A Minute With Mar:
How to Shop for a
Reception Station

Unlike other ready-to-ship products like chairs or filing cabinets, reception stations typically involve some degree of customization.

In general, you should factor in a six to eight week manufacturing lead time once you've signed off on drawings. The quote process takes additional time, so be sure to allow time in your planning process for revisions and review of shop drawings.

Custom-built reception stations available from Ambience Dore include classic wood styles, as well as more "future-forward" glass and steel designs for a modern look. (Links: our custom collection, and premium custom collection)

The first step for any reception station order is this: figure out the size and configuration (L-shaped, U-shaped or stand alone desk) your lobby will accommodate. Make sure you're allowing space for walkways, and check with your regional legal codes to be certain that you're allowing the right amount of space.

Next, choose a style or a combination of styles that appeal to you, and we can provide you with a quote. And think of any other special considerations your space requires. For instance, do you need an ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) accessible counter?

Then, you'll need to know what budget range you're working with. We don't carry anything under $1000, because stations that cheap look like what they are: square particleboard boxes.

Prices vary. Depending on materials, design, and size, an attractive wood, glass, or steel u-shaped custom-built reception station with two pedestals averages about $7500 and up. Name-brand wood reception stations are generally $3000-4000 more than custom. If you can find an image of what you like, we can quote it out locally with custom builders.

Here's some of the information we'll need before we can begin working on your price quote:

(1) Know your room dimensions or the size of unit you can accommodate. (You can fax or email us rough drawings and notes or send us a CAD file in DWG format).
(2) Give yourself some room! Most reception stations are positioned in key entrances and exits. You must allow 44" of clearance for major walkways. Allow at least 36" clearance to enter the station (42"- 48" if there are accessible files behind it).
(3) Be aware of how the furniture installers will move and fit it into your space. Are there major obstacles in your building that we to be aware of? Narrow hallways or door ways, small elevators, stairs, building management restrictions on hours of delivery?

Call or e-mail us and we'll be happy to work with you! Shopping for a reception station doesn't have to be a headache, and we have many styles to suit virtually any workspace and price range.

Mar Doré
Founder and CEO
Ambience Doré, Inc.