Start with how it will be used

Before choosing a finish or collecting reference images, describe what the piece needs to do. A desk for occasional paperwork has different demands from a shared workstation used throughout the day. A storage unit might need to display favourite objects, hide equipment or make everyday items easier to reach.

Write a short description of the people who will use it, the room it belongs in and the problem you want to solve. Mention anything the current arrangement makes difficult. These details give the first conversation a practical starting point.

Understand the space around it

Note the available width, depth and height, together with nearby doors, windows, sockets and other furniture. Think about how someone will move around the piece and whether drawers or doors have room to open.

Initial measurements are useful discussion notes, rather than a final production drawing. Tell the team what you have measured and what still needs checking. Access routes, stairs and doorways may also affect how a piece can be delivered and assembled.

Choose references with a reason

A small set of references is often more useful than a large folder of unrelated images. Explain what attracts you to each one: the silhouette, colour, storage arrangement, texture or relationship to the room.

Reference photography is a starting point for discussion, not a promise of an exact reproduction. A material or detail that works in one setting may need to change for your dimensions, intended use or working budget.

Talk about budget and timing early

Share a working budget if you have one. If you do not, say that you need guidance and describe the features that matter most. This helps separate essential requirements from details you are happy to reconsider.

Explain whether you have a fixed date, a preferred window or are simply exploring. Include the reason for a deadline, such as moving into a space. Any cost, production timing or delivery arrangement needs to be confirmed in a proposal; a website enquiry is only the beginning of that discussion.

Bring the essentials together

A useful first brief can be short. Include the type of piece, its intended use, approximate dimensions, location, number of pieces and any material preferences. Add your budget and timing expectations, including where you would welcome advice.

Keep a list of open questions. You might need help deciding how much storage is practical, how the piece should fit with existing furniture or which details affect the scope. You do not need every answer before starting a conversation.

  • What would you like made, and who will use it?
  • Where will it go, and what dimensions are known?
  • How many pieces are needed?
  • What is essential, and what is flexible?
  • What budget and timing should guide the discussion?

Choose the right starting point

For a custom piece or a fabrication brief, start with Projects. For a room or workplace that needs designing or furnishing as a whole, start with Interiors. If the space also needs custom furniture, Interiors can coordinate the requirements internally.

The distinction is about your starting need. It helps the team understand whether you are asking for a piece to fit a plan, or help shaping the plan itself.