Recognising this early helps set realistic expectations across the project team, rather than assuming a bespoke wall can move at the same pace as ordering a single item from a catalogue. Once this is understood, most of the apparent complexity becomes a matter of sequencing rather than genuine difficulty. Approaching it with this expectation from the outset tends to make the process feel considerably smoother than going in expecting a quick, single-step order.

The process usually starts with an accurate survey of the wall, along with a discussion of how the space will be used, since this shapes both the size and configuration of the finished wall. This stage often surfaces practical questions, such as whether the wall will need to accommodate a screen or storage unit later, that are far easier to resolve before a design is finalised. This is also a good time to discuss maintenance expectations, since how the wall will be cleaned and cared for can influence some of the material choices made later. Photographs taken during this stage are also useful later, giving production a clear visual reference alongside the written measurements. Even seemingly minor context, such as how often the room is rearranged, can be worth mentioning at this stage.

The survey also needs to capture wall type and construction, since installation relies on Chameleon’s TÜV-certified magnetic mounting system, and each individual panel in the finished wall is manufactured up to a maximum of 1180 by 2980 millimetres.

Once requirements are clear, a design is produced showing panel layout, join positions and finish, which needs sign-off before production begins, since changes become more disruptive once manufacturing has started. Reviewing this design against the original survey one more time before approval helps catch any small inconsistencies while they are still easy to fix. Sharing the design with anyone who will use the space day to day, not just those approving the project, often catches practical concerns before they become harder to change. A brief written confirmation of sign-off, even if approval was given verbally, helps avoid any ambiguity once production is underway.

Every panel in the design carries the same lifetime warranty on writing and erasing regardless of how many panels the finished wall ultimately uses, so this is one aspect of the specification that does not need separate sign-off.

Panels are manufactured to the confirmed specification and delivered in a sequence that matches how installation will proceed, particularly important on larger walls installed in stages to minimise disruption. Coordinating delivery timing with site access, especially in occupied buildings, is often just as important as the manufacturing itself. Keeping a single point of contact across production and delivery helps avoid miscommunication, particularly on projects where several trades are working in the same space around the same time. Confirming delivery access requirements, such as lift size or loading bay availability, well before the delivery date avoids last-minute complications. This is a small coordination step that pays off considerably once several deliveries or trades are involved in the same week.

Each panel is manufactured on an FSC-certified MDF core with a Cradle to Cradle Bronze certified enamel layer, the same construction used throughout Chameleon’s range regardless of how a particular wall’s panels are configured or sequenced for delivery.

Installation follows the signed-off design, with a final check against the original specification before the project is considered complete, ensuring the finished wall matches what was agreed at the design stage. This final review is also a good point to document the installation for any future maintenance or expansion of the wall. This documentation becomes especially useful if the wall needs to be extended or adjusted later, since it gives a clear record of exactly what was originally installed and how. Where possible, photographing the finished wall from the same angles as the original survey provides a useful before-and-after reference. A short walkthrough with everyone who will use the wall daily is also a good way to close out the project on a practical note.

Where the wall uses a SatinTones colour rather than standard white, confirming the exact tone against the installed panels at this final check is worth doing before sign-off, since lighting on site can make a close colour match look slightly different to how it appeared on a sample.

A handful of factors reliably add time to a bespoke wall project beyond the standard sequence: a wall with several obstructions that need designing around, a custom colour or finish requiring additional sampling, or restricted site access that limits when installation can actually happen. None of these make the project unworkable, but flagging them as early as possible, ideally during the initial survey rather than once production is already underway, gives the schedule the best chance of holding. Asking a supplier directly which of these factors apply to a specific project, rather than assuming a standard timeline will hold regardless, tends to produce a more realistic programme from the outset.

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