Preparing a commission brief

Combining several people's feedback in one brief

Several people's feedback is easiest to use when differences remain visible.

Clear upright floral block with red and cream roses on a dark plinth — Design visualization — a reference for this discussion, not a completed project or a rendering of the proposed brief.

By RivyaLivingArt · 2 minute read

The question behind the worksheet

Several people's feedback is easiest to use when differences remain visible. Combining all comments into one apparently unanimous instruction can create confusion later.

Work through the observation

Collect comments against the same proposal version. Group them by issue and note whether they agree, conflict or need clarification. Choose one person to send the consolidated summary if everyone agrees to that arrangement. Keep unresolved choices explicitly open.

A worked example to compare

Two people may both want a quieter design but mean different things: less colour and fewer visible edges. Record both meanings before asking for a revision.

Questions to put in your notes

Use these prompts to produce a short record you can revisit. Date the sheet, identify the reference you used and leave unknowns explicitly unanswered. Keep site facts, personal preferences and requests for confirmation separate.

Are comments about the same version?
Where do meanings differ?
Who will confirm the consolidated choice?

What this exercise cannot establish

A consolidated message does not establish consent from people who have not reviewed it. Confirm the summary with the actual decision-makers.

Choose the next question

Keep the resulting note with your current brief. Before sending it, check that it explains one decision clearly and does not turn a preference into an agreed detail. Use the current linked page for the relevant website guidance, and bring any piece-specific uncertainty to the atelier.

Read the related guidance ↗

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