An interior design project may sound very simple. However, such construction work actually involves intricate processes that are necessary for the project’s success. There are so many Phases of an Interior Design Project.
Whether you are still doing your research on how to find an interior designer or you already have the right person for the job, knowing the processes involved in interior design is important.
After all, it involves 6 different phases that you need to know first before moving forward with your project. They’re as follows:
Phase 1: Conceptualization
The first Phases of an Interior Design Project involves an initial meeting between the designer and client to discuss and plan out a comprehensive design brief.
The conceptualization phase is where the designer determines and outlines the client’s wants and needs for the project. In addition, both parties decide on the general interior style for the client’s home.
If you have any design inspirations such as photos from Pinterest boards, you can bring them to this initial meeting as it can help you and your designer get an overview of what you want to achieve.
Furthermore, the conceptualization phase is also where both parties analyze location views, grades, and sun angles, to name a few. It’s also where you and your designer will discuss the project’s budget and timeline.
Phase 2: Schematic Design
In the schematic design phase, all of the details gathered during the conceptualization phase are put into use. This is where your designer drafts an initial design blueprint, layout, material, and product solutions necessary for the project.
This phase also includes planning space diagrams, drafting functionalities, and determining circulation paths and proximities. The designer will consider multiple options contrary to the established project parameters and present the best ones for you to review.
Moreover, your designer will also present established interior finish options for budgeting purposes within this phase. Lastly, you will have to sign off on one specific concept in order to move ahead with further development.
Phase 3: Design Development
Once the schematic design plan is approved, the next phase that follows is design development. In this section, the designer will plan out various factors including exterior elevations as well as exterior and interior finishes.
They’ll also decide on doors or windows placements, among other things. The main purpose of this phase is to solidify the interior details.
In this phase, the designer will also work on the layouts of the various parts of the house specifically the kitchen, bathroom, stairs, bedrooms, and living room. Moreover, they will prepare the standard interior elevations to present lighting locations, tile installation details, and cabinetry design.
Lastly, both you and the designer will decide on the interior finishes of the walls and flooring as well as decide on lighting fixtures, interior doors, and ceiling details, among a few other things.
Phase 4: Contract Documents
Once the design and architectural specifications are completed and approved, the next phase involved in interior design projects is the signing of the contract documents. This phase is necessary before the construction or bidding begins as it helps builders make fair bids.
Client and designer communication is less frequent and not as necessary in this phase. The designer is most likely focused on working on drawings and developing specifications.
The contract documents phase will help justify the scope of work to the third-party contractors and conveys the intention for the design.
When working with an interior designer, you will most likely have fewer face-to-face meetings at the time you reach this phase. However, the designer must be able to provide you with regular updates on their progress and answer any questions you may have as the contract documents are being finalized.
Phase 5: Tendering
The tendering process is one of the phases in interior design projects that include the largest bulks of work. The main purpose of this phase is to select and appoint a contractor that offers the best value for money.
In this phase, the interior designer will provide the required drawings for the submission of building permits. In addition, the designer will also arrange a tender package that drafts the dates, deadlines, and project details, as well as an official document that summarizes the main construction categories to be priced.
During the tendering phase, the interior designer will also review bids and communicate with all the bidders and provide clarifications whenever necessary. Moreover, they will recommend 3 to 5 contractors or builders who will bid on your interior design project.
Finally, the designer will arrange initial meetings between you and the builders or contractors during the tendering phase.
Phase 6: Project Administration
Once you have chosen the third-party contractors and builders who will work on your project, the next and final phase will be project administration. This phase, as the name suggests, is where the design specifications and decisions made from previous phases will be put into action.
In the project administration phase, you will be in regular contact with your designer. They will be on standby to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise along the process.
In this phase, the designer will also manage any alterations if you request to make changes. They will then communicate those changes to the contractor or builder. Furthermore, the designer will also make frequent site visits. This is to make sure the interior construction is done according to the design plan.
During the project administration phase, you, as the client, also keep tabs on the site of the project. So that you can make immediate adjustments and changes whenever you find them necessary.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the different phases of an interior design project. You should already be well aware of the necessary steps and decisions to be made. Especially, this is important while working with a professional designer.
Furthermore, as you already know the interior development steps and stages, you should be already aware of what to expect when working with an interior designer.
