When people see a finished mural, they often experience only the magic of the final moment—the color, the atmosphere, the story unfolding across the walls. What they rarely see is the careful planning that makes that moment possible.
At Hattas Studios, every successful mural begins long before the first brushstroke. It begins with a site visit.
Interior Design by Catherine Wiley. Faux finishing by HBS Painting. Mural by Hattas Studios.
Because every space is different, and every project we create is custom, we take the time to carefully assess the environment where the artwork will live. This step ensures that when our production team arrives to paint, everything runs smoothly and the artwork integrates beautifully with the design of the space.
Understanding the Space
The first goal of a site visit is to truly understand the room. A mural isn’t just a painting on a wall—it becomes part of the architecture and the interior design.
Hattas Studios Project Manager Tony Arredondo performs a site visit in the Upstairs Hall Closet at Pasadena Showcase House.
During our visit, we photograph the space from multiple angles and take detailed measurements. These measurements allow us to provide an accurate quote and to design artwork that fits the proportions of the room perfectly.
We also document key physical details that affect how the mural will be executed, such as:
Flooring type (to determine protection and drop cloth strategies)
Wall texture and surface conditions
Any possible damage that need repair, or dirt that needs cleaning
Existing paint colors and sheens
Lighting conditions throughout the day
Available working space for ladders, scaffolding, and equipment
Each of these elements plays a role in how the artwork will ultimately look and how efficiently our team can paint the mural.
Planning for Production
A mural installation is both an artistic and logistical undertaking. Our site visits help us anticipate the practical needs of the production process.
Hattas Studios Production Artist Sophia Lambrecht unloads the van filled with the carefully selected materials and equipment for this specific project.
For example, we review the height of the room to determine what size ladders or scaffolding will be required. We identify any obstructions or architectural challenges, such as built-ins, moldings, lighting fixtures, or tight corners that may affect the painting process.
We also consider the working environment for our team:
Where can materials be unloaded?
Where can equipment be staged during the project?
Where should our team park?
What hours are we allowed to work on site?
Answering these questions ahead of time allows our artists to focus on creating exceptional work rather than solving logistical issues in the moment.
Designing the Artwork to Belong in the Room
One of the most important parts of our site visit is studying the design language of the space itself.
Mural by Hattas Studios.
Luxury interiors are carefully curated environments. The mural should feel like a natural extension of the room, not an afterthought. During our visit we document the colors, fabrics, furniture, and materials in the space so we can coordinate the mural palette accordingly.
We often photograph:
Upholstery and fabrics
Decorative patterns
Furniture finishes
Architectural details
Existing wall colors and paint sheens
These references allow us to design artwork that harmonizes with the interior design. A well-integrated mural feels intentional—as though the room and the artwork were designed together from the beginning.
Planning for Off-Site Production
In some cases, murals are created offsite and installed later. This approach is particularly helpful when timelines are tight or when a location has limited working hours.
A good example is our project at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, where the artwork is was created in our studio before installation.
Preparations for the mural and electronics to go behind the mural at Pasadena Showcase House, 2026
When working this way, precise measurements become even more critical. During our site visit we determine:
Exact wall dimensions
Panel sizes and seam placement
How the artwork will be transported
How the panels will physically enter the room
Doorways, stairwells, and tight corners all matter. Planning these details ahead of time ensures the panels fit perfectly once installed.
Preparing for the Unexpected
After more than two decades of painting murals in homes, commercial spaces, and public environments, we’ve learned one important truth: every site is different.
Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center on Hollywood Blvd. Attraction designer: Kuvera Partners. Facade mural by Hattas Studios.
No two walls are identical. Lighting varies dramatically from room to room. Access points, architectural quirks, and scheduling requirements all influence how a project unfolds.
That’s why our site visit checklist is so extensive. By asking the right questions early—measuring carefully, photographing thoroughly, and studying the design of the room—we eliminate surprises later.
When the painting process begins, our team arrives fully prepared with the right equipment, the right materials, and a clear plan for execution.
Materials and equipment are carefully planned and packed for the needs of each individual project.
Turning Preparation into Magic
A great mural should feel effortless. It should stop people in their tracks, transform a space, and make the room feel unforgettable.
Behind that magic is careful preparation.
Our site visits allow us to merge art, architecture, and interior design into one cohesive experience. By planning every detail in advance, we ensure that when the brushes finally come out, the process is smooth, efficient, and focused entirely on creating something extraordinary.
Because when custom art is designed thoughtfully—and installed with precision—it doesn’t just decorate a space. It transforms it.
Follow Hattas Studios on Instagram to go behind the scenes and watch us
transform the Upstairs Closet into “The Enchanted Nook.”