FOUR KEY CONSIDERATIONS

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Here are a few of the things we ask our clients to consider at the outset of an office space project:

Look at their office space from the inside out.

That is, start with the people and make a thorough evaluation of how they get work done. To what extent do they collaborate or team with one another? What adjacencies are critical to the efficient flow of work and information within the organization? What are the individual and group technological needs. How is information stored, and where? Etc.

This process is known as “programming” and designers have been doing it for ages. Many dealerships now have the ability to assist with this and, using recently developed software, can translate the data obtained into fairly precise, value-engineered furniture solutions. Thus the client is assured of getting a well-organized office layout with individual workstations that are ergonomically correct and designed to work well for the people who occupy them.

Consider the amount of movement, or “churn”, traditionally experienced in the office layout.

The churn rate will affect the “lifecycle” cost of owning the furniture they buy. We encourage organizations with high churn rates (15% or more per year) to develop fairly strict furniture standards, so that when moves are made, the furniture components are relatively interchangeable thereby keeping the costs down.

Consider working with one dealer as much as possible.

This may limit the client’s furniture selection slightly, as no one dealer can provide every product on the market, but it will cut down on the confusion, which can be costly, and it will allow the individual dealer to achieve furniture volume levels that translate into deeper discounts for the client.

As far as competitive pricing is concerned, this can, and should, be established early on in the project through the use of simple pricing exercises. The client may want to enlist a third-party expert to ensure that apples-to-apples comparisons are made.

Nowadays it is not uncommon for price to be one of two or three equally important factors in the furniture selection process. Such things as furniture adaptability and the breadth of dealer services and experience often figure heavily into the equation.

Consider One-Stop Alternatives.

As a means of simplifying things and further controlling costs, the client should look for a dealership that offers a “one stop” alternative for furniture-related services. In addition to the customary delivery, installation and repair services, a typical “Full Service” dealer should provide most, if not all, of the following: Design, Rental, Cleaning, Painting, Wood Refinishing, Re-upholstery, Storage and Move Management services.

Dan Boyle is with California Business Interiors.

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