The 7-Step Interior Design Process & Why It’s Important to Follow

When it comes to every project I work on, whether I’m familiar with the space or not, I follow the same steps. No shortcuts.

Sometimes, clients feel certain steps are unnecessary and want to skip ahead to the end. But here’s the thing: skipping these steps usually leads to more back-and-forth and unnecessary delays at the end. And trust me, no one wants that.

The interior design process is all about collaborating closely with clients, ensuring the final result is the best it can be. It’s not just about staying organized—it’s about creating the most suitable design, maximizing the end result. This is how great designs are born.

So before we even get to the fancy renders, choosing materials, or picking colors, there are a few important steps we need to follow. Let’s dive into it!

Step 1: The Brief

The first meeting is all about discussing the project’s details and your specific requirements. This is the chance for you to share everything that’s on your mind, whether it’s your dream style, preferred colors, or any special needs or requests you have.

This meeting is really important, so the more detail you can provide, the better. We’ll discuss things like:

What style are you drawn to?
Do you have color preferences?
Are there any functional needs, like extra storage, accessibility features, or a home office setup?
Are you renovating a home to live in long-term, or is it an investment property?
What type of upgrades are you hoping for?

For larger projects, one meeting might not be enough to cover everything, and that’s okay. We can always schedule follow-up meetings if necessary.

Additionally, we’ll talk about your budget and timeline, so I know how to manage your expectations and plan the project accordingly.

The consultation is $550, and it’s a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit. If, after the session, you decide not to move forward with the full design service, you’ll still walk away with some valuable ideas and a detailed follow-up report that you can refer back to when you need it.

If you decide to move ahead after the consultation, the fee will be deducted from the full design service.

For a one-off consultation, check out my service page or contact me today to let me know what you’d like to discuss.

Step 2: Site Analysis

Once we’ve discussed everything in the initial meeting, I’ll visit the site to take measurements and assess the space. This helps me get a better idea of what’s possible and what isn’t.

While I’m on-site, I’ll also think about how the space can be transformed and start visualizing the design based on our discussion. I’ll take careful measurements and note important details, so nothing gets missed during the design process.

During this step, I’ll also assess the current condition of the space, looking for any issues that might need to be addressed, such as structural problems or outdated features. These fixes can impact the budget and timeline, so I’ll bring them up with you right away.

Step 3: Research

After the site visit, it’s time to hit the books (or, more accurately, hit the web). Even though I’ve got plenty of experience and knowledge, staying up-to-date on the latest trends, materials, and technology is essential. This is especially true because design isn’t static—it’s constantly evolving.

You might wonder, “Do you really need to research?” Yes! Things change quickly. New materials are launched, technology improves, and lifestyles shift in response to cultural and global changes. So to give you the best possible design, I need to stay on top of what’s out there.

The last thing you want is for me to copy-paste the same design ideas I’ve used in the past. Custom designs are what make this service special, and research helps me find the best ideas that are suited to you and your space.

Step 4: Concept Meeting

At this point, we’re getting into the big picture. We’ll talk about the overall direction of the design, focusing on things like:

The design style (modern, traditional, minimal, etc.)
Colors and textures
The feel and atmosphere you want for the space

Sometimes, clients may say they want a “traditional” design, but it turns out they’re thinking more mid-century modern or a modern take on traditional elements. Or they might want a minimalist look, but they’re open to adding pops of color. Since you’re not a designer, I totally understand the confusion. The goal here is to make sure we’re on the same page before diving into the nitty-gritty details.

For larger projects, this step can take a few meetings to ensure we’ve nailed down the overall vision. For smaller projects, it can be quicker, and we might even work through some basic sketches to help visualize the concepts.

Step 5: Concept Presentation

Now comes the fun part! This is when we start pulling everything together. I’ll present you with a more detailed concept that includes 3D renders, actual materials, and suppliers. It’s a chance for you to see how the space might look once everything is in place.

This is the part where all our earlier conversations pay off. All the research, discussions, and brainstorming are aimed at getting this presentation as close to your vision as possible. Without this process, the design might still look good, but it probably wouldn’t feel right for you.

At this stage, we’ll go over everything carefully, and I’ll make any necessary changes based on your feedback. We’ll keep tweaking the design until you’re completely satisfied.

Step 6: Documentation

Once we’ve finalized the design, it’s time for the documentation phase. This is when I create all the technical drawings, schedules, and specifications that are needed for construction and to get quotes from builders and contractors.

During this step, there won’t be much back-and-forth with you. All the design decisions should be locked in by now, and this is more about organizing everything into a neat, understandable format.

While there might not be any major design changes during this phase, I always recommend doing a final check with your builder or contractor to make sure everything is achievable within the budget and timeline. Even though I have a good sense of what’s possible, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the people who will actually build the space.

Step 7: Present Final Design Package

Once all the documentation is ready, I’ll present you with the final design package. I know most clients aren’t familiar with reading technical drawings, so I’ll walk you through everything. This way, you’ll know how to communicate with your builder and contractor and double-check the finer details (like shelf dimensions or outlet locations).

I don’t just want to hand over the paperwork and leave you to figure it out. Misunderstandings at this stage can lead to mistakes during construction, so I make sure you feel comfortable with all the documentation before it’s passed on to the contractors.

For some projects, additional steps like coordinating with trades, making sure joinery is built according to spec, or doing site visits during construction may be necessary. For simpler projects where the client feels comfortable taking control, my design service ends once the final design package is presented.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of what the interior design process looks like. If you’re thinking about hiring an interior designer, knowing what to expect from the process will help you make the most of the collaboration. The goal is to create a space you love, and following this process ensures that we’ll get there step-by-step!