1. Consider the type of room where your office is or will be located. What are the dimensions of the room? Where are the windows located? Do they open up, down, in, or out? How high are they off the ground? If you need to minimize glare, have you considered window coverings? Where are the electrical outlets located? Are there enough? Is the power sufficient for your hardware? We recommend that you consult an electrician should you have any questions. Where are your phone outlets? Are there enough? Do you need to add a line for a fax or modem connection? Have you considered an ISDN line to access the Internet at higher speeds? Is the space’s current lighting sufficient? Are there any closets that can be better utilized in a well-planned workspace? Is noise a problem? If so, is the room carpeted? Should better acoustics be incorporated into the room? Is the room used for any other purpose that would affect the layout of the office? Do you need to hide your workspace? Do you need to incorporate a bed or upholstered furniture? Many options exist to satisfy all these needs. 2. Consider how you currently work. Do you like to spread out or do you work compactly? How many hours a day do you spend working on a computer? Do you use a laptop or personal computer? Does your work surface require a special shape or edge? Can your space accommodate your work style? Perhaps you should consider changing your work habits or looking for another workspace. How much drawer space do you need? Do you prefer to keep your supplies on your desk? What sort of supplies do you use? Where would you like your computer peripherals, shelving, and file storage to be located? How could these be placed to minimize excessive or uncomfortable movement during use? Consider how often you need to access each item so that everything can be placed in a proper location. Do you use a task light? If so, what kind is it (halogen, fluorescent, incandescent)? Are you pleased with the light it provides? Do you require a height adjustable work surface? An adjustable keyboard tray? A monitor arm? Good ergonomics are key to a good workspace. Ask our space planners for details. Analyze your daily activities. Do you do a lot of keyboard work? Do you have an excellent ergonomic chair that will complement those activities? Dutton Design's space planners are experts in ergonomic seating who can help you select from our diverse lines of outstanding and stylish chairs. Are two people sharing a room? If so, make sure that both individuals’ work habits and needs are taken into account. Will you need to accommodate guests in the space? If so, what kind of seating/conferencing space will be necessary? 3. Consider storage needs, specific dimensions, and accessories. Storage needs: Files: Letter or legal size. Linear feet of storage needed (e.g. 15’ of file storage). Bookshelves: Height and depth. Liner feet of storage needed. Oversized volumes? Other specific storage needs? Computer Systems: Hardware Height Width Depth Monitor       Printer       Fax       Other       Other       CPU - Note if CPU is a vertical tower or horizontal. Does the monitor rest on the CPU? Are grommets needed? Grommets are holes in the work surface that allow wires to pass through to power and/or connect the office equipment. What is the best location for grommets? How thick is the widest plug that will be fed through the hole? Please make sure that you look at your printer cable that usually has the largest head and oftentimes requires a big grommet. 4. Consider other important issues. Will you wish to retain existing furnishings in the new office configuration? What are the dimensions of existing pieces? What colors would you prefer for your new furnishings? What materials do you like? Do you prefer wood, wood veneer, laminate? What stain or color would you like on your selected material? What is your budget?

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our design tips, please send us an e-mail with comments to info@duttondesign.net or send your comments via our on-line form.