Custom Lighting Approval Process: Drawings, Samples and Production

Stage 1: Confirm the Scope

Create a fixture schedule with item code, quantity, room, product reference, requested dimensions, material, finish, light requirements, and target dates. Mark unknown values clearly instead of filling them with assumptions.

The project team should identify who can approve design, cost, electrical coordination, and schedule. Conflicting comments from several files create avoidable rework.

Stage 2: Review Dimensioned Drawings

Review plan, elevation, overall dimensions, fixture body, total drop, canopy size, suspension points, and the target lowest point. Compare the drawing with the floor plan or reflected ceiling plan and with actual site dimensions.

A drawing approval confirms the shown configuration; it does not replace structural, electrical, code, or installation review by the responsible project professionals.

Record every marked-up dimension against the drawing revision before returning comments. A consolidated markup is easier to reconcile than separate screenshots with no page, fixture, or revision reference.

Stage 3: Review Materials and Finishes

Use named finish references, physical samples when available, and current material information. Natural stone and handmade glass can vary, so the approval should define an acceptable range rather than promise identical pieces.

Review samples under project-relevant lighting. Screen color and photographed exposure are not reliable finish standards.

Stage 4: Coordinate Electrical and Installation

• Voltage, light source and control requirements
• Canopy, feed and suspension locations
• Available weight and support information
• Driver or transformer location when applicable
• Ceiling slope, finish and access conditions
• Assembly, labeling and installer responsibilities

Approval Register

Stage 5: Production Release

The release should identify the final drawing revision, quantity, finish, material direction, electrical configuration, and any approved exceptions. Keep approval in a durable written record.

Changes after release can affect feasibility, cost, and schedule. Submit them as a documented revision rather than editing an old drawing without a new revision identifier.

Production Updates, Packing and Handover

Agree on the information that will be shared during production and before shipment. For multi-fixture projects, request item labels that match the schedule and keep installation documents with the corresponding crates or cartons.

At handover, retain final drawings, product information, finish reference, photographs, spare-part records when supplied, and service notes. This documentation supports installation and later maintenance.