1. There is a loosely defined “standard” that has been defined that pulls ancillary furniture pieces as far back as two years that is referenced
1.1. NT relies on furniture partners to provide historical knowledge and expertise in order to inform new projects.
1.2. Standards is the incorrect way to define the ancillary furniture, a “book of alternates” is preferred.
2. Methods / Procedure
2.1. Design incorporating ancillary furniture takes place too late in the design stage and are not properly incorporated in to the design documents
2.2. Furniture design is completed post construction documents completion, ordered late with a potential 12 week lead times from date of order.
2.3. In past lessons learned it has been recommended that a trip to the merchandise mart to review ancillary items takes place earlier on in design: 1 trip each for tables and chairs. Typically, the Mart trip happens much later in design.
2.4. When items are reviewed in quick time blocks, all functionality criteria is sometimes not addressed.
3. Machines/Equipment
3.1. No furniture defects
4. People
4.1. NT relies on creativity from designers to provide alternates for review during design.
4.1.1. When alternates are requested by NT, it is understood that the furniture selection process is starting over for each project.
4.2. NT "standard's" limit the designer when making ancillary furniture selections for the intended purposes of the space.
4.3. If ancillary furniture “standards” are shared with the designer too early, it becomes understood that there are no other options to be considered.
5. Materials
5.1. At times, furniture items do not have the proper wiring capability and/or not reviewed for this when there is a last minute change due to budget restrictions.
5.2. When items are reviewed in quick time blocks, all functionality criteria is not addressed.
6. Measurement
6.1. Standards is the incorrect way to define the ancillary furniture, a “book of alternates” is preferred.
6.2. Criteria Required based on it being:
6.2.1. Functional (Includes Durability)
6.2.2. Comfortable
6.2.3. Affordable
6.2.4. Stylistically enduring and consistent with branding
7. Enviroment
7.1. The furniture changes based on the function of the space.
7.2. At times, the function of the ancillary items is not adequate for the purpose of space. Due to space limitations, technology needs,
7.3. Furniture for 2016 projects have been selected for room functionalities that have not been assessed previously.
7.4. Ancillary criteria is different based on space type:
8. Countermeasure
8.1. Step 1: Prepare the Book of Alternates based on North America Review by July 10
8.1.1. Conduct workshops with Furniture Vendors to review furniture from past projects (Forward Space, Empire, Thomas Business Interiors)
8.1.2. Create ancillary furniture list with applicable criteria:
8.1.2.1. Type of Office:
8.1.2.1.1. Wealth Management
8.1.2.1.2. Office Environment:
8.1.2.2. Functionality
8.1.2.2.1. Durability
8.1.2.2.2. Fabric Selection
8.1.2.3. Comfort Level
8.1.2.4. Affordability (High | Low)
8.1.2.5. Enduring Style that is consistent with branding.
8.1.3. Schedule regular furniture review meetings / trips at the merchandise mart.