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Your conference room or boardroom is often the first place clients and guests see when they enter your office. It’s where important meetings happen and deals are made. This space represents your company and brand. The furniture you choose for your conference room makes an impression and sends a message. Rather than selecting a generic table, have one custom built that tells your company’s unique story.

Custom wood conference tables present the perfect opportunity to showcase what makes your business special. A conference table should represent your values, personality, history and vision. With the right design details, your custom table becomes a conversation piece that says something about who you are.

Use Wood Type and Color to Set Your Tone

The wood species and stain color provide the foundation for expressing your company through a custom conference table.

Some options to consider:

• Walnut – Sophisticated and upscale
• Cherry – Warm, inviting, traditional
• Maple – Clean, bright, fresh
• Reclaimed wood – Rustic, eco-conscious, unique history

Lighter stains make a room feel more open and airy while darker stains lend a mood of wealth and authority. Distressed, wire-brushed or oxidized finishes tell a story of history and longevity.

Pick wood species and colors that represent the look, feel and values you want to convey about your company.

Incorporate Meaningful Symbols and Design Elements

Once you’ve set the overall tone with wood selection, consider adding decorative details that symbolize your brand identity and story. For example:

• A tech company could have circuit board or macro chip patterns inlayed into the tabletop.
• An architecture firm might feature miniature skyscrapers or famous building silhouettes carved into legs or aprons.
• A table for a school could display the mascot logo or feature important dates engraved on the surface.
• A nature retailer may want branches, leaves or mountains carved into legs.
• For a family-owned business, the family name or initials could be prominently displayed.

Meaningful symbols and designs give personality to a conference table and prompt conversation about their significance. It’s a great way to share what makes your company special.

Showcase Quality Craftsmanship

Beyond the visual design, a custom conference table also tells a story through workmanship details. High quality joinery, perfectly matched wood grain, precision carving and flawless finishing all demonstrate an investment in excellence.

Your guests will notice and appreciate the care put into finely crafted details. It reflects well on your company’s own commitment to quality in everything you do.

A few examples of excellent craftsmanship to request:

• Pocket screws to firmly join aprons, legs and rails
• Tongue and groove joining of tabletop boards
• Tabletop sanded smooth to at least 180 grit
• Fully finished underside and interior surfaces
• Hand-carved decorative elements
• Deep, rich professional staining
• Multiple coats of protective sealant

A custom conference table built by master craftspeople tells a story of dedication, skill and pride in one’s work – values any business would be proud to embody.

Choose Sustainable Materials

Sourcing environmentally responsible materials demonstrates your business’s concern for global issues. Many companies today strive for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Your custom conference table can reflect eco-conscious values by using:

• FSC certified wood – Ensures responsible forest management
• Reclaimed lumber – Recycles wood with existing history
• Local materials – Reduces shipping impact
• Non-toxic finishes – Better for the environment

A conference table made from sustainable materials conveys your shared commitment to building a better world through business. It’s a great selling point to like-minded clients.

Design for Flexibility

The needs of your business will change over time. A custom conference table can be designed for flexibility to adapt with you.

Some flexible design options:

• Modular components – Rearrange pieces as needed
• Extension leaves – Accommodate more people when necessary
• Built-in AV/power – Update integration as technology changes
• Caster wheels – Make table portable for multipurpose use
• Flip-top or nesting – Store away when not in use

A flexible, future-ready table demonstrates resilience and the ability to change with the times – an important capability for any successful business today.

Show Off Your Company’s Personality

Your custom conference table should be as unique as you are. Have fun designing something that captures your company’s personality.

If your brand identity is:

• Cutting-edge – Try an asymmetrical or abstract design
• Approachable – Soften with rounded corners and edges
• Bold – Use bright, contrasting colors
• Traditional – Incorporate classic details like pedestals or ornate legs
• Minimalist – Stick to simple lines and forms

Collaborate with talented craftspeople who can translate your corporate personality into a custom piece. A conference table that reflects your distinctive qualities makes clients and guests feel like they know you already.

Tell Your Story

Your custom conference table becomes a unique asset for making an impression, unlike mass produced furniture. It tells a compelling story about your company whenever you host important meetings.

Share the significance behind the details – the reasons for choosing certain materials, colors, shapes and features. Let your custom table prompt meaningful conversations about your history, values and purpose. It sets the right tone for establishing authentic connections.

Rather than fade into the background, make your conference table the centerpiece that represents your brand story. Let it speak volumes before the meeting even begins. A custom-designed table shows clients you take the time to do things right. It demonstrates confidence, thoughtfulness and commitment – the foundations of a successful business.

Bring Your Story to Life with Acacia

When you’re ready to create a custom conference table that tells your company’s unique story, the craftsmen at Acacia are here to help. We are specialist woodworkers dedicated to building custom furnishings of unmatched quality and artistry.

Our team has decades of experience designing, building and installing bespoke conference tables for brands across the country. We hand-select the finest sustainably sourced lumber and match it with inlays, carvings, finishes and other details that express your identity.

At Acacia, no furniture component escapes our attention to detail, from the joinery to tabletop finishing. We ensure your custom conference table reflects the pinnacle of quality manufacturing. Our white glove delivery and installation complete the experience.

We make the process of transforming your brand story into a tangible, inspiring reality simple and satisfying. Just share your vision and our craftsmen handle the rest. We’ll consult on the perfect materials and decorative details to reflect your essence.

With Acacia as your partner, you’ll have a custom conference table that leaves a lasting impression on clients and makes your spaces more welcoming. Contact us today to schedule a design consultation. We can’t wait to create something extraordinary together.

Designing a space? Fantastic. Designing a space that’s both accessible and dripping with style? Now, that’s the real challenge. But before you break out in a cold sweat, let’s break it down. When you’re crafting the next big thing in commercial spaces – from that swanky hotel lobby to the ultra-modern office boardroom – accessibility should be your main squeeze. Here’s how to make your custom designs not just ADA-compliant, but also the talk of the town.

1. ADA Compliance: Not Just a Checklist, It’s a Lifestyle

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) might sound like just another bureaucratic hurdle, but think of it as your baseline. It’s like the foundation of a house, or better yet, the base coat of your nail polish. Necessary? Absolutely. The final look? Not by a long shot.

Physical Accessibility with Panache: Sure, wide doorways and ramps are ADA essentials, but who said they have to be drab? Think beyond the utilitarian. Envision sleek designs, materials that whisper luxury, and finishes that demand a double-take. With custom millwork, those counters, desks, and even shelves can be both accessible and drop-dead gorgeous. 

Wayfinding with Wit: Signage, when done right, can be a design element in its own right. Go bold with colors, experiment with fonts, but always keep clarity in mind. And Braille? It’s not just functional; it’s a tactile experience. Make it part of the design narrative.

Catering to the Senses: Lighting that’s even and soft on the eyes, auditory aids that blend seamlessly into the ambiance – these aren’t just functional elements. They’re the unsung heroes of your design story.

2. Universal Design: Crafting Spaces that Speak to Everyone

If ADA is the base coat, universal design is the top coat, the color, the nail art – it’s where you can truly let your creativity shine.

Furniture that Flexes: Adjustable is the name of the game, but that doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. With custom commercial furniture, you can craft pieces that are as adaptable as they are stylish. Think height-adjustable tables with ornate bases or chairs that are ergonomic yet elegant.

Layouts that Lure: An open-concept is a great canvas, but it’s the custom details that make it a masterpiece. Spaces that transition from tranquil retreats to bustling hubs, alcoves that offer both privacy and connectivity, and zones that cater to different needs – all done with a flair that’s unmistakably you.

3. Feedback: Your Reality Check in a World of Dreams

You’ve designed what you think is the pièce de résistance, but how does it fare in the real world? Time to get some feedback, and not just from your design-savvy pals.

Trial and Triumph: Before finalizing your design, do a test run. Think of it as a dress rehearsal, but for spaces. Get a diverse group to experience the space, gather feedback, and tweak as needed. It’s an iterative design with a dose of reality.

Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges: Sometimes, off-the-shelf just doesn’t cut it. That’s where corporate commercial furniture and custom millwork come into play. They offer solutions tailored to specific challenges, ensuring your design isn’t just beautiful but also brilliantly functional.

4. The Finer Details: Where the Magic Truly Lies

Textures and Materials: Dive deep into the world of textures. From tactile wall finishes that guide the visually impaired to flooring that dampens sound for the hearing-challenged, the choices are endless.

Tech Integration: Think smart lighting that adjusts based on natural light, or sound systems that can zone and adjust based on ambient noise. Tech, when integrated thoughtfully, can elevate accessibility to new heights.

Art with Purpose: Art isn’t just for aesthetics. It can guide, inform, and even assist. Think sculptures that double up as seating or interactive installations that engage multiple senses.

In conclusion, designing with accessibility in mind isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting standards. It’s about crafting spaces that resonate, that tell a story, and that are inclusive in the truest sense. It’s about pushing boundaries while ensuring everyone feels welcome. So, as you sketch, plan, and dream, remember to infuse your designs with both flair and function. After all, in the world of design, the magic lies in the details. And if you ever need a touch of that magic, contact Acacia. Happy designing!

 

Let’s dive into the world of custom millwork, where the only limit is your imagination and the size of your client’s wallet. But before we start, let’s get one thing straight: custom millwork is like a fine wine, it’s not for every occasion. Let’s explore the 7 times when custom millwork is your best friend– and the 3 times when it’s that friend who you wish hadn’t shown up.

7 times when custom millwork is the perfect fit for your design:

1. When You Want to Make a Statement: Custom millwork is like a peacock in a room full of pigeons. It stands out, it’s memorable, and it’s probably going to impress anyone who steps into your office. If you’re looking to make a statement, custom millwork is your go-to.
2. When You’re Dealing with Odd Spaces: Ever tried to fit a square peg in a round hole? Yeah, it’s not fun. Custom millwork is perfect for those odd spaces where standard furniture just won’t cut it.
3. When You Need Something Durable: Custom millwork is like the Hulk of furniture. It’s strong, it’s durable, and it’s not going to get smashed easily. If you need something that can withstand the test of time (and possibly a few office parties), commercial custom millwork is the way to go.
4. When You Want to Reflect Your Brand: Your workspace is an extension of your brand. Custom millwork allows you to incorporate your brand’s personality into your design. It’s like getting a tattoo, but less painful and more professional.
5. When You’re Looking for Functionality: Custom millwork isn’t just about looking good. It’s also about being practical. Need a desk with a built-in coffee maker? No problem. Custom millwork has got you covered.
6. When You Want to Impress Clients: First impressions matter. Walking into an office with custom millwork is like walking into a James Bond movie. It’s sleek, it’s sophisticated, and it’s going to leave an impression.
7. When You Have the Budget: Let’s be real. Custom millwork isn’t cheap. But if you’ve got the budget, it’s worth every penny.

Now, let’s talk about when custom millwork isn’t the best fit.

1. When You’re on a Tight Budget: If you’re counting pennies, custom millwork might not be the best option. It’s like ordering a steak at a fancy restaurant when you’re on a ramen noodle budget.
2. When You Need Something Quick: Custom millwork takes time. It’s not a quick fix solution. If you need something yesterday, you might want to look at other options.
3. When You’re Not Sure About Your Design: Custom millwork is a commitment. If you’re not 100% sure about your design, it might be best to hold off until you are.

So, there you have it. The good, the bad, and the beautiful of custom millwork. Remember, like any good tool, it’s all about knowing when to use it.

And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry. We at Acacia are here to help. We’ve got years of experience and a long list of happy clients. So, why not give us a call? We promise we won’t bite. Unless you’re made of wood, of course.

Contact Acacia Today

 

Remember, folks, in the world of design, it’s all about making the right choices. And sometimes, those choices involve custom millwork. So, choose wisely, and may the design odds be ever in your favor.

Designers have the power to create functional and beautiful masterpieces. But, creating spaces for certified B organizations calls for a unique approach extending beyond functionality and aesthetics. 

You’re charged with reflecting the organization’s emphasis on sustainability, ethics, and wellness. 

Enter millwork and custom furnishings. You can leverage these to realize your ideas while emphasizing certified B organizations’ core values in office, industrial, or retail spaces. 

They also help create a conducive work environment that promotes productivity, creativity, and employee well-being.

Let’s explore the top roles that millwork and custom furnishings play in furnishing certified B organizations. 

Choosing and Embracing Sustainable Materials

Certified B organizations are committed to sustainability. Millwork and custom furnishings allow them to achieve this goal by allowing you to choose and embrace sustainable materials. 

Opt for materials that have a minimal environmental impact, such as responsibly sourced wood, reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled materials, and eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, producing 40 aluminum cans used in interior wall finishes and decorations requires the amount of energy in one gallon of gasoline. 

You can help significantly decrease this by using recycled aluminum scraps. 

By selecting sustainable materials, you contribute to reducing their ecological footprint and support the overall sustainability goals of certified B organizations.

Prioritizing Personalization

Employees want to feel like they belong. Custom millwork and furnishings offer unmatched personalization options. 

You can tailor each piece to fit the B organization’s and its employees’ unique needs and preferences. Personalizing enhances a work space’s aesthetic appeal and promotes the employee’s sense of ownership and connection. 

Customization lets you integrate specific functionalities, ergonomic considerations, and spatial optimization into a space. It ensures that the space truly supports the employee’s work and well-being. 

So, go ahead and incorporate some personal touches, such as the employee’s photos, artwork, or company logos.

Promoting Employee Well Being

The global pandemic disrupted employee well-being, causing mental health challenges, work-life imbalance, and health and safety concerns. 

The World Economic Forum reports that long hours and bad workplace experiences are the leading causes of workplace stress and disengagement.

A healthy and happy workforce is a productive workforce, and millwork and custom furnishings can play a role in promoting employee well-being. Design spaces that incorporate wellness-focused elements such as ergonomic seating, natural light, adjustable workstations, and biophilic design principles into their custom designs. 

This way, the organization can help its employees stay healthy and productive.

Supporting Ethical Craftsmanship

A huge part of promoting sustainability includes supporting ethical and compliant business and community practices. This allows you and the organization to support ethical craftsmanship.

You can collaborate with local artisans and craftsmen who follow fair labor practices and utilize sustainable production methods. Additionally, choose products made by skilled artisans who are paid a fair wage and work in safe and healthy conditions.

Promoting ethical craftsmanship enables you to create unique and high-quality pieces, preserve traditional skills, and support local economies.

Supporting Local Artisans and Social Enterprises

A B Corporation Certification means that an organization has met the high standards required in various aspects, including giving back to the community and charitable giving to supply chain practices.

They can achieve this by:

• Purchasing products made by local artisans and social enterprises whenever possible.

• Establishing partnerships and collaborations with local artisans and social enterprises to meet their supply chain needs.
• Supporting them through business mentorships, support programs, and training.
• Showcasing local artisans and their products as part of the organization’s branding and marketing efforts.
• Investing in community development initiatives, such as grants, scholarships, or financial support.
• Ethical and fair trade practices, ensuring that local artisans and social enterprises are paid fair wages for their products and services

However, all this support begins with you designing the organization’s spaces using millwork and custom furnishings. 

Demonstrating Social Responsibility

Certified B Corporations incorporate business models, activities, and strategies that support inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economies. They are on the frontline to support enterprises that benefit society. 

What better way to show social responsibility than using millwork and custom furnishings that support ethical craftsmanship and promote employee well-being?  

You can design the organization’s spaces and use custom pieces crafted from sustainable materials produced by ethical suppliers. 

This way, you can help the organization convey its commitment to responsible practices and positively impact the world. It showcases their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their core business operations.

Integrating Smart and Sustainable Technology

Smart technology is taking root in various organizations and work environments to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. You can design a system integrating smart and sustainable technology for certified B organizations.

This integration goes beyond mere functionality and aesthetics. It:  

• Aligns with the organization’s sustainability, innovation, and efficiency values. 
• Improves energy efficiency and conservation, promoting a sustainable approach to resource management and cost savings.
• Enhanced user experience and control, creating a more comfortable and efficient space for its employees and customers.
• Provides an opportunity to gather valuable data on space utilization, energy consumption, and user behavior, enhancing data-driven decision-making.
• Helps to select sustainable materials to showcase the organization’s commitment to sustainability.
• Serves as a conversation starter and inspiration for others.
• Demonstrate the organization’s commitment to innovation and future-proofing their space.

Combining aesthetics with functionality advances sustainable practices and reduces the organization’s environmental impact.

Improving Accessibility Through Universal Design Principles

The World Health Organization reports that 16% of the global population – 1.3 billion people – live with some form of disability. Designers can leverage universal design principles and use millwork and custom furnishings to enhance accessibility within and outside the workplace. 

This way, all spaces can be more accessible and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of age, disability, or physical condition. Besides, certified B organizations are also regulatory complaints to legal statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

By considering factors such as adjustable heights, clear pathways, and ergonomic features, you can create spaces that cater to people of diverse abilities and promote inclusivity.

Designing to Reflect Certified B Corporations’ Values

Millwork and custom furnishings help certified B organizations accentuate their commitment to sustainability, wellness, and ethics. 

As a designer, you cannot underestimate the impact incorporating them into your designs can create. 

However, if you aren’t sure where to begin, Acacia Originals has your back. Our vast experience creating sustainable and purpose-driven spaces makes us your ideal go-to designers for B organizations. Contact us today to help you realize your sustainable ideas and designs.

After the Second World War, designers and architects sought to create ideas that echoed the environment and technology invented at that time. These ideas starkly contrasted the hard times and focused on what people needed to raise a family and look forward to a brighter future. In addition, these ideas gave birth to designs that hailed function above aesthetics, settling on clean lines and furniture pieces with unique legs. Today, mid-century aesthetic style is finding its way into commercial space furniture, producing eye-catching designs that make a business environment warm and welcoming.

Here are the best commercial space furniture options that you can use for your office. 

1. Teak Wood

Teak is a close-grained hardwood from South Asia. The original color is gold with a smooth texture. Because it’s high in natural oils, it’s naturally water resistant and stays longer than most wood types.

You’ll also find rosewood, another durable hardwood with a rich color array featuring brownish hues and dark veining. It spots attractive wood grain, polishes excellently and can achieve a high sheen.

Alternatively, designers will go for oak wood. It spots most of the features in teak and rosewood: close-grained and can achieve a high sheen.

2. Clean Lines

The all-time furniture icon, the Eames chair, is an excellent depiction of the shapes that rule in mid-century design. Moreover, you’ll find curved and almost round sofas and geometric shapes that promote clean and sleek angles.

For shelving, modular wall units and shelving systems work great at imitating how mid-century folks created shelving.

These shapes are ideal for providing snug comfort in an office and forgoing the stiff furniture that makes office spaces feel cold, corporate, and impersonal.

3. Peg Legs

Peg legs in the mid-century era were utterly utilitarian. However, we have to admit they are a great swap to the typical round, square or rectangular legs.

In addition, you can have them on any piece of office furniture –from desks that look like plain wooden boards propped on peg legs to seats with soft round corners and cushions, and waiting room and boardroom tables with crisscrossed peg legs.

Peg legs also make it easier to have functional, fluid and slim furniture pieces that make the office look roomier.

4. Vibrant Colors

The overlapping minimalist theme doesn’t negate the use of loud colors, especially those that dominated the 1950s to earthy colors in the 1960s.

Use bold accent colors such as burnt orange, mustard yellow, teal, olive, rust, pops of fire engine red, etc. You can also match two colors: brass and blue, pink and teal, and green and beige.

Because these colors stick out, you can tone them down with timeless neutrals such as pale pink, gray, and soft browns.

Moreover, the other way to make these colors work is to choose how to use them in different places. The reception area could do with a colorful display of seats toned down by the table or reception desk.

For tiny office spaces, a roll-top secretary desk can work as a shelf, and you can skirt the seat to warm up the reception area.

5. Organic Influences

The heart of organic influences is staying connected to nature. It emphasizes the use of fluid lines and natural materials. Mid-century people highly esteemed nature and brought nuances of it into their homes through plants, natural materials, and light.

Except for having furniture largely made of hardwood, the use of other natural materials such as jute, stone, bamboo, clay, and linen provides an earthy feel. Hence, you’d do well to stick to simple silhouettes and pared-down furnishings. Next, introduce organic shapes with soft curved lines to invoke more interest.

To let in lots of light, go for window types that help you mimic this style in your commercial space. The first is floor-to-ceiling windows. These interrupt a series of walls to immerse a room with light.

Also, you can choose sliding windows. These only have frames on the four sides of the window, leaving the middle glass uninterrupted for a maximum flow of light.

Lastly, is the picture window. Picture windows don’t offer much in aeration since you can’t open them, but they let in large amounts of light, especially if situated at a location with a great view outside.

6. Layering with Accessories

Because simple largely wooden furnishings accessorizing is vital for livening up the place and making it look lived in.

Small throw pillows in some sections -waiting bays and reception -next to a wall with abstract art, or crystals and stones.

Also, you can go for a large sculptural piece standing over a cluster of smaller items. It’s sure to invoke lots of interest. 

The rule of thumb is to always have fewer, slimmer furniture so that the room looks spacious and airy and the accessories become hard-to-miss drawcards. 

7. Open Shelving

There are two options here: floating shelves or standing shelves with peg legs. Whichever you choose, the idea is to create dynamism, variety, and visual breaks.

If you’d rather have floating shelves, floating trapezoids with multi-tiered units attached to the wall beautify the plainest walls. It’s even better if they come in a teak or oak finish.

Remember to create interest with how you arrange books. The best way is to alternate between stacked and lined, large and small, or filled and sparse. These variations draw the eye but also give them a break as they move through the shelves.

More importantly, you keep the shelve from looking heavy and uninteresting to a beautifully designed convenience for organizing your business space.

Final Thoughts

Choosing pieces with a low profile is safest when looking for mid-century commercial space furniture. Tapered legs and lower backs are a good place to start. 

Also, look for curves but with clean lines. Lighting fixtures like lamps or other metal finds tied to the period will help you tie the decor together.

Worried that you’ll never get it right? Acacia Originals can help you incorporate the mid-century allure into your commercial space to make it stand out. We are custom millwork and furniture experts, with years of experience and a long list of happy clients. Contact us to get the design want.

As a commercial architect or designer, you understand the importance of information security for your clients’ offices. But did you know that custom millwork and furnishings can play a surprisingly significant role in protecting sensitive documents and personally identifiable information (PII)?

At Acacia Originals, we specialize in crafting unique, custom millwork designs that not only elevate the aesthetic of commercial spaces but also improve their functionality and security.

In fact, here are just a few ways that our custom furnishings can enhance information security in your clients’ offices:

Breaking Up Sight Lines

By strategically placing furniture to block sight lines to desktops and work areas, we can limit the visibility of sensitive information to visitors and employees who don’t need to see it.

Secured Bookcases and Shelves

We can create bookcases as well as shelving units with lockable doors or drawers. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive documents and PII.

Convenient Drawers

By designing furniture with built-in drawers and compartments, we encourage employees to store documents and PII properly. This reduces the likelihood of sensitive information being left out in the open and left unsecured.

Custom Sizing

Our team can create furniture that’s the perfect size for documents and folders. We can help maximize storage space while minimizing the risk of papers left unattended on desks or other surfaces.

At Acacia Originals, we understand the critical role that furnishings and millwork can play in a space’s overall security. That’s why we work closely with architects and designers to create pieces that look beautiful and serve a practical purpose.

Interested in learning more about how custom millwork can enhance information security in your clients’ offices? Schedule a call with me, Will Fuller, founder of Acacia Originals. Together, we can create beautiful and secure commercial spaces that exceed your clients’ expectations!

Designing and implementing millwork in an office can enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. Millwork, such as molding, cabinets, and built-in furniture, can be the perfect decorative wooden elements your office is missing to give it the right feel. 

When designing and choosing millwork for an office, several factors need to be considered, including the size and layout of the space, the intended use, and the style and design aesthetic of the office. 

This checklist guides you through every step of designing and implementing millwork in your office. 

1. Determine the Purpose of the Millwork

Determining the purpose of millwork in an office space is a crucial step in creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. In an earlier post, we outlined the differences between millwork and casework, which you can read here.  

To quickly recap that post, millwork refers to the decorative wooden elements of a space, including moldings, cabinets, and built-in furniture. The purpose of millwork in an office can vary from adding storage to the space, improving the look and feel of the office, or creating a specific ambiance. 

Millwork can be influenced not only by the space and feel of an office but also by the industry or type of business it is intended for. For example, a law firm may want millwork that is elegant and professional, while a tech startup may want millwork that is modern and innovative. Ultimately, you should determine the purpose of the millwork based on the needs and goals of the business and the people who use the space. 

2. Measure the Office Space

Measure the space accurately so the millwork fits perfectly and does not obstruct movement in the room. Accurately measuring the office space ensures the millwork is functional and enhances the appeal of the space. 

When measuring, ensure you take note of any electrical outlets, windows, and other fixtures that may affect the placement of the millwork. Creating a floor sketch of the office can be a good idea to help you visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments before implementation. 

3. Consider Style and Aesthetics 

Choose the style and aesthetic that aligns with the overall look and feel of the office. Consider factors such as color, texture, and materials. 

In this step, it’s important to consider the existing style and aesthetic of the office when choosing millwork. For example, if the office has a modern and minimalist look, you may want to choose millwork that is simple and sleek. If the office has a traditional look, you may consider designing and implementing millwork that is ornate and elegant. 

4. Choose the Right Materials

Choose high-quality materials that are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and match the style and aesthetic of the office. Some popular materials for millwork include solid hardwoods, engineered wood products, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). 

Consider factors such as durability, stability, and the look and feel of the material before choosing your millwork. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are popular for their durability and stability but may be more expensive. Engineered wood products, such as plywood and particleboard, are more affordable, but may not be as durable. 

Also, keep in mind the environment in which the millwork will be installed. If the office is located in a high-humidity area, you may want to choose materials that are moisture-resistant to prevent warping and cracking. 

5. Install the Millwork

Installing millwork in an office requires careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail. It’s important to follow the detailed plan for the millwork design to ensure the millwork is level and stable. This may involve cutting and shaping the millwork to fit the specific size and shape of the office during installation. 

Before installing millwork, it’s important to inspect the piece for proper sealing and finishing to protect the materials and enhance their appearance. With the right care and attention to detail, you can ensure that the decorative wooden elements are functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. 

6. Hire a Professional 

Hiring a professional to design and implement millwork in an office can greatly enhance the look and feel of the space and provide a high-quality, functional product.

A professional millwork company has the expertise and experience to create a detailed plan for the millwork, choose the right materials for the space, and accurately measure and install the millwork in your office. They will also be able to work within the constraints of the space to ensure that the millwork is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Hiring an expert team of millwork artisans, like the ones at Acacia, ensures you have a skilled team walking you through this checklist. From conceptualizing the millwork in your office, to perfect installation, hiring the right partner is essential for designing and implementing millwork for your office. 

At Acacia, we’re experts in integrated millwork and custom furnishings that fit your budget and design plan. Contact us to learn more about partnering with our expert team of artisans to create and install the perfect custom millwork piece in your office. 

 

Re-designing your office can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it’s important to approach it with a budget in mind to ensure that you stay on track financially. Whether you’re working with a small budget or a large one, it’s crucial to create a budget and stick to it as closely as possible. 

A budget will help ensure you don’t overspend and can help guide your tough design decisions. Getting clear on your office re-design budget allows you to start setting design priorities and finding the professional expertise needed to execute an expertly crafted office re-design. 

Here are some tips for budgeting for your office re-design:

1. Determine Your Budget

The first step in budgeting for your office re-design is to determine how much money you have available to spend. This will help you set realistic expectations for what you can achieve with your redesign and will help you prioritize your spending. 

While it may be difficult to land on a hard number at the beginning of your re-design process, keep in mind that your budget may need to be flexible until you have more concrete design and vendor information. 

2. Make a List of Priorities

Once you have an idea of your budget, make a list of your priorities for the redesign. This could include new furniture, lighting, paint, flooring, or any other improvements you want to make. Consider what is most important to your business and its success, and allocate your budget accordingly. 

For example, if your team is constantly struggling with poor lighting or uncomfortable chairs, those might be areas to prioritize. Prioritizing your spending will help you allocate your budget effectively.

Check out our recent article for the seven things to consider for your workplace design floor plan. We outline the key considerations needed to design the perfect office design. 

3. Research Costs

Before you start making any purchases, it’s important to research the costs of the items on your list. Look at various retailers, including custom furnishing experts, and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal and quality. This will help determine how much you can afford to spend on each item and will allow you to make informed decisions about your budget. 

Additionally,  it may be wise to consider not just upfront costs, but also the long-term costs of any purchases. For example, investing in energy-efficient lighting or custom furnishings that stand the test of time, may have a higher upfront cost, but they can save you money on energy bills and maintenance in the long run. 

4. Get Quotes From Different Vendors

Re-designing an office requires the effort of many different vendors. You must get quotes from multiple companies to keep you on track with your re-design budget. This will help you get a sense of the going rate for the work you need to do and can help you make an informed decision about which vendors best suit your needs. 

At Acacia, we make working with us easy. Simply fill out this form for a custom quote. Our team will reach out to you right away with all the information you need to decide if partnering with us for your custom furnishings is right for you. 

5. Remain Flexible

As you work through the redesign process, it’s important to be flexible and willing to make adjustments to your budget as needed. While keeping track of all your receipts and invoices and regularly reviewing your budget keeps you organized and on track, it’s important to leave room for the unexpected. 

If you encounter unforeseen costs or if your priorities change, you may find that you need to reallocate your budget to ensure you’re able to complete the project as planned. 

6. Plan for Unexpected Costs

It’s important to anticipate and budget for unexpected costs when planning your office re-design. Things don’t always go to plan, and it’s important to have a cushion in case you encounter any unexpected costs or delays. These could include unforeseen repairs or changes to your original plans. Set aside a portion of your budget for these unexpected expenses to ensure you don’t go over budget. 

7. Don’t Skimp On Quality

While it’s important to stay within your budget, it’s also important to remember that quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of saving money. Investing in high-quality products and materials will likely pay off in the long run, as they will be more durable and may require less maintenance. 

If you need help navigating the world of different office furniture and design companies, read our guide. Finding high-quality office furniture and designs is a critical component of your office re-design process, but we make it easy to find a high-caliber company to help bring y our design to life. 

8. Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re having trouble budgeting for your office re-design or if you’re not sure where to start, consider seeking the assistance of a professional. An office planner or similar professional can help you create a budget and a plan for your office re-design, and can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the process. 

By following these tips, you can create a budget for your office re-design that allows you to make the improvements you want while staying within your financial means. Remember to be realistic and flexible, and to always keep your priorities in mind as you plan and execute your office re-design. 

If you need expert advice on how to budget for a custom office re-design, reach out to our expert team today. We can guide you through the custom furnishing process and explain why going custom with your office re-design gives you the largest return on investment while remaining within your budget. 

If you’re a budding A&D professional, you may not be familiar with the nuanced differences between millwork and casework. Though you’ve likely encountered both wood-based architectural elements in your job, understanding the differences between millwork and casework hugely impacts your design’s overall budget. 

This post walks you through a general overview of both millwork and casework and then outlines the four key differences between the two products. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two woodworking elements to better inform yourself and future clients. 

What is Millwork? 

Millwork is a type of building material made in a factory or mill (as its name implies). Most interior woodwork projects involve some type of millwork, usually decorative in nature. Often, millwork is customized to a client’s preference and fitted to specific dimensions. 

You’re most likely familiar with these common millwork products:

• Doors
• Panels
• Crown moldings 
• Trim 

As you can see, millwork is critical to any design. While you can get semi-manufactured millwork, you should be familiar with the nuances of customizing millwork, as many design clients want bespoke pieces that fit a general aesthetic. 

What is Casework? 

Like millwork, casework is an essential woodworking product in the woodworking and design industry. You will hear several common wood products included in the term casework, including:

• Storage Cabinetry (most often built-in)
• Kitchen cabinets, islands, and drawers
• Bookcases

While casework can be a type of millwork, millwork is never considered casework. You can find casework pre-fabricated in big-box home improvement stores and smaller building production businesses. Most often, companies build casework from a template for shoppers needing ready-to-use materials. 

Depending on your design, casework can be a great way to cut costs while still delivering a pleasing design for your clients.  

4 Key Differences Between Millwork & Casework 

By reading through the general overview of millwork and casework, you’re likely starting to identify the differences between the two woodworking building materials. Even though both elements are produced in a factory or mill, the differences between millwork and casework get more nuanced. 

From customization to installation techniques, there are four key differences between millwork and casework you should know. 

Customization Process 

The customization process is the most significant difference you will find between millwork and casework. Casework is produced in a mass-production factory with template-based production techniques. By manufacturing wholesale products, casework is considered modular and ready-made for the general shopper to install immediately with little, if any, customization. The best example of casework is ready-to-build Ikea products – mass-produced and easily installed. 

In contrast, millwork is produced through a highly customized production process. Based on a specific design vision and unique dimensions, millwork artisans collaborate with designers to create bespoke pieces for a particular room or design element. 

To reiterate a point we made earlier: casework can be considered millwork, but you must never conflate millwork as casework due to the highly customized nature of its production. 

Price Difference

As you may have already deduced, there are significant differences in the pricing of casework and millwork. As casework is almost always mass-produced within a set of measurements, you will find buying casework can help you save money on your design budget. Be aware: while buying casework may save you money, you may spend more trying to get the pieces to work with your overall design. 

Conversely, you should expect to pay a higher price for millwork. Not only is millwork highly customized, but it also has a more arduous labor process. A good millwork company will work with you and your design team to expertly install the woodworking elements onsite. It’s important to consider the extra labor in your budget. 

Complexity 

High customization comes with a higher production complexity. Millwork is distinct from casework in that most designs are complex. If you decide to integrate millwork into your design, be prepared to work hand in hand with a millwork company on precise design drawings. 

You and the millwork company should review each drawing carefully for accurate measurements and dimensions to ensure every piece of millwork is perfect for the space. In some cases, casework may also require detailed drawings, especially to meet certain woodworking standards. 

Installation 

The final key difference between casework and millwork is the installation process. Because casework is mass-produced with standard measurements for each product, installation is relatively straightforward. While you may struggle to make the pieces fit your unique layout, you likely won’t need a professional installation team to get the piece perfectly installed in your space. 

On the other hand, installation time and process are widely different for millwork. Due to its specific measurements, millwork needs to be professionally installed. Additionally, millwork pieces should be fitted onsite by said professionals. Because of the custom nature of the millwork, be ready to extend the time you’ve allotted for installation.

Need help designing your bespoke millwork pieces for your next design? Our integrated millwork solutions are the perfect balance between design and purpose. Contact us today for a free quote and design advice.