How to control wrist pain - Commercial Design Control

If you are one of the individuals who sit all day in an office doing the tedious task of typing, chances are that you could be suffering from some kind of discomfort that effects your fingers, wrists or hands effecting your whole body; or you be going through the painful experience of carpal tunnel. This pain or discomfort could lead to receiving injections or wrist splits or sometimes even limit activity and movement of your arms. Luckily, such permanent injuries can be prevented by using a good ergonomic keyboard accessories.

Modern technology and science has recognized the need of ergonomics. Today’s ergonomic keyboards and mice are being created not only to provide a comfortable platform to let the hands and arms rest naturally reducing force and stress on the posture but also to improve productivity. Some ergonomic keyboards are sold at very high prices; especially, if they include premium features which increase their life span costing up to $ 995.00. However, simple ergonomic shaped keyboards with no additional features can provide the same kind of stress relief and can range around $ 250.00.

There are many kinds of ergonomic keyboards, mice and accessories available in the market for left or right handed people that fit the natural human form with their unique contoured designs. Some of the popular keyboards out there are split, contoured, angled split.

Split Keyboard: is a single board, with the keys separated into two or three groups, allowing the user to type at a different angle than the typical straight keyboard.

Contoured Keyboard: these keyboards have the keys placed into two depressions which are set approximately at shoulder width, with function keys set between the key groups for use with the thumbs. In this configuration, very little movement of arms and wrists is required.

Angled Split Keyboard: are similar to a split keyboard, but the middle is tented up so that the index fingers are higher than the pinkie fingers while typing.

Other accessories like keyboard Palm Support provides a place to rest your hands while they are not actively keying and enhance comfort and reduces stressful extension of your wrist.

Repetitive clicking of a mouse can lead to (RSI) repetitive strain injury risk. Latest mice are being designed to eliminate clicking completely which helps preventing such strain injuries and reduced mouse fatigue.

In order to reduce pressure on the fingers and hands while typing you can follow some simple steps. For example, keep the wrist in a neutral position; parallel to your desk and the middle finger must be in line with the wrist and forearm. Don't rest your wrist while typing, let it float. Only rest your wrist while you are NOT typing. Use a light touch when pressing keys.

Once you adjust to the ergonomic style of the keyboards life and typing can become easier, faster and less painful.

Office Working Environments – Positive Effects - Commercial Design Control

In this economy improving the look and function of your office can be a challenge. Times are tougher than ever before, and there may be times when changes are necessary to stay on top. Buy keeping the attitude positive, the company moral high, and the company image as a success story is not an area where you should be making those changes.

A comfortable well working office will have a positive affect on your employees moral and ultimately increases the overall productively levels. Today’s offices are using less people to do the same work load. By giving your employee a proper desk surface, adequate overhead storage and well planned furniture for the task, you are ensuring that your employees make the most of their working hours by staying focused on their job at hand.

The objective of any company is to maximize the opportunities for success. A prime example of potential opportunity lies within your employee’s hands. They are the front fighters that can make or break you. They can be positive, or they can be negative. A lot of their attitude comes from your attitude towards the company and how you regard their personal comfort while working for you. It makes logical sense to make sure they have all the tools they need help you build towards your success.

How to achieve a good work place environment:

Time: First and foremost find time to review how your offices works, who works with who, how many need privacy versus how many need open communication. How many files does each person really need at their desk? How many shared files do you need, and who used them? How many printers do you need, versus how many do you have? What can you get rid of and what needs to stay in the office? Take the time to talk to your employees and find out if they know of a better way for them to work. What do you envision for your office? What are your goals?

Budget: Secondly, look at the budget; how much can you spend and what costs are involved. Price out each workstation and private office as well as board rooms and seating costs. Always the more you buy, the less your overall price will be based on contract furnishing costs versus one of a kind. Remember to consider costs such as data/phone line changes. If you are doing this to improve your office work space and moral, don’t buy something because it is the cheapest product on the market, buy what you really need to take care of all aspects of the renovation. Although cost is important, it is not the only factor involved to do the job right.

Office Furniture Companies: Shop around and look for different office furniture providers / companies. Search for office furniture company’s online that do both design and furniture. You will have a one source purchase which mean better savings. Google Toronto Office furniture to see what comes up. Go onto each website and see which one has the style that seems right for your company’s image.

Showroom Visits: Furniture is not something that you would want to buy online by just looking at the picture. You should choose a furniture provider who can actually take you to their showroom to view some of their latest products. This way you can actually see the product first hand and decide on the color and finishes. I would also suggest requesting the furniture provider to take you on a tour of some their recently finished projects. This will give you an idea of their services and grasp the level of satisfaction and trust their current customers have.

Delivery: You should choose someone locally or within your area as this will cut down your delivery and installation costs. Make sure know what your lead times are so they coincide with any renovations you may be having prior to installing the furniture.

All in all I would suggest choosing a company and furniture that is straight forward with you in your dealings, and well established in the industry. A company that is solid and has a good sense and knowledge of the product and the business they are in. A team who could walk you through step by step with dedication, confidence and good advice in choosing the right furnishing, with the right budget for your next project.

Office Furniture Reconfigurations | COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL

Every office with time needs some changes in its design and layout. With reconfiguration you can actually improve the look and efficiency of a workplace.

Companies do reconfiguration due to the following main reasons.
1. Company size: Up –sizing or down sizing, what ever the case is the existing furniture needs to be reconfigured to work with the new environment of the company.

2. Relocation/Existing Furniture: There are times when companies move to a new location and the new place comes with existing furniture. You are stuck with a design and layout which perhaps was good for the company before but not that great for your companies’ workflow and efficiency. Reconfiguration can help turn this “new workspace” into “your workspace”.

3. Budgetary Constraints: Sometimes companies buy a new place or have an existing space but due to budgetary constraints they cannot purchase new furniture. This is when they benefit from reconfiguration.

4. Surplus Existing Furniture: Reconfiguration is a good choice when the company wishes to utilize their existing furniture so that it works with their current needs.

It’s best to hire a Space Planner and Designer who can create drawings /plans for the reconfiguration after analyzing the space and needs based on time. A good space planner will come up with a plan which involves the least amount of down time for the office yet makes sure that everything goes smoothly resulting is a more relaxed and productive workspace to meet the needs of all the employees.

Another important aspect of reconfiguration is to inventory your existing furniture to determine what can be used or if there is a requirement of additional new items to complete the reconfiguration.
Always look for a furniture installer who is knowledgeable about the product which is to be assembled and offers dismantling and moving any existing furniture to make space for the reconfiguration. They should also offer full inspection after completion to make sure everything is perfect. Correct installation is imperative to maximize productivity and reduce inefficiency and to stay on budget. A well established furniture dealer or company and its installers would always work closely with the facilities manager to over come any logistical complexities and to make sure that every job is finished satisfactorily.

It’s always best to do some research before buying furniture like cubicles and add on. Today’s modular furniture products have made reconfiguration a simple job. By adding a few new products to the existing cubicles you can change the look and meet the needs of the employees at the same time. Cubicle walls or separators are a crucial part of any reconfiguration. They come in different materials like wood, aluminum, or steel and covered with fabric or steel or cork board to achieve the final look; which makes it very easy to move and reconfigure. There are different wall styles available based on thickness and design. Thicker walls give more room for electrical wiring and look more permanent but heavier and harder to move. They are most suitable for Executive spaces and Conference areas. Standard office cubicles are made of thinner material so they are easy to move around and redesign. By adding height adjustable walls to an office or cubicle you can control the privacy preference of a space. If the need changes it’s easy to add another panel to increase or decrease the height.

Office furniture – Work Surfaces for your Office

Sometimes it’s hard to decide which surface is best suitable for your office? Understanding the positive and negative aspects of each texture and surface can help you to make the appropriate choices for your workspace. Here are some of the different options that are available in the market which can help you decide keeping your budget and needs in mind.

Laminate: There are two kinds of laminates in the market. Low Pressure and High Pressure. Low pressure laminate is sometimes also referred to “Melamine”. It is a thin single melamine paper bonded to a substrate board. High pressure laminate surface is composed of multiple layers of paper saturated with resin and finished with a printed surface. Over the years laminate has become popular and has been well received by the furniture buyers. Advanced quality and techniques have it made very hard for a common eye to distinguish between laminate and real wood veneer. Layers are pressed together under high heat and pressure creating a durable material which is scratch, water and heat resistant; the end result is an uncanny resemblance to solid wood. Laminates are highly durable, inexpensive and low maintenance. They are scratch, heat, chemical and moisture resistant. Some laminates have flame retardant properties and have good electrical isolation properties and antibacterial properties. Laminates have a good 15 year life span against wear and fading; hence making them very suitable for an office as they stand up to the daily demand of a busy office. Taking care of laminate surface is very easy just wipe it off with water and clean cloth and you are good to go. No need to wax or polish. An additional advantage of laminate surfaces or furniture is that they can be easily customized when it comes to special sizing of drawer and cabinet configuration and two tone coloring. Price is usually the most important factor when it comes to redoing or reconfiguring your office. Laminate furniture is less expensive than real wood hence less expensive to install. Sometimes you can self assemble the items which can be cost effective if you are on a tight budget.

Veneer Surfaces: If you like the look of “real wood” for your office then veneer surface is the way to go. Wood veneer furniture will add an image of class and stature to your office. Due to its particleboard substrate it is resistant against warping and moisture damage better than solid hardwood. Veneers benefits the environment; it can incorporate beautiful symmetric and consistent grain patterns as well as give you the opportunity to use rare wood such as rosewood as part of the design. Please keep in mind that over a period of time lighting can changes the color of wood. Natural veneer surface can be protected with polish containing natural ingredients using a soft lint free cloth. You should protect veneer surfaces from severe scratches by using accessories which have felt leather or cork padding. Try lifting objects rather than sliding when moving across the veneer surfaces.

Solid Wood: Solid wood is not “solid” as its name implies. It is constructed of narrow planks cut to be a desired width and laid side by side. 100% softwood and hardwood lumber. Such surfaces or furniture uses no veneers or particleboard fillers. The grain of the wood will be visible and the piece will likely feel heavier. It is not cost effective to carve an entire piece of furniture out of a single piece of wood. Solid wood furniture is extremely durable and can last a life time. It can be sanded, stained or refinished. It offers superior stability and reliability and is of higher quality.

In the end it’s a matter of your preference, budget and need. Who knows in the future we will have surfaces and furniture as durable as solid wood, environmental friendly and beautiful as wood veneer and affordable, and durable as laminate.

New Office Furniture - PMF Plumbing/Mississauga

Commercial Design Control Inc is proud to have been a part of the office renovation for the PMF Plumbing Customer Service Offices located on 1775 Bonhill Road Mississauga Ontario.

PMF Plumbing in Mississauga Ontario sells high end luxury kitchen and bathroom fixtures and wanted to create more space for product displays in the main showroom.

They also wanted to use this opportunity to create a better working environment for their 12 customer service reps scheduled to be the ones moving. So they decided that the customer service staff would move into another section of the building to free up the badly needed showroom floor space.
They asked us to help them create an open concept area for the new space where they could feel the pulse within the department and yet still maintain a level of privacy for the large number of in and out going phone calls.
PMF Plumbing wanted a furniture system in their new office that would maintain the level of quality and style that was consistent with their product displays in the showroom.

For their new furniture systems, they selected the Links System by The Office Furniture Group.

They liked the durability and solid construction of the systems furniture, as well as the fact that they could move the system around by themselves if they wanted to make any on the spot changes in the future.
They wanted to achieve a look for their new area that was clean and updated with a neutral tone color scheme.

We used the dark walnut for furniture the bases, and a light maple for the surface tops. We chose a 100% nylon brown, black, gold and green carpet staying within the earthy tones which would also hide dirt and grease They did not want to repaint the walls as the muted gold/brown color recently painted was still in very good condition. So they asked us to select the new colors to work with the existing wall color. All of the furniture and carpet finishes were selected around the existing paint, to compliment and update the overall look and feel of the office space.

Remo Cardinale – General Manager at PMF Plumbing commented that he felt the colors and the look of the furniture could not have been a more perfect fit, and were exactly as he’d envisioned.

Thanks Remo … Commercial Design Control Inc. wishes everyone at PMF Pluming continued success in your new location and thank you for the opportunity in assisting with your office updates and furnishing needs.

Office Scenting – creating the smell of your business

I recently attended a seminar on the use of “scent” and how it affects our environment.  It made me really stop and think about how and where this could be used when designing an office.  We have all been using the sense of sight, touch and hearing to create the desired business atmosphere, but how about adding the final touch … the scent?

“Scenting” is finding its way into the world of office design, and is a perfect way to complete the final touch on a project.

It’s a known fact that color has an impact on the productivity and the mood of employees. It has also now been confirmed that we can create an environment using fragrance that impacts concentration, has some health benefits and may reduce clerical errors in the workplace.

It is a fact that a smell … good or bad … impacts the human emotions.

Think about the smell of freshly baked cookies, coffee perking, lavender or vanilla? Do any of these create a pleasant feeling or trigger a pleasant memory?? If your answer is YES then you probably agree that certain scents can be used to create certain atmospheres.

For example, lemon and lavender are known to produce the most significant positive results for reducing anxiety and enhance work performance. Vanilla tends to calm and relax the nerves.

Companies are branding and using specific scents for specific products.  Think about your local coffee hang out.  Do all coffee shops smell the same to you, or do some have that specific coffee aroma that hits you as soon as you open the door?  Is the smell familiar to you when you walk in?  Companies have even gone so far as patenting a scent that is worn by their employees and put on their products to be passed along to their consumers.

But a word of caution; be very careful when choosing the scent for your business environment. Making the right scent choice is ultimate because it must be neutral and inoffensive.   It must create a “flow state” where one loses the normal sense of time and is totally consumed in the event. The flow state should be subtle and last up to several minutes.

There are many ways and methods of incorporating the scents into your office. Some options include dry air scent delivery system, scent machines, scented oils and even scented candles and air diffusion.  More sophisticated and costly methods involve the use of electronic diffusers or “nebulizers” which come with time release settings for continued and constant scent release.

Your choice on delivery method, depends on the size of the your office and the atmosphere you want to create, the kind of business you are in and what is the message that you want to put out about your company and how you want visitors to your office to remember you.

The next time you enter into a large department store, an up scale shopping mall, or your favorite coffee shop … take a moment to stop and smell the air!

Office Furniture Movers

Making office changes and picking the right trades people can sometimes be a daunting experience. There are a few things that you could keep in mind to help make this whole process less stressful.

Needs and Quality versus Price: First try to understand the needs of the employees and the office environment. Evaluate the quality of work of the installer versus price. How competent is the team of workers and do they offer certain services like garbage removal, small repairs and service calls after the installation is complete. It’s better if you request for a written estimate for all installation costs for the project and what services it includes. If you have time get at least 3 estimates to get an idea of the cost.

Referrals: Another thing to consider is how long the installation company has been in business. Reputable installation companies will provide you with a list of past clients who have agreed to be contacted as references. A list of all completed projects and furniture systems installed would be a good starting point to get an idea of their expertise and accomplishments in the field.
Some time furniture dealers have their own installers that do an excellent job and the cost is included with the furniture pricing. However, be sure that they have previously worked together and had a satisfactory relationship in the past. This is to assure you that they will not blame each other in the event that the project turns out to be substandard, with the dealer blaming the installer of doing a poor job and the installer blaming poor materials and product.

Family owned versus Large Business: A small or mid sized installation company, preferably family owned is more likely to deal with you personally rather than a bigger company who have their own salespeople. That means you are likely to be talking with the installers themselves who would, presumably, know what they are talking about. Sometimes they will direct you to their preferred furniture dealers and might even have some samples of the furniture that they have installed to give you an idea, which might save you a trip to the furniture supplier.

At the end it is your decision what services and expectations you have from an installation company and how much you want to spend.

Workstation Ideas from COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL

At COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL we have created thousands of workstations.

Some large, some medium, and some very small.  Each one designed to suit the user.  So believe me, we have seen and heard it all! 

If you are looking or thinking about upgrading your existing workspace, here are some things to consider as you are sitting at your desk designing your new layout.  

(a) What is the purpose of this workspace?   Who will be using this workspace?  Is it an open concept for workgroups? Private office?  Is it for customer service, admin, sales/hotel, executive or something in between?

(b) Now you need to decide what's important within each workspace. Lots or little storage? Desk surface … do they need a small working space, or lots of room to spread out? Special sized private workstations or shared spaces for multi user? Standard or special shapes, unique transaction tops, image creating or functional reception work units. All of these must be part of your planning and layout process.  We tell customers not to worry about "what is possible" just think about what you’d like to see.  Let your furniture provider do the rest!

(c) With thousands of shapes and pieces to work with, don't be shy to match one up a custom designed unit with a standard run of mill sized station. Combining a custom made desk shape with a standard storage component is a great way to achieve your unique and stylish look workstation without blowing your budget.

(d) Mix and match your colors and finishes. With over 30 finishes to choose from there are over 500 different combinations that you can make using a standard color of laminate.  Get create, and let your wild side go! On the other hand, if longevity is what you’re after in your look, stay on the conservative side, and go with something neutral in tone.  Remember it is not just about matching the desk tops, but you can also blend or contrast the supports, edge details, hardware such as handles and seating.  These combinations can enhance and compliment your new color scheme.  

(e) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Need some guidance? If you get stuck on a project and realize that it is taking over your business and after business working hours, call us, or email us at mailto:info@comm-design.com.  We would be happy to visit your location to look at your space, give you some free design advice, as well as take a look at your layout to see if there is anything that needs a “quick fix”. 

Or even better, call us before you start!  We will provide you with insight and design tips that will help make your office renovation run as it should … smooth and effortless. 

Worried about your budget? Our commitment is to help you make smart purchases for things you really need … and only what you need.

If you still need inspiration, check out our Website Gallery or Products section on line at: http://www.comm-design.com/.  There are lots of great colors, interior design ideas and pictures of completed jobs that show real products in real applications.  Shopping on line is a fast and private way to pick up new ideas for your upcoming project.

Lastly, good luck, we hope that your project is a huge success!

Commercial Design Control on making office changes

Office furniture changes – when is it time?
If you are sitting in your office and you have bodies sitting at conference tables that you’ve moved out of the training room, or you have two people crowded into one workstation … it’s time to start thinking about how you can make some room to fit in more people.
Client’s are amazed when we show them alternate ways to position their staff creating instant free space. When you sit in an office day after day, you start to lose your spatial sense on the most efficient layout for your space. It’s hard to tell someone that has been sitting in the best spot next to the window, that they have to move.
Having an objective view of your space opens up options to the space that can usually be made quickly and easily. We can normally fit one to two more bodies in without re-organizing the entire space. We call that a “quick fix” and temporarily gets some companies back on track.
Our job is to make these space changes easy for you, and to keep you doing what you do best … your business at hand.
So call a space planner, sit back and let them do their job. They can lay out the offices and workstations to improve workflow, open up natural light paths, and make a cramped space feel like a new office. Best of all you don’t have to deal with the office politics of “why do I have to sit here when Sally gets to sit there?”.

INTERESTING OFFICE DESIGN IDEAS

Spending more than half of your day in the office can sometimes take a toll on you. But, you can transform a plain and dull environment into a more vibrant and welcoming work place that can be enjoyed by everyone. This transformation can also likely to improve your production.
Every office needs a clear work area, and that means providing adequate space for computer hardware and peripheral equipment, a spot for reference materials, file space and a location for frequently referenced supplies and paper. Make sure your office furniture provides ample space for work and storage
If your workspace is a cubicle (with detached furniture) with a window and wall space below, you can position your furniture so that low piece furniture like a two drawer filing cabinet is under the window.
Try personalizing your cubicle with small things which are within your budget like adding an interesting mouse pad or small desk lamps. Small desk lamps or lights not only adds personality but also better light. You can shop online for different interesting mouse pads.
Changing or adding storage like multiple containers that match the décor can be pleasing to the eyes and give the whole workplace a new look. Such organizational items will not only add color but force you to be more organized in a small space.
If you have a waiting room or an area where clients sit, try arranging the furniture in a circular manner. This will give a warm feeling to the room and encourage positive energy for your waiting clients.
As more and more offices convert to an open concept design, the layout of office furniture becomes limited by the office wall or cubicle partition space. If possible, choose a corner of the room so that you have two walls. Position one piece of furniture beside your desk or choose an L-shaped desk with a filing drawer on the return to create a tighter triangle.
An office with windows from floor to ceiling allows great amount of natural light and a tremendous view but, it can pose some challenges for office furniture layout. In this layout, the desk is positioned on one wall and the filing cabinet and book shelf or storage cupboard are placed on the opposite wall. If it is possible to create a tighter triangle, do so by choosing an L-shaped desk or utilizing wall space on the wall with your door.
You can be more creative if you have a private office or more space to work with. Adding water is a quick office design idea that works with any budget. A small fountain or fishtank will do the job. Add plants that don’t require too much work and can thrive well in the amount of light that you get in the office. This can add an inviting feeling to the whole office. Artificial plants are a good choice if you don’t get light in your office. Adding mirrors of different shapes and sizes can open up a closed office and make it more interesting. Mirrors also reflect light so your room looks brighter. Moving around you artwork or adding a new frame or purchasing a new artwork are all an example of a creative way to bring change to your office. Colorful rugs of different shapes, material and sizes can impact the overall office interiors. Adding a decorative drink dispenser adds functionality and fun. There are many unique and decorative dispensers on the market that can make a decorative statement for your particular office.
There are so many ways to make your hours at work seem more comforting. All it takes is a little imagination, and an open mind. Good luck with your changes!

Testimonial for Commercial Design Control.

“Dorothy and Commercial Design have always shown a keen interest in making our work environment not only efficient and functional but one which reflects our culture and business style.”  Steve Beatty, President, cultureONE inc

Commercial Design Control has a new website...check it out !!

http://www.comm-design.com/

Service Office Furniture

Story of Chair repair – UNBELEIVABLE SERVICE

This is a true story about how we needed our office furniture (executive high back chair) serviced one day, and how we got it done. 

First of all, I should let you know that we at COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL INC purchased a high back executive chair from Tayco Panelink for our office about 7 years ago.  The chair has always worked like a charm, and we have never had any problems … until about a week ago.

The chair has always had normal office use, but secretly I think it may have been put to a more “Advanced Testing Program” … without my knowledge!

Since my daughter and her friends sometimes come into my office to play “Look at me … I am a business person” while the staff are out on the weekends, I suspect that her and her friends may be using the chair as a type of “merry-go-round”.  The chair creates great fun for her and her friends as it has a good solid back with pivoting arms and a sturdy spot on the foot base to drop their feet when they “land” or “stop” from the spin.  Do we call this normal office use?  I think not!

I figure this has been going on for about 5 years and since we never noticed any damage or mess of any kind in the office (a huge open concept area with workstations) I never really questioned what they did or played with in here as long as it was left in good shape. 

About a week ago, we noticed that the base mechanism on the high back chair was missing a screw which made the back a little wobbly.  My office assistant suggested I call Tayco Panelink and ask them to do a service call to fix the chair.

I called Tayco Panelink up on Tuesday telling them it was not a huge priority, but would be great if they could drop in to take a look at the chair in the near future.

The next day (Wednesday) we had a call from the Tayco Installations Manager (Doug Richardson) who told us to expect his service man the next day at 2:00 pm.  As promised the guys came on Thursday at 2:00 and took the chair back to the Tayco plant for repair.

Today (Friday) at 10:00 the guys were back with the chair – as good as new – fixed and ready to be put back into action!  No questions asked … just complete and total service with a smile.  I was amazed! 

Even though COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL INC has been a dealer of Tayco for many years, it still amazes me that Tayco as a manufacturer still gives each and every customer the highest level of service.  It really is unbeatable!  2 days to fix the chair!  And that includes the pick up and drop off of the chair … door to door from my office. Remember, the chair is over 7 years old and has been through a lot … much of it probably on the “Advanced Testing Program”.  But it is now back to its original state and working as slick as ever!

Great job Tayco! We are so very impressed!  Only Tayco could give that kind of on-going service after 7 years from the date of purchasing the product.  COMMERCIAL DESIGN CONTROL INC, is proud to be a Tayco dealer, and I will tell this story to my customers as proof that they really do care and are there to help … no matter how it breaks.

So if you are having any service issues, please call us … we know how to get things resolved … even those questionable repair calls.  We understand strange things can happen in an office.

BTW Doug, from now on, I think I will keep the girls out of my office.

Dorothy Drobot

President and CEO

Commercial Design Control Inc.

Office Storage Solutions

An uncluttered work environment makes a huge impact on the quality of work and how you feel in an office. Tidy and organized surroundings help your employees to be more creative and productive. Storage solutions like metal or wooden cabinets, shelving, pedestals and bookcases can help in making your life easier in an office.  It aids in managing workflow, and opens up space at your desk. 

Book cases and Shelves: Shelves can be easily customized according to your need and space. They come in wood/laminate or glass. If you have books that you often use like dictionary etc. a shelf unit with glass shelves next to your desk would look attractive and useful. Glass shelves can carry more weight than the wooden shelves which can deform with the weight and time. Consider installing a row of shelving near the ceiling if you have old files and books which you want to hang on to but are not necessarily needed anytime soon. If your office has the space, a few bookshelves for extra storage space are a great investment. If you have lot of documents like invoices you should take a look at cabinets that hold suspension files. This way you can easily find the documents that you need.

Pedestals: If you have a workstation or desk without a drawer you might want to consider getting filing cabinets that can neatly fit under your surface. These are called freestanding pedestals and come as fixed, or on wheels so that they can be pushed under the desk and around the station. They are just another way to make space in your office look neat and organized especially, if you don’t have lot of room. Double pedestals are also a good choice.

Filing Cabinets: Filing cabinets come in different sizes and a choice between metal, wood and laminate. You can choose a cabinet with two, three or more drawers depending on your requirement and to match the furniture in the office. Filing comes in vertical and lateral. Metal lateral filing is more popular only because they offer a larger surface space at handy height levels which could be utilized for multitasking. Wooden or laminate filing cabinets add warmth to the office. To maximize space, consider the wall-mounted cabinet.
Lateral Filing: usually comes with lockable drawers. They come in 2, 3, 4 and 5 drawer combinations.  These drawers can be used to store private and confidential documents as well as contents. Lateral cabinets come in 30” to 42 inches wide, accommodating more for storage. Another unique characteristic of lateral filing cabinets is the fact that the files can be hung two ways. Filing usually comes with metal handles which can be used to match your overall color scheme, and are appealing to the eye.
Vertical Filing: cabinets are the more traditional cabinets that are designed to store a single letter sized file with specific measurements. These cabinets usually have two to ten drawers. They are generally taller than the lateral cabinets.  Metal filing cabinets come in many colors like silver, gray, black, brown etc. that complement the furniture in your office. Wooden filing comes in different textures and shades as well.
Fire Resistant Storage:  You can also find fire and water-resistant filing cabinets in metal that are good for storing valuable documents and other items that need to be protected against the elements. They are expensive because they are made from heavy-duty materials and have tight seals on the drawers and doors. Fire resistant metal filing cabinets have heavy-duty locks to further protect your valuables and are built to stand a one-hour fire. On the other hand, metal filing cabinets with glass doors look contemporary, sophisticated and elegant.

Electronic Locking System Cabinets: The most recent improvement in metal filing is the “Noki” locking system which is a keyless electronic locking system. This feature offers the user the keyless entry system and allows the user to set his/her own password for opening the cabinet.  This system runs on AC power supply or battery. The mechanism is guaranteed for 10 years.  It provides a code which is unique to the user or the department, or filing cabinet. A master code can be obtained from the company. After four attempts to open the cabinet with incorrect code a brief alarm is activated. The lock can be installed at a height of 36” to facilitate access.  It is for the heighted or maximum security areas.

So the choices are endless; it all depends what you need and how much space you have and the amount of stuff that needs to be organized and stored in an office.

How to choose the paint color for your office

Colors can be a very powerful part of your home or corporate office – they can inspire you, calm you or just make you feel at ease. Colors can really help motivate you and you staff to get down to business! By analyzing certain characteristics and planning, the process of choosing a color can be made easier.
Business: Consider the type of business you are in. If your business is related to something serious you might consider neutral color, or a bright scheme that will motivate you but not overwhelm the space. Consider your personality when choosing a color for your office or the environment you’re trying to create for a corporate office. If you want to convey a feeling of energy and passion, choose warm colors from the color wheel: red to yellow-green. If you prefer a calming effect, choose cool colors: green to red-violet. Which colors better suit your office would also depend on the kind of employees that are employed? If engineers are supposed to work in your office, select muted color shades like gray and tan. If your office mostly comprises creative professionals like designers or writers; bright colors shades such as orange, red, or yellow are ideal. If your office employs busy professionals like lawyers or accountants that are likely to get stressed during the work, cool colors such as blue and green are most appropriate.
Whichever colors you choose, make sure that they do have a resemblance with the office furniture and the flooring.
Space: If you intend to make the office look bigger, it is suggested that you go in for bright and light colors. A white ceiling would also contribute in making the office appear larger. If you have got a substantial amount of office space, you can choose warmer or slightly dark colors.
Lighting: Determine what type of lighting your office will or does have. Incandescent bulbs give off a warmer glow than fluorescents or natural light. If your office has an abundance of natural light, bright colors might be too blinding. How much lighting your office gets also has an impact on, which colors would be suitable for it. If it receives a significant amount of natural light, you should not choose bright colors, as they would seem too bright. If the office receives a little amount of light, only then you can choose bright color shades.
Continuity: Check if the office is visible from another room or rooms in the building. If it is, choose a color that maintains continuity with the rest of the color scheme to maintain a cohesive color theme throughout the building, floor or suite.
Paint Color: Go to your nearby paint store and obtain color swatches and palettes. Choose the color combination that you think will look good on the walls. If you are going to carry out graphic designing or advertising business from your office, the walls can be painted with different patterns and color combination.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, bring the chips into the office. You can also buy a small amount of paint (most paint stores will mix a sample) and either paint a sample board or paint a two-foot square area on one of the walls. Observe the paint samples at different times of the day, with and without lights, depending on when you’ll be using the office. Notice how the light affects the color. Hold the paint samples against furniture, drapes, and other accessories to see if you like the color combinations. If you don’t want to commit to a certain color, choose white or neutral grays and beiges for the walls and ceiling. Then, if you wish, you can introduce color into your furnishings and accessories. You can also choose among the texturing techniques and the different paint finishes like egg shell etc.
Color Schemes: Once you have narrowed down the colors that you want to use in your office you can use 3 different color schemes to enhance the look of your office.
Monochromatic: Combines varying shades of the same color. For instance, a light blue wall paints, with a slightly more saturated version of the same blue as a trim color. It’s easy to pull off and works well with neutral accessories.
Analogous: Uses colors that are next to each other on the. That could look like: light pink and dark pink with red, or blues combined with aqua or even purple. Another combination might be warm brown with a cream trim.
Complementary: This scheme is high on contrast and more dramatic than the monochromatic or analogous options. To find complementary schemes, choose colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Pink and green, or blue and yellow are examples of complementary shades. You can choose a darker or lighter version to emphasize one color more than the other – i.e., bright pink and pale green. This scheme is more for outgoing people or a bold look.
Office Furniture: Think of your office furniture and seating as accessories. Choose the fabric the wood and laminate color carefully so to give the room a coherent look. Brushed metal furniture and filing systems would give the room a modern edge. A warm brown and cream palette, on the other hand, would look great with wood furniture and neutral desk accessories in natural materials. If you choose a light green and off-white look, sea grass baskets for your files and lighter wood furniture will give your office a by-the-beach feel. Bright colors beg for pop-art accessories and mod desks and other furnishings. The options are endless. Have fun with it, and enjoy your colorful new office!

First Step

The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that we can succeed.

Why update an office? | Commercial Design Control Inc

Clients always ask me:  “Does it really pay to update my office?”

I ask them to think of the office in terms of being their home. 

Would you prefer to live in an old run down house with appliances that are outdated and barely work, a bed that is sagging and uncomfortable  causing back aches every morning, windows that are drafty and cold, facets that drip and pipes that bang, or … would you prefer to live in a newly renovated home with state of the art appliances, a bed that makes you feel like you visited heaven each and every night, a shower that feels like you visit the spa every morning before work, and floor to ceiling windows that not only let in the light, but cast a warm glow over the entire outdoors making the world an amazing place to wake up to?

Which one would you prefer to go home to at night?  I think it’s pretty safe to say that MOST people would prefer the newer updated version … for reasons of basic comfort.

So why is it just as important to have an office that gives you that comfort level?  Because you want your employees to WANT to come to work for you.

Employees are happier, more efficient and spend more time working and less time goofing off when they are in an office where they feel like a professional, are comfortable as well as have a sense of their own space. Those who work in an office that is aesthetically pleasing are more inclined to be more productive.

Yes, there are many reasons to update your office.  And the truth is that you can either do it yourself, or you can hire someone to help you.  It can be done quickly, with little chaos if done correctly.

I tell people I don’t know how to run their business, and I have a pretty good feeling that they don’t know how to run ours.  A good design company should provide you with not only with office furniture, but they should create a total environment for you and your staff that is comfortable, relaxing, safe and yet still has the ability to invoke stimulation for the brain.

Tips on how to do it yourself:

Colors for furniture, walls and floors should be neutral to give your office update longevity.  The main contents should be conservative and should have a focus on function for each of the users.  Remember it is all about providing not just the comforts, but handling function while you are creating comfort.

Adding splashes of bold color like burnt reds, deep greens or caramel browns for accents on well selected accent walls will give your office the statement it needs to stand out from the neutral base tones.  These bits of color will play a part in activating the brains creative side keeping the overall environment from going stale.  But be careful if you are attempting to do this yourself, it can go horribly wrong if you don’t know what you are doing.  I have seen some pretty interesting “home jobbies” that are what we call “failed”!

The other great thing about adding certain walls with lots of color is that if the selected walls are easy to access, they are easy and affordable to update … with just a coat of paint.  Color trends change so if you aim to maintain your updated look, keep your options for a quick change easy and fast.  You should plan on updating those walls every 5 to 7 years.  Remember, a paint job is the fastest, and most cost effective way to update … giving the biggest bang for the interior design buck!

Another thing I tell my clients is to keep the modular office walls (partitions) low.  You have to have the privacy, but at the same time, don’t create a maze!  Your staff might like to build themselves a private sanctuary, (private office from modular walls) but it is a well known fact that by keeping your walls low, you will encourage open communication between your staff.  We all know how nice it is to talk to someone at a company that actually knows who we are.  It is only through open communication that your staff talks between themselves, discussing the accounts and how they should be handled.  You would be surprised to find out how much information is passed along by keeping the “walls of communication” low!

Lastly, we don’t use the typewriter any longer, so why should we be using an old fashioned office desk?  They are outdated and not made with the computer technology that we use in the office today. Speaking of old fashioned, bad or worn out chairs can give your employees back problems, wrist problems and aid in the number of sick days that you end up paying for!  When it comes to using computer equipment, it is important that the furnishings be updated to accommodate the equipment.

So make the most of your space.  Don’t cheap out, and try to do it yourself.  Hire a professional.  A professional will talk to your staff about their needs (tactfully) and make them feel like you care.  A professional will give you an office that you can be proud of as well as an office that makes your staff happy to come to work.  Soon you will notice that the dress code amoung your staff goes up a notch and the attitude starts to change to reflect a more professional environment.

Also most importantly, as the Boss, change YOUR outlook (no … not your email system) and how you view your office environment and the staff that works in it.  The office staff follows your example on how you generally feel about the place.  If you are proud of your office, chances are very good that your employees will be as well.  That pride is what shines through from the top … right down to the bottom … and out the door to your clients.

Yes, it’s worth it to update your office … for many reasons! 

Successful People

Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking.

Office furniture that works for your office

In the office workplace, your surroundings, your equipment and your style of working can all be modernized. Sometimes, people are afraid to make these changes because they are used to a certain color on the wall, or having their desk face a certain way. They think that to change the office will take their focus off what’s important … making money.
The truth is, you will increase productivity, sales and morale by updating your office. You will find that you and your staff will be more efficient in an office that has been updated. This in turn will increase productivity. Also, when customers visit your office, they will find that the updated décor creates a lasting impression long after they leave. Here are some basic suggestions to help make your office a more modern place to work.
Think about color. Colors are powerful and the trend right now is towards colors that are bold and basic. Deep reds, dark blues, whites and rich chocolate browns are being used in many modern offices today. Keep your furnishings simple, but use lots of bold color on your walls and floors.
Commercial Design Control Inc. is an office furniture company that believes color plays an important roll in how we feel at work.  They tend to use contrasting colors on the walls and furniture to give the space a feeling of dimension.
Think about your office equipment. Wireless printers are useful and help to keep the office from being “all tangled up”.  It is the way to go for keeping the wires and cables under control. Also, find a unit that has a scanner, copier, fax and printer all in one machine. The amount of energy and space that you save will amaze you.


Appealing Office Ideas

 Think about your chair. Ergonomics can make your life in the office much more comfortable.  Sleek high back mesh chairs are the way to go for added support and panache as well as adding to the modern look of your office. The height adjustments and extra support for the arms and back make these chairs a great investment. These chairs are made to protect your body from injury and stress and help you maintain correct posture through out the working hours.  Your body will thank you for providing it with a well supported office chair.  For ideas on ergonomic seating as well as lounge and executive styles see these YouTube videos.
Think about your computer.  A flat screen monitor will save space, and they are lighter if you have to move, save energy, improve the resolution of your computer and are easier on your eyes. The touch screens are the next wave of the future, and may be something for you to consider as the technology improves. A keyboard and mouse that matches your décor also provides the necessary support to your hands, wrists and arms and is important for the ergonomics in your workspace. Off site back up for all data is a space saver, as well as ensuring that all data is safe.
Think about your workstation. Using the vertical space in your station will allow for more surface working space.  Lighting is a great tool to use for focusing in a busy environment.  Sound masking is also very important when trying to block out those unwanted noises.  Most workstations are custom designed to fit your space, your job function, and the amount of privacy you may need.  For modern trends in office furnishings and workstations visit www.comm-design.com
While modernizing your office may seem like a big task, it is easy if you have experienced help. As times and trends change, we usually find ourselves becoming more interested in newer items and more efficient ways of doing things. By making office changes, you show your staff that you care about the time they spend working for you.  You also show your customers that want to keep up to date with what is happening in the world of business in as many ways as you can.
In time the results will be so positive, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

Why is a back tilt important on your chair?

Good posture while in your chair promotes good circulation and a healthy spine. The tension of the chair should be adjusted frequently to suit your body weight so your body moves freely and harmoniously with the chair rather than having to fight against it.

Even a minor change in the back tension control will affect your comfort level during those long working hours.

Success

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out...

 Robert Collier

Finding the problem in your workspace

Confucius say: 

He who cannot describe the problem will never find the solution to that problem.

New website has been posted ... check it out!

We've just posted our new website.  We hope you take the time to check it out.
http://www.comm-design.com/

Let us know what you think!

How to update your workspace

In the office workplace, your surroundings, your equipment and your style of working can all be modernized. Sometimes, people are afraid to make these changes because they are used to a certain color on the wall, or having their desk face a certain way. They think that to change the office will take their focus off what’s important … making money.
The truth is, you will increase productivity, sales and morale by updating your office. You will find that you and your staff will be more efficient in an office that has been updated. This in turn will increase productivity. Also, when customers visit your office, they will find that the updated décor creates a lasting impression long after they leave. Here are some basic suggestions to help make your office a more modern place to work.
Think about color. Colors are powerful and the trend right now is towards colors that are bold and basic. Deep reds, dark blues, whites and rich chocolate browns are being used in many modern offices today. Keep your furnishings simple, but use lots of bold color on your walls and floors.  At www.comm-design.com we believe that color plays an important roll in how we feel at work.
Think about your office equipment. Wireless printers are useful and help to keep the office from being “all tangled up”.  It is the way to go for keeping the wires and cables under control. Also, find a unit that has a scanner, copier, fax and printer all in one machine. The amount of energy and space that you save will amaze you.
Think about your chair. Ergonomics can make your life in the office much more comfortable.  Sleek high back mesh chairs are the way to go for added support and panache as well as adding to the modern look of your office. The height adjustments and extra support for the arms and back make these chairs a great investment. These chairs are made to protect your body from injury and stress and help you maintain correct posture through out the working hours.  Your body will thank you for providing it with a well supported office chair.  For many ideas on ergonomic seating as well as lounge and executive styles see our latest collection on YouTube below. http://www.youtube.com/user/CommercialDesign1?feature=mhum
Think about your computer.  A flat screen monitor will save space, and they are lighter if you have to move, save energy, improve the resolution of your computer and are easier on your eyes. The touch screens are the next wave of the future, and may be something for you to consider as the technology improves. A keyboard and mouse that matches your décor also provides the necessary support to your hands, wrists and arms and is important for the ergonomics in your workspace. Off site back up for all data is a space saver, as well as ensuring that all data is safe.
Think about your workstation. Using the vertical space in your station will allow for more surface working space.  Lighting is a great tool to use for focusing in a busy environment.  Sound masking is also very important when trying to block out those unwanted noises.  Most workstations are custom designed to fit your space, your job function, and the amount of privacy you may need.  For modern trends in office design and workstations visit our website at www.comm-design.com
While modernizing your office may seem like a big task, it is easy if you have experienced help. As times and trends change, we usually find ourselves becoming more interested in newer items and more efficient ways of doing things. By making office changes, you show your staff that you care about the time they spend working for you.
In time the results will be so positive, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!