Plugs, wires and spaces
Consider what electrical equipment you need. Wherever possible, use multifunction equipment – such as a printer that also serves as a scanner and photocopier, rather than three separate machines.
How are they going to be wired: where are the nearest sockets?
You should have a mental picture of your usage of the various bits of equipment. Those that you require most should be the most accessible. Try to avoid having loose cables running across the floor: route them where they won't get in the way, or – better still – won't be seen. Or can you cut down on wires by using wireless technology?
Light
Most offices need plenty of light. You should make full advantage of natural light. But think through the location of computer screens, which are best sited where light comes in from the side. Remember that the sun will shine from different positions throughout the year: if sunlight falls directly on your computer screens, you are going to need window blinds – or some alternative – to shield them.
Overhead lighting is good for general use, but can be brutal and wearing – especially neon strip-lighting. You may be best served by a mixture of light sources – overhead, spot-lighting, angle-poise, table lamps – offering flexibility for a variety of tasks and moods throughout the day.
Communication and privacy
If there are a number of you working in a room, give careful thought to how your individual work stations are placed. You may not want to be constantly in the sightlines of other members of your team; but it may help if you can swivel round to communicate with them across the room. You should consider also the degree of privacy you require for telephone calls and meetings. Screens can provide a flexible way to break up a room. Note that if you go for an office design that is very pared-down and spartan (stripped pine floorboards, melamine worktops), it may be stylish, but it may also be noisy.
Take a break
Don't forget to think about what you'll need for tea and coffee breaks, or even lunch at the office, for both colleagues and visitors. And last but by no means least, give some thought to your washing and toilet facilities.
