The furniture procurement journey can be a long and detailed process. Perhaps you’ve outsourced a project manager, or maybe you are spearheading the effort yourself. Either way, you need a trusted dealer to partner with you on this endeavor.
Let’s start from the beginning. You’re either moving, expanding or just need a little reconfiguration. How exciting! This is an opportunity to create a whole new look for your space with distinctive details that define who you are as a company.
Benhar Office Interiors will be there to guide you along on your furniture journey from the early planning and design stages through to delivery and installation. We will help you tell your story. Let us walk you through the process.
Once we know your desired move-in date, we can work backwards and create a timeline that aligns with your schedule.
You should keep these questions in mind:
1. What is my desired move-in date?
2. Is there a construction schedule?
3. How long will it take me to make decisions?
Your move-in date may seem far away, but once we start building out the schedule, time moves quickly! For instance, let’s say your move-in date is September 1. A safe timeline is at least 6 months. Working backwards per this sample timeline, we’ve allotted 2 weeks for furniture delivery and installation, up to 12 weeks for furniture production (this can vary depending on the manufacturer and factory location, more on that later!), and we’ve already accounted for 14 weeks of the timeline. Where does the time go?!
If you have a tight schedule, we will recommend manufacturers that can best meet your deadline. That’s why we work with the end date in mind.
How quickly can you make decisions? Do you anticipate a lot of back and forth on ideas, material sample review, updating drawings? Changes and reselections all add to the timeline.
Some lead times are 4 weeks while others can be up to 20 weeks. Keep in mind that European factories close for the month of August. Remember that production starts once the manufacturer receives and acknowledges a Dealer's purchase order. Production time does not start when you sign the dotted line!
Your project manager at Benhar Office will be in constant communication with the factory for production and lead-time updates.
We can’t talk about aesthetics without talking about the budget. In 2023, you can expect to spend $22-$30/RSF for good, $30-$40/RSF for better, and $40+ for best.
‘Good’ is represented by materials such as laminate surfaces, grade 1 fabrics and limits the number of bells and whistles. ‘Better’ is a common category, where you’ll see a mix of laminate and wood veneers, mid-grade fabrics, leathers, more design detail and overall, more options to select. ‘Best’ has all the features and benefits. Stone, wood, rich leathers, high end fabrics, iconic designs, top of the line technology and custom details.
Benhar Office Interiors will propose manufacturers that align with your budget goals while keeping the design intent top of mind.
As Charles Eames said, "The details are not the details. They make the design." While a lot of thoughtful planning and time goes into the furniture procurement process, the end result is an engaging and dynamic office space for your employees to do their best work.
Need to speak with an office furniture expert? Contact us online, or call us at 212-481-6666