Starting this way avoids costly surprises once panels are already in production. This upfront investment in an accurate drawing is generally far cheaper than discovering a mismatch once panels have already been manufactured to the wrong specification. It also gives everyone involved, from the architect to the end client, a shared reference point to review and agree on before any physical work begins.

Beyond overall size, a useful drawing includes details such as electrical points, doors, windows and any structural columns near the intended wall, since these all affect how the final panels are configured and joined. Missing one of these details early on is one of the most common causes of delay later in a project. Involving whoever manages the space day to day at this stage can also surface practical details, such as where furniture is likely to sit, that a purely architectural drawing might not capture on its own. Even details that seem minor at the drawing stage, such as the exact position of a light switch, can end up mattering once panels are being fitted precisely against a wall. Reviewing the drawing together with everyone who will use the space, not just those managing the project, often surfaces small but important details early.

Once a drawing is confirmed, it is translated into a manufacturing specification: panel sizes, join positions, mounting method and finish are all set against the exact dimensions in the drawing, rather than a generic size. This translation step is where any remaining questions about feasibility are usually resolved before committing to production. This is also the point where lead times become clearer, since the exact configuration of panels and joins can affect how long production takes compared with a simpler, uniform layout. Any last practical questions, such as how panels will be handled during delivery in a building with restricted access, are also usually resolved during this stage rather than left until installation day. This stage is also a natural point to confirm finish and colour choices, since they are easier to adjust before production than afterward.

While panels are being produced, wall preparation can often happen in parallel, provided the drawing has already accounted for the wall’s actual condition. This overlap is one of the reasons an accurate early drawing saves time later in the project, since production and site work can proceed on separate tracks rather than waiting on each other. Clear communication between whoever is managing production and whoever is preparing the site helps keep both tracks aligned, so that panels arrive to a wall that is genuinely ready for them. This staged approach also makes it easier to adjust slightly if a minor site condition changes, since production and preparation are not entirely dependent on each other’s exact timing. Regular short check-ins between both sides during this period help catch any small misalignment before it becomes a bigger issue on installation day.

Installation follows the same drawing used for production, checking that the finished wall matches what was originally specified before final sign-off. Any discrepancy between the drawing and the as-built wall is usually caught and resolved at this stage, which is why keeping the original drawing as the single reference point throughout the project matters. Keeping a record of any agreed adjustments made during installation is also useful for future reference, particularly if the wall or wider space is modified again later. This final check is what gives confidence that the wall will perform and look as intended for years to come, rather than simply matching the drawing on the day of handover.

Learn how Chameleon bespoke whiteboard walls can be specified for your project.