We design and furnish offices of all sizes throughout the Northeastern United States
As a contract office furniture dealer, we provide each client the optimal solutions for their workspace design and furniture needs. What exactly does that mean? Well, it’s complicated! Read on as we explain how we, and other contract furniture dealers, add tremendous value guiding clients through the challenging process of designing (or redesigning) and furnishing commercial office space.
Let’s start with the basics: What is a contract/commercial office furniture dealer?
The words “contract” and “commercial” are used synonymously in the office furniture industry. Contract furniture dealers help companies design and furnish workplaces rather than residential properties.
Highly qualified office furniture dealers go above and beyond to exceed client expectations, offering tailored solutions based on experience and product knowledge. In many cases, office managers and/or interior designers present the contract furniture dealer an idea of what they are looking for. From there, it’s the dealer’s job to understand those office needs, add in the dealer’s own design and furniture expertise, and help the project come to life. Working with a furniture dealer will help set your expectations for each step of the office furniture purchase process.
Sometimes our points of contact at a company are not aware of several common mistakes that can occur in an office design and furnishing project. As an experienced dealer relying on 30+ years of industry experience, JCI will help you avoid the major pitfalls that put your office design project behind schedule and over budget.
Keep scrolling to learn more about commercial office furniture dealers like us and the valuable services we offer to every client.
How Can We Help You?
As your partner and consultant, we provide significant value. Reach out to start a conversation as soon as possible.
Feel free to browse our large online catalog of office furniture products. Please keep in mind that as a contract furniture dealer we have access to a much wider selection of products than what we list on our website. Contact us today to discuss your needs and budget and we’ll help you find the perfect office design and furniture solutions.
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What does an office furniture dealer do?
Office furniture dealers play an invaluable role guiding companies through the office furnishing journey. There are several aspects of the project where we add value including, but not limited to, the following:
Consulting
As your expert partner, furniture dealers help you plan, strategize, and execute your office design project at a higher level. Consulting services touch on several key areas:
- Discovery: We set up a conference call to ask you (a lot of) questions about your project vision. Our goal is to understand your project even better than you do. Two of the biggest focal points of the discovery meeting are to understand goals/objectives/needs and to establish a budget.
- Goals objectives, and needs: We want to hear you describe goals, objectives, and needs for your new office, but we won’t stop there. After 30+ years of this work, we know that the customer isn’t always right and may not always be happy with the end result if the dealer relies too heavily on the client’s initial design and furniture requests. We spend extra time and ask the tough questions to make sure that we completely understand the criteria and can craft the optimal solution.
- Budget: This topic is always tricky. “The budget” is typically the maximum amount that our clients are able to spend. However, wouldn’t it be great to get the job done to perfection without spending all of the budget? We take the time to understand your needs, weigh them against your budget, and guide you toward the best approach to balance.
- Challenges: As an experienced dealer, we can anticipate potential challenges that our clients often cannot; we help steer the project clear of those challenges. As a consultant and project manager, we help ensure that every challenge is met with a solution informed by industry best practices but customized for each client’s unique situation.
- Hybrid office: Most companies are looking for hybrid office design The hybrid model of working from home some days and working in the office other days has complicated what used to be a more straightforward office seating plan. Do you need to convert some workstations into more collaborative spaces? How much office space and furniture do you need? Would downsizing your office make sense?
- Lead times: Everything takes longer than you would expect! Please reach out to your contract furniture dealer as soon as possible to start planning and avoid missed deadlines.
- Installation: Installers are often booked weeks, if not months, out. Finalizing furniture orders and lead times that get furniture delivered on schedule, we ensure that installation is smooth and your office is ready to go as soon as possible.
- Rules, laws, and regulations: When it comes to building out a new office and, ultimately, furnishing it, there are rules, laws, and regulations to be aware of at the state, local, and even the building level. We advise you through these logistics to avoid unpleasant surprises that could knock your project off schedule or budget.
Project Management
Managing an office design and furniture project requires coordination of multiple components of the project. Often, people significantly underestimate how involved the process is and how challenging it is to complete projects on time, on budget, and without any major issues. Leaning on our team’s experience, we make sure that crucial steps are never missed. Our project management services include coordination of:
- Review of lease details
- Project budget and lead time
- Construction and permitting
- Detailed measurements
- Architectural plans that are often inaccurate and unreliable
- Optimal spacing and flow
- Nuances of office furniture
- Location of power sources
- Rules, laws, and regulations for the building, city, and state
- Furniture delivery and installation
- Unpredictable product and labor lead times
Office Design and Layout
The design process should take into account the goals, culture, and branding of the company, the needs of the employees, and the furniture that will bring it all together. We work with clients to create the ideal office design and layout that considers a cohesive mix of aesthetics, worker productivity, and comfort needs, all of which reflect company culture and individual company needs.
Exact field measurements of your office are taken onsite. A 2-D plan with exact measurements (and, later, a rendering) ensures that everything fits nicely, allows for smooth traffic flow, looks aesthetically pleasing, and allows for employee comfort, productivity, and collaboration. DO NOT rely on your building’s architectural drawings of your space; they are almost never precise enough to base a design on and are likely to cause problems when it comes time to install furniture (that – surprise! – does not fit like the design).
The design plan will likely go through several revisions and iterations before the layout is finalized. It’s essential to get the design plan right because it informs the furniture selection process.
Office Furniture Selection
We’re just now getting to selecting office furniture? That demonstrates how much goes into an office design project and how much value a contract furniture dealer adds to the process.
Based on a thoughtful and professional design, you can choose furniture that is functional, looks professional, and suits your budget. A detailed design removes most of the ambiguity from furniture selection. At this point, the focus is on balancing product quality with your budget, considering aesthetics, lead times, and furniture functionality and flexibility. Modular office furniture is a great option if you need to rearrange your layout (now or in the future) to adapt to the changing needs of your company.
We provide a final quote for the furniture and, once you sign off, we place the order and start counting down the days until delivery and installation. The length of time between ordering furniture and delivery/installation is typically 3-5 weeks, but that estimate depends on the specific furniture choices and on avoiding unexpected delays in production or freight.
Installation Coordination
We oversee all aspects of installation: scheduling, meeting all town and building regulations, making sure installers are following the plans, and performing a final inspection as well as ongoing quality assurance.
Repairing and Rearranging Furniture
Over time, furniture may need to be rearranged or repaired. Your contract furniture dealer should be your first and, hopefully, only phone call. If you work with us, we’ll be there to help you maintain and update your office furniture and layout.
Avoid the Pitfalls
There are many potential pitfalls that can occur during an office design, furnishing, and installation project. Being aware of potential issues and taking steps to address them proactively during project planning and through project management, we help you minimize the risks and ensure a successful outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:
Going Over Budget: We constantly coach our clients to avoid exceeding the allocated budget, which happens when unexpected expenses, design changes, and poor planning are not accounted for in the project management process.
Violating Local Rules, Laws, and Regulations: Clients often think that furniture delivery can come up through the front elevator during company hours, but it usually cannot. We provide experienced guidance to make sure that all of the local and building rules, laws, and regulations are taken into account. We make sure that the office design follows the fire code in terms of minimum space for walkways. We investigate if the city requires union labor for delivery and installation—and so much more.
Project Delays: With proper project management, you’ll avoid missed deadlines, which can result from poor planning, supply-chain issues, and/or unexpected challenges during the installation.
Poor Design: Inadequate space planning can lead to a crowded or uncomfortable work environment, which can negatively impact the overall functionality of the office. Trust a professional contract furniture dealer to ensure that your design will work for your company and employee needs.
Delivery Issues: As noted above, some buildings may not allow deliveries during certain hours. Other questions to consider: Is there a proper delivery port, such as a loading dock? Is there access to elevators?
Installation Issues: JCI ensures that the furniture and equipment are installed properly to avoid safety hazards, furniture damage, and project delays.
Health and Safety Issues: Failure to consider health and safety requirements during the design and installation process can lead to potential hazards or accidents in the workplace.
What should you look for in a commercial office furniture dealer?
When companies are looking for an office furniture dealer, they typically have specific expectations and criteria.
- Quality Products: Companies want an office furniture dealer that offers high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. They expect furniture that is durable, well-designed, and built to withstand regular use.
- Wide Selection: A diverse and extensive selection of office furniture is desirable. Companies prefer dealers that offer a range of options to meet their specific needs, including various styles, designs, sizes, and price points.
- Customization Options: The ability to customize office furniture to align with the company’s brand identity, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements is highly valued. Companies appreciate dealers that offer customization options, such as fabric choices, finishes, and ergonomic adjustments.
- Competitive Pricing: Companies seek office furniture dealers that provide competitive pricing without compromising on quality. A dealer that offers fair and transparent pricing, along with cost-effective solutions, is often preferred.
- Knowledge and Expertise: Companies expect office furniture dealers to have a deep understanding of their products and industry trends. Dealers with knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on product selection, space planning, and ergonomic considerations are highly regarded.
- Excellent Customer Service: Superior customer service is a significant factor in selecting an office furniture dealer. Companies want a dealer that is responsive, attentive, and committed to addressing their needs promptly. This service includes timely communication, assistance with product inquiries, efficient delivery and installation, and after-sales support.
- Space Planning and Design Services: Many companies appreciate office furniture dealers that offer space planning and design services. Professionals who can optimize office layouts, suggest furniture configurations, and provide 3-D visualizations can be invaluable during the planning and implementation phases.
- Project Management Capabilities: Companies often seek office furniture dealers that can handle the entire project from start to finish. This type of management includes project management, coordination with other vendors, furniture installation, and timely completion of the project within budget.
- Sustainability and Environmental Focus: Increasingly, companies prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. They seek office furniture dealers that offer ecofriendly and sustainable furniture options, such as products made from recycled materials or certified for environmental standards.
- Positive Reputation and References: Companies want to work with office furniture dealers with a solid reputation in the industry. Positive references, testimonials, and case studies from satisfied clients can help instill confidence in the dealer’s capabilities.
By considering these qualities and evaluating how well a potential office furniture dealer aligns with the company’s specific needs, companies can choose a dealer partner that can deliver quality products, exceptional service, and a seamless experience throughout the process.
Our Office Design & Furnishing Process
Consultation Call
To get started, schedule a conference call with one of our design teams to discuss your office project needs. The primary focus of the call is to outline your design goals and objectives and establish a budget.
Draft a Proposal
With your project needs in mind, our design team will write up a proposal for working together that will outline the fee structure and present a big-picture understanding of your project roadmap.
Know the Rules and Laws
There are many rules, laws, and regulations to consider, based on the building, city, and state in which you are located. Our design team is experienced in these areas. They know what to look for and what questions to ask in order to ensure that your project is in compliance and avoid any future issues.
Project-Management Plan
Next, our design team will assess the timeline and budget against your office design and furniture goals, employee needs, and other important considerations. This assessment produces timelines that will be used to monitor progress throughout the project, keeping it on schedule and within budget.
Site Measurements and Preferences
Whether or not a CAD drawing has been supplied, our design team will come to your office and field-measure your space. Architectural plans are often inaccurate; at the very least, they must be verified. This is necessary step in preparing the floor plan and furniture layout.
Create a Floor Plan
Based on design and furniture needs, a floor plan is drafted next. Both 2-D (floor plan) and 3-D visuals should be provided to help you visualize the newly designed space. Any necessary changes will generate revised 2D and 3D visuals.
Furniture Selection
Next is the furniture-selection process. Your design team will ensure that employee needs, the budget, and the floor plan are all considered in choosing the right furniture.
Final Quote
After all decisions are made about furnishings and finishes, a final quote for the furniture and installation will be provided. Once the quote has been accepted, your order is placed and a tentative installation date is set, accommodating your schedule as much as possible.
Installation
Almost at the finish line! If your design team has done his or her job well, you are on budget and on schedule and have avoided major challenges. As part of the project-management process, the consultant will ensure that the installation follows all building and government codes and passes any inspections.
Conduct a Final Walk-Through
Once the project is complete, your design team will conduct a final walk-through to confirm that all of the furniture has been installed and that everyone is happy. Take some pictures of a job well done!
We understand that purchasing office furniture is a big decision. We are here to help you through the decision-making process.
We are a full-service office furniture dealership that offers design, installation, and project management services. We have a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping our clients select the right furniture for their needs.
5 Reasons to Choose Joyce Contract Interiors for Your Office Furniture Needs
When it comes to creating a productive and inspiring work environment, selecting the right office furniture is crucial. Whether you’re setting up a new office or renovating an existing space, you must choose a reliable and reputable supplier that understands your unique requirements. With our extensive experience (in business since 1990), attention to detail, design and product selection processes, and unparalleled service, JCI is a top choice for office furniture solutions. In this blog, we explore five compelling reasons for you to select JCI for all of your office furniture needs.
Unmatched Expertise
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, JCI is established as a trusted expert in office furniture. Our team has in-depth understanding of workspace design, ergonomics, and the latest trends, which enables us to provide insightful guidance and recommendations. Whether you need assistance with space planning and design or with selecting the right furniture pieces for your specific requirements, our knowledgeable professionals are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction at every step.
Extensive Product Range
At JCI, you will find an extensive selection of high-quality office furniture, a selection that caters to diverse styles, budgets, and functional needs. From ergonomic office chairs and adjustable standing desks to modular workstations and collaborative seating options, we offer a comprehensive range of products that help create harmonious and efficient workspaces. Our commitment to sourcing furniture from reputable manufacturers, backed by warranties, ensures that you have access to durable and visually appealing options that enhance your office aesthetics.
Customization and Flexibility
Every office space is unique; JCI recognizes the importance of customization. We offer tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that the furniture integrates seamlessly with your workspace layout and branding. Whether you need custom finishes, fabrics, or personalized configurations, the JCI team works closely with you to bring your vision to life. This flexibility results in a workspace that reflects your company’s culture and promotes employee productivity.
Superior Quality, Durability, and Flexibility
Investing in office furniture is a long-term decision, and durability is paramount. JCI prioritizes quality by partnering with renowned manufacturers that adhere to high quality standards. When you select furniture from our manufacturers, you can be confident of the durability, functionality, flexibility, and longevity of your investment. The superior craftsmanship and high-grade materials that result in our products ensure that your office furniture will withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Exceptional Customer Service
At JCI, we understand that exceptional customer service is essential to a seamless experience. From your initial contact with our team, you can expect personalized attention and professional assistance. Specialists in office furniture project management, our friendly staff will guide you through the entire process, from initial consultations to product selection, delivery, and installation. Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations has earned us a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
In furnishing your office space, the choice of a reliable supplier can impact the success of your project significantly. The JCI team is an excellent choice to support all of your office furniture needs, offering unmatched expertise, a vast product range, customized options, superior quality, and exceptional customer service. When you choose JCI, you are not just investing in furniture; you are partnering with a team that will help you create an inspiring and efficient workspace for your organization. Experience excellence with JCI and elevate your office environment to new heights.
Contact us at teamjci@joycecontract.com 978-251-2226 for more information on how we can help you with your next office move, reconfiguration, or new space.