advances easier.

At what point should I start to think about office furnishings?

Ideally it is best to start when your architect or builder is in the design stage. If this is not possible, at a minimum, begin your planning 3 months from the completion of your project. If you wait too long to start planning, your move in date could be delayed due to back orders, and more importantly, you may make hasty, incorrect decisions. Enlisting the help of a designer to work with you and your contractor will help eliminate expensive mistakes such as discovering the placement of electrical components does not coincide with your plan for workstation furniture.

How do I determine a budget?

Unless you have furnished an office environment in the past, it is probably unreasonable to establish a budget yourself. A designer or furniture dealership can help you create a budget by determining your needs, sense of style, and type of materials that will best reflect your business. Your budget should include not only the cost of the furniture, but also the cost of installation and delivery.

Can I incorporate existing furniture?

Absolutely! A designer who is respectful of your needs will reuse existing furniture whenever desired and possible. You can renovate existing furniture by re-upholstering or painting to match your new decor. In addition, some furniture vendors will custom match to current colors at no additional cost.