What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

When a gallery or an independent designer reaches out for the first time, the conversation usually starts with a simple question: "What do we need to bring?" The answer depends on the space, the pieces, and the timeline. But there are a few things that make the first meeting productive for both sides.

Start with the floor plan. Even a hand-drawn sketch with measurements helps us understand where the walls, doors, and windows are. If you have a digital file, even better. We need to know the dimensions of each room or hall, the height of the ceilings, and the location of power outlets. This information determines how we distribute the furniture and where we place the lighting tracks.

Next, list the pieces you plan to exhibit. For each work, note the size, weight, and any special handling requirements. A large textile piece needs a different support system than a ceramic sculpture. If you have fragile frames or glass surfaces, tell us in advance. We adjust the packing materials and the mounting hardware accordingly.

Think about the schedule. How many days do you have for installation? When does the space need to be cleared? We have worked with tight windows—sometimes less than 48 hours for a full setup and teardown. Knowing the deadlines early lets us assign the right number of people and prepare the tools in advance.

Finally, share your references. A mood board, photos of previous exhibitions, or a simple description of the atmosphere you want to create. This helps us choose the color temperature of the LED lights and the style of the partition panels. The more concrete the reference, the closer we get to the result you imagine.

That is what we ask for in a first consultation. It keeps the conversation grounded and saves time for everyone.