Start with the right project form
Before any concept work begins, use the project briefing form to capture the basics. It asks for the site address, the type of space, the number of areas to be lit, ceiling heights, finish preferences and any control needs. For a shopfront in Rosebank, that might include signage washing, window display lighting and after-hours security lighting. For a restaurant in Durban, it may include warm dining zones, feature pendants and dimming for late service.
Completing the form properly saves time at the first call and keeps the design brief accurate from the start. If you are planning several spaces at once, use one form per area so the schedule stays clear and nothing gets mixed up. A few extra minutes here can prevent costly rework later.
- Project briefing form for new enquiries
- Space and usage checklist for retail, hospitality and residential work
- Basic site information sheet for Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and coastal sites
Use the site audit checklist before measurements are taken
The site lighting audit checklist is useful when you need a proper picture of what is already in place. It helps record lamp types, fitting positions, switching points, ceiling access, daylight levels and any problem areas. This is especially helpful in older buildings in central Johannesburg or in homes where wiring has changed over time. A clear audit means the next steps are based on real conditions, not guesswork.
Where there is load-shedding backup, generator changeover or solar integration, note it on the checklist as well. That detail matters when setting up controls, emergency lighting or dimming scenes. In coastal areas such as Umhlanga and parts of Cape Town, humidity and corrosion should also be recorded so fittings and finishes are chosen with care.
- Existing light points and circuit notes
- Switching, dimming and control observations
- Problem spots such as glare, dark corners or uneven colour temperature
Planning documents for layout and fixture decisions
Once the brief and site notes are in hand, the layout plan and fixture specification documents help you decide what goes where. These are the pages to review if you want to understand spacing, beam spread, mounting height and the purpose of each fitting. For restaurants, the layout usually balances table comfort with feature lighting. For homes, it often focuses on task light, ambient light and feature layers in living areas, kitchens and outdoor spaces.
The fixture specification sheet also helps with practical items such as trim colour, mounting method, wattage and maintenance access. That is useful when the site has high ceilings, narrow passageways or limited access for servicing. If your project is in Pretoria or Midrand, where homes and commercial spaces often have mixed ceiling conditions, this document keeps the specification tidy and easier to approve.
- Lighting layout plans for room-by-room review
- Fixture specification sheets with technical notes
- Control design notes for dimming, scenes and zoning
How to prepare for mockups and samples
When a project needs a visual check before installation, use the mockup and samples guide. It explains what to look at, what to compare and how to judge whether the light output suits the space. This is helpful for shopfronts where display lighting has to support products accurately, and for restaurants where colour and brightness affect the atmosphere. A sample session can also show how a fitting performs against paint colours, timber tones and reflective surfaces.
Bring the most relevant materials to the review, including finish swatches, cabinetry colours and any brand elements that need to be matched. Keep the sample notes simple and specific. That makes it easier for the team to confirm what should be carried through to the final order and what should be adjusted. It also helps avoid back and forth later on.
- Sample comparison sheet for finishes and light temperatures
- Mockup review notes for approvals and revisions
- Photo reference page for key lighting effects
Installation coordination and site readiness
The installation coordination document is there to keep everyone aligned before site work starts. It covers access times, ceiling close-up dates, electrician handover points and who is responsible for each step. On active sites in Sandton, Johannesburg CBD or Cape Town, this kind of planning helps avoid delays and reduces interruptions to other trades. It also gives the client a clear view of what must happen before fittings arrive.
If your project involves post-install focusing, use the same pack to note who will be onsite, when final adjustments can be made and which areas need the most attention. This is often the last step that makes a scheme feel right. Even a small adjustment of a few degrees can improve sight lines, reduce glare and sharpen the overall effect.
- Site readiness checklist for contractors and clients
- Installation sequence notes for phased work
- Post-install focusing plan for final adjustments
What to do if you are unsure which document to use
If you are not sure which download matches your project stage, start with the project briefing form and the site audit checklist. Those two documents usually give enough direction to identify the next step. If the project is still in the concept stage, focus on the brief. If the site already exists and needs improvement, begin with the audit. In many cases you will use both, then move on to layouts, specifications and installation notes.
Clients in Rosebank, Sandton, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Umhlanga and Midrand can use the same support pack, whether the work is for a shopfront, restaurant or home. The aim is simple: keep the information practical, complete and easy to act on. If a document seems to be missing, make a note on the enquiry form and the team can direct you to the right one.
- Begin with the brief for new work
- Use the audit for existing sites
- Move to layouts, fixtures and control notes once the scope is clear
