Design Process

The role of the interior designer in the design process 

• Ideation
• Research
• Documentation
• Checking documentation 

The design process

Client Engagement 

• Discuss project
• Client brief - often have an idea of what they want
• Discuss the scope during this time
• Budget guide 
• Establish an ideal timeline

Conceptual - Schematic Design 

• Research - history, site, case studies, SWOT
• Prepare a return brief 
• Present design brief to the client 
• Sign off with the client before construction/ implementation 
• return brief helps the designer outline design, pros and cons, objects, sets boundaries etc. 

Design Development 

• Develop detailed design
• Create a detailed final concept
• Present detailed design to client
• Visual impacts
• Sell your idea
• Materials board
• Spark imagination 
• model could be used
• Client sign off

Construction documentation 

• Detailed technical drawings and specifications 
• Coordinate special consultants when needed
• Get permits if required 
• 
  

Tendering 

• Send construction drawings to companies for pricing (3 minimum)
• Get a company that can complete in the required timeframe 
• Re-selection of materials
• Re-design floorpan if needed
• Update drawings
• reissue for final pricing 
• Can happen multiple times 

Construction 

• Regular site visits 
• Allows for checks 
• Making sure its on track (timeframe)
• Ensure all materials and product are supplied to specs
• All changes must be documented 
• Emails
• Conversations 
• Keep records 
• Legal reasons 
• Be flexible 

Post construction 

• Defects are noted
• Must be tended by the contractor
• Client, designer and builder sign off at end of project 
• Post occupancy review

Notes: 

• Be good at time management 
• Timelines
• Multiple projects at once
• Interior designer is dynamic and situations will alter 
• Commercial is less likely to change their mind 

Movement of the design process 

Client Engagement - Conceptual – Design Deve. – Construction – Defects – Signoff


EXPECTED

• Research - Planning – Designing – Creating – Evaluating – Deciding –
Implementing

TYPICAL

• Research – Planning – Designing – Creating – Evaluating – Testing Ideas – Planning – Designing – Creating – Evaluating – Deciding – Implementing