Assuming that by "FUNCTIONAL design" you mean the floorplan, positioning of furniture, etc., that stuff should happen first, followed as closely as possible by lighting design. As an alternative to hiring a pro, you could also post a floorplan here or on the lighting forum, and get some input that way.

Oops, this is the lighting forum. I got mixed up there...

Actually, since the windows are already there and it doesn't sound like you'll be moving them, you should probably take daylight into consideration when planning the furniture layout. When seated at a desk, it's best to have the windows to one side or the other -- neither directly behind nor in front of the desk, if it can be helped. If the window is behind you then you can expect to see it reflected in your computer screen, obscuring whatever is being displayed there. If it's in front of you, it will be so bright at times that you'll be squinting to see the relatively dim screen. Light coming from the side is much nicer.

jon1270--

I did mean "floorplan, positioning of furniture, etc."

That is exactly the sort of guidance I needed. Thanks. So it sounds like Paige and I need to figure out what goes where, and then I'll post our version of a floorplan here. We won't be moving any windows or doors...that will dictate furniture placement. I'm going to get measurements later this week...I'll see what I can do about scanning in the floorplan and posting it here, once I've drawn it. I appreciate any and all help y'all can give me.

melanie

When you post the floorplan, it would help if you also noted ceiling heights, and an arrow indicating which way is North.

Got it! I will be certain to note all those things. I can't thank you enough...

Jon--where in Northern Ohio are you? I have family up that way--Sis lives outside of Chagrin Falls--mom is in Hudson...

melanie

I'm in Oberlin, a college town Southwest of Cleveland. I grew up Euclid, though, which is closer to Chagrin. My parents used to take my brother and me to the Chagrin River park when we were little. For a few years I also lived in Akron, of which Hudson is a suburb. All familiar territory.

As far as the wiring, make sure whoever does it studies up on electrical codes and wiring methods. It's a common mistake to think that an Electrical Engineer is knowledgable in electrical wiring. They almost have nothing to do with electricians, infact electrical engineers often get annoyed by people assuming they do electrical work. On the other hand some EE's think "well shoot I know everything about wiring" and they put in actual dangerous situations or fail to follow codes resulting in failing home inspections.

Just wanted to add that thought :)