![\"Desk](\"https:\/\/www.dka.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Groups-Combined.jpg\" "\\"How")
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[*This blog focuses on the design of reception but people<\/a> are also very important, obviously]<\/p>\n The Ravenala Attitude Copyright: virginie tenant lacoste<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n When I arrived at this hotel (on honeymoon, we\u2019re not usually that fancy) we didn\u2019t go to a desk \u2013 we were greeted and shown to a sofa, given a drink and handed a tablet to check-in on. After a long journey it was nice to get such personal, comfortable service. This approach is also being taken in banks and hospitals, where greeters intercept you at the entrance, take your details and direct you to the correct area.<\/p>\n So, is a reception desk even needed? Well\u2026generally, yes. A desk acts as a big signpost for help, they are familiar and we know what we\u2019re expected to do (we can queue, rather than anxiously huddle). At a minimum, some form of desk is generally required as a base for the receptionist \/ greeter and to house IT equipment, although tablets have made much smaller kiosks viable.<\/p>\n Desk Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n Presuming a reception desk is required, there are several things to think about when pulling together the design:<\/p>\n Location<\/u><\/p>\n One of the first things we\u2019ll consider when designing a reception area is where the best location is for the desk. Sometimes this is defined by the position of a back office or other key adjacency, but it can be fairly self-contained. Often, we will position the desk in front of a side wall \u2013 providing a good view of the whole space and allowing use of the wall for signage.<\/p>\n Be cautious about positioning the desk directly opposite the entrance; it can appear too dominant, even aggressive, and may make it more difficult to manage flows through the space. A central desk, unless manned by several members of staff, can mean that staff sometimes have their backs (and screens) to visitors \u2013 which is unwelcoming and a potential security issue. It also creates a much larger area which must be kept free for visitors to approach, is more difficult to provide with power and has no rear wall for signage.<\/p>\n Another consideration is the distance away from the door; the desk should be obvious from the entrance and there should be a comfortable distance from the door \u2013 not so close that a queue obstructs access, not so far that the visitor feels awkward on a lengthy approach. Staff at reception should then be able to easily direct the visitor to the seating area and keep an eye on them while they\u2019re waiting.<\/p>\n Awkward smiles all the while<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Size<\/u><\/p>\n We generally size a desk to suit the number of staff it needs to cater for, but size can be played with to create a statement or define the space. It\u2019s also worth remembering that the organisation\u2019s needs might change \u2013 will it be possible to accommodate more staff in future?<\/p>\n Use \u2013 staff<\/u><\/p>\n We also need to think about how the desk is staffed \u2013 will there always be someone there? If not, the desk should be able to be secured with a place for everything to be locked away.<\/p>\n If reception is the staff\u2019s only base, they will need storage for personal belongings and easy access to refreshments and WCs \u2013 particularly if there is only one person staffing the desk. Often a reception desk leads to a back office, which can reduce clutter \u2013 particularly if large items like multi-function printers are required.<\/p>\n The use of PCs can also have a big impact on the design of the desk. The use of laptops and tablets has increased over the years, particularly where desks are not continuously staffed, but for most organisations a PC with monitor is still required. Upstands \/ writing shelves and careful planning of cable management can reduce trailing wires, but it\u2019s often a difficult balance between practicality and tidiness.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth considering the range of switches and alarm panels required as early as possible in the design of the desk area, so that they can be incorporated into the design. Alarm panels are not often beautiful, but could be lifesaving \u2013 so we need to make sure their position is practical, whilst minimising their visual impact to visitors.<\/p>\n Use \u2013 visitors<\/u><\/p>\n What will visitors to the building be doing? If they need to sign in (or have something signed for) then a high section of counter will make it easier for people standing. If deliveries are being made, make sure the counter material can handle heavy items being pushed across the top and think about where they can be stored out-of-sight until they reach their final recipient.<\/p>\n The types of people that are most likely to visit will also have a bearing on the desk design, which I\u2019ll cover further in the \u2018accessibility\u2019 and \u2018security\u2019 below.<\/p>\n Accessibility<\/u><\/p>\n We always aim to create inclusive environments, as should clients representing their company\u2019s core values.<\/p>\n Think about the possible users of the desk and how to make their arrival safe and welcoming. It is standard practice to have a section of counter that allows wheelchair access (low counter with knee recess) but we also need to consider visitors with other needs, for example, people with: other mobility impairments; hearing impairment; visual impairment; learning difficulties or dementia.<\/p>\n Put yourselves in their shoes and think about their approach to the desk. How easy might it be for a visitor to lip read or use sign language? Could glare be a problem? Should assistive listening systems (e.g. induction loop) be installed? Is signage clear?<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to note that it\u2019s not just visitors that need consideration, staff may have additional needs too. It should be possible for a member of staff using a wheelchair to greet a visitor using a wheelchair.<\/p>\n The desk should obviously also meet Building Regulations<\/a>. Further guidance can also be found in British Standard BS8300<\/a>.<\/p>\n Security<\/u><\/p>\n Security is an increasingly important aspect of reception design. As I\u2019ve already said, the desk should provide a good view of the entrance and waiting areas for general surveillance; consider the need to fit a panic button under the desk too.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to assess the security risk and provide a considered approach based on the likely aggression of visitors. The most obvious protection is the sort of glass screen you get at the Post Office, but these can disrupt communication and are unwelcoming. Higher counters can also provide guarding, but limit accessibility and views out. An extra deep counter is a better solution \u2013 this limits the visitors reach and has the extra benefit of making it easier to accommodate wheelchair access.<\/p>\n The shape of the desk can also help; a desk with closed sides should discourage visitors from coming around to the back of the desk, whether staffed or not. A gate or flap can be provided if staff need to access the desk via the main space, or even just provide the ability to come out from behind the desk to assist visitors, whilst a completely closed desk with access via a rear door will also provide a secure escape route.<\/p>\n Comfort<\/u><\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget about the comfort of people working on reception as well as visitors – a cold receptionist will find it harder to give a warm welcome! Plinth heaters, particularly where receptionists have control, can be useful.<\/p>\n It is also important not to abandon ergonomics for aesthetics \u2013 the staff on reception may work long hours and will need a comfortable task chair and appropriately-designed workstation.<\/p>\n Cost<\/u><\/p>\n Clients often start by thinking they can get something \u2018off the shelf\u2019, but as soon as we talk about their requirements, or even just analyse the space available, it becomes clear we\u2019ll need something custom-made. As large, complicated pieces of furniture, bespoke reception desks can be costly \u2013 which it makes it even more important to get it right.<\/p>\n Style<\/u><\/p>\n I\u2019ve already talked about how the style chosen for reception can express brand identity and the desk plays a large part in that. Of course, in speculative developments or large office blocks receptions may have to cater for unknown, or several different, organisations. In these cases, it is often safer to use neutral colours (to avoid branding clashes) but in finishes that create a high-quality feel.<\/p>\nThe Desk<\/h2>\n
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