The law firm of DJ and Associates has just moved into a new facility. The spacious reception space has room for three receptionists and a client waiting area. The law firm has hired you to help with the layout of the reception area. It has given you a budget of $15,000 and asked you to purchase furniture for the reception area that will fit into the layout, given certain constraints.

The reception area is 50 feet long by 20 feet wide. The client waiting area is 400 square feet, leaving 600 square feet for the three receptionists, their desks, chairs, file cabinets, and aisle room. The furniture for the client waiting area has been purchased. Your job is to purchase furniture for the receptionists. For each receptionist you are to purchase a desk with two chairs and two large file cabinets that will fit the constraints of the room and your budget. Since appearance is an important factor, the desks must be made of a high-grade wood. Also, there must be at least 5 feet of walking space between desks.

Use the Internet to carry out your assignment. Find Web sites for commercial office furniture sellers and browse sites for the specific furniture you need, checking dimensions and prices. Finally, come up with a plan of purchase and suggestions for a layout. It may be a good idea to read up on office layouts to get suggestions. The firm is considering hiring you for future work, so you want to develop a good plan that might include additional suggestions that were not asked for.