What do you need to store? How many inches of books do you need to shelve? Any chance this room will ever be used as a den or tv room? Perhaps you want a large center section with a painting hung now that could be replaced by a tv if you desire it in the future.

I'd prefer counter height lower cabinets across the bottom for maximum storage - you can get a printer in there, and other storage. Then book shelves on top with a main opening for a large picture.

Is the a birds eye view of this built in? Something for context?

We need info and honestly I really dislike wall of storage and display in a noffice . Is this a home office or an actual working office ? What do you do in there ? Where is this space in the house ? So much info needed to answer this question. I for sure would not want my desk crammed in betweeen two tall cabinets that jut out furthere than my desk. A pic of the space and a ot more info please .

I would assume that the kneehole space is for a desk and chair. But that's a very tight space for any work to be done. And I'd want the desk space to be much deeper than the cabinets, not the other way around. Without dimensions, it's difficult to give any advice. Or maybe you will have a freestanding desk, but in that case why the kneehole?

This begs the question--why is the contractor designing the office? You should have a design professional draw something up that the contractor builds. Or you are the designer.

Thank you! The kneehole is another workspace for a large monitor. There will be a freestanding desk in front of it with a laptop to swivel between both. I like your suggestion to reverse the jut-out to the mid section vs ends! I also feel like the shelves don't look wide and elegant like my pics did. You're right that I should have begun this project with a designer. Thanks again for steering me that way!

Maybe work with an office space interior designer who can then relay the plan to the contractor. Professional interior designers are invaluable.

Waht picture did you have ? Maybe post that here . But really an actual working office needs design that actually works not just looks pretty so yes an office designer could be a huge help .

I’m not in love with the symmetrical open shelving either. It feels forced. I would widen the closed wall cabinets or have 2 sets of closed cabinets with one that has an open shelf in it. I would definitely add a sconce on the wall or the inside corner of wall cabinet or face of wall cabinet. That would definitely elevate your space!