Bring the same brief to each conversation
Share the measured area, building condition, intended occupancy, budget assumptions and desired scope. Different inputs make proposals difficult to compare.
Ask for relevant evidence
Discuss directly relevant project examples, the people involved and the proposed deliverables. Confirm who will be responsible for design, pricing, site coordination and changes.
Make the commercial assumptions visible
Ask about inclusions, exclusions, review stages and how changes are agreed. A well-presented image should sit alongside a clear description of what will actually be provided.
Map activity before assigning desks
Write down the tasks people perform, how often teams overlap and when visitors arrive. A desk count alone will not reveal the need for private calls, project tables or storage.
Take this into your brief.
- Compare equivalent scopes and deliverables.
- Verify references directly where appropriate.
- Confirm responsibilities and change procedures before appointing anyone.
Write down one priority, one constraint and one question you still need to answer. Review them beside the plan or material sample before agreeing the next design decision.