Ever wondered what an interior designer does and what should you expect? You may not know but there is a standard way of proceeding from an idea to a finished product. It is commonly called the “Phases of Design”.
Here are the 5 most commonly used interior design phases. Every phase ensures design integrity, budget and timeline efficiencies, and a great experience.
1 – Planning
2 – Schematic Design
3 – Design Development
4 – Construction Documentation
5 – Construction Administration
Planning
This stage includes in-person meetings, phone calls, and emails. It also includes getting to know you and exploring your tastes: learning what you like, and what inspires you and defining your specific needs and details.
You will collaborate together to ensure that the design outcome is a reflection of you and your unique style. The planning phase allows the design team to take into account all elements of design such as furniture, accessories, materials, lighting, walls, and flooring to build the perfect design concept.
This design plan will take into account your budget and timeline. The goal is to work out every step of the design planning process, whether it be selecting furniture pieces or creating unique design solutions.
Schematic Design
During this phase, the information gathered during the planning phase is applied to initial design concepts, layouts, and product or material solutions. The designer starts preparing floor plan options for your review and looks at room types, room sizes, and window placement.
This phase includes developing a concept and creating visual displays to help you understand the design plan. The designer will create drawings, sketches, and renderings of their ideas in order to allow you to visualize the outcome. This allows for flexibility with changes to be made if necessary.
The designer also chooses materials, textures, and colors that work together with the end goal in mind.
Design Development
During this phase, the designer will further develop and refine their concept.
This is the phase when the designer will start to provide exterior elevations and decide on interior and exterior finishes, and roof lines. This is the time you’ll go into kitchen layout, bathrooms, millwork, stair location, etc.
They may provide 3D renderings of the space. The chosen elements will be placed virtually into the design plan so that adjustments can be made prior to installation. This phase also includes working with vendors and suppliers to specify fixtures, furnishings, appliances, etc.
Construction Documentation
By this phase, many decisions have been made and many options explored. At this time you will finalize details for the floor plan and elevations. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical information will be reviewed according to the project scope.
The construction documents should reflect the final approved design plan from the previous phases. Also, the documents will be used by contractors and tradespeople to execute the design plan.
Construction Administration
This is the phase where everything comes to life. Items such as light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and furniture are ordered, shipped, received, and installed. The designer will work with contractors, engineers, architects, and other trade professionals to ensure that all aspects of the project are successfully carried out as planned.
This phase also includes on-site visits and inspections to ensure that all work is being done correctly.
From start to finish, this design process is in place to make sure you get the home you need, want, and have dreamed about!
Take a look at MATERIA collection products.