Biophilic lobby design brief

    Sit in the waiting chair, walk the arrival route, and agree what the lobby needs to do. Use this one-page brief to record the architect’s and owner’s decisions, unknowns and responsibilities before choosing products.

    Download editable lobby brief (.docx)

    Free editable template · No sign-in required · November 11, 2026

    Complete the brief on a site walk

    1. Open the blank Word brief or print it on one US Letter page. Record the project, date, architect and owner/facilities contact.
    2. Observe arrival and seated views together. Record what is visible at eye level, not just in the plan.
    3. Walk the delivery, accessible circulation and service routes. Record constraints and what needs measuring; an unknown is not an approval. Survey individual planting locations to record repeat light readings, stable IDs and unresolved service decisions.
    4. Agree installation and recurring-care responsibilities, then name the next three decision owners and actual due dates.
    Arrival and seated experience
    What should someone see or experience on arrival and from a seated position?
    Routes and operations
    Which routes, reception sightlines and operational needs must remain clear?
    Light and care access
    What is known about daylight, glare and plant-care access? What still needs measuring?
    Responsibilities
    Who owns installation, watering, maintenance and replacement decisions?
    Allowances and objectives
    Which budget allowances and certification objectives need confirmation?

    Next three decisions: record the decision, accountable owner and due date. Leave room for confirmation of light measurements, budget allowances and any registered certification objective.

    Illustrative completed example: a lobby waiting edge

    A design illustration, not a documented installation or approved project brief. The blank download contains no completed example.

    Arrival and seated experience
    From the waiting chair, keep a view of the courtyard; shelter two seats without hiding reception.
    Routes and operations
    Keep the accessible approach and reception sightline clear; verify delivery and cleaning routes with facilities.
    Light and care access
    Afternoon glare observed at reception; measure light at the proposed canopy and confirm watering access before choosing plants.
    Responsibilities
    Owner to appoint installer and care provider; facilities lead to approve the service route and replacement process.
    Allowances and objectives
    Confirm separate installation and annual care allowances. Owner to confirm whether a registered certification objective applies.
    Sequence shown instead of invented project dates; enter actual dates in your brief.
    DecisionOwnerDue
    Measure canopy-level light and glareDesignerBefore species selection
    Approve routes and service accessFacilities leadBefore layout sign-off
    Confirm installation and care allowancesOwnerBefore bids are requested

    Carry the decisions forward