Practical perspective
Keep the operating website in the redesign plan
A redesign needs to preserve more than a visual style.
Inventory before replacing
Keep the existing URL list, content, approved media and important functions. Identify drafts and unresolved changes so the new version does not silently discard unpublished work.
Preserve the inquiry chain
Document the accepted form, storage, notification and retrieval process. A new success screen does not replace evidence that the owner receives the request.
Accept the exact candidate
Review the matching artifact revision on its approved target. Preserve a tested prior accepted version and submissions before authorizing any cutover.