The Phases of the Interior Design Process

Leslie Forehand

3 The Phases of the Interior Design Process

Design, especially in fields like architecture and interior design, is a comprehensive process that involves several interrelated phases. Each phase serves a distinct purpose, ensuring the project evolves systematically and meets the client’s aesthetic and functional expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the six phases of design:

Pre-Design: The Foundation Stage
Before diving into the formal design phases, pre-design sets the stage. This is where initial discussions, client interviews, and site analysis occur. It’s the groundwork that involves understanding the client’s requirements, the nature of the site, and the potential constraints. This phase ensures that the upcoming design stages are rooted in clarity and direction.

1. Programming: Defining the Needs

The programming phase is dedicated to understanding and defining the client’s needs and desires for the project. It is a data-driven stage where the design team gathers all necessary information to comprehend the project’s scope, budget, and any other vital parameters. This phase results in a comprehensive program that spells out spatial needs, functions, relationships, and any special considerations or requirements.

This phase is all about asking questions and defining goals. We want to understand as much information as possible about your vision and desired outcome. We explore how a space functions (or doesn’t function), how it needs to function in the future, who will use the space, and how their needs impact the design. We discuss a client’s needs, wants, and desired outcomes.

Programming includes the following tasks:

Collecting data for the project involves recording current conditions, measuring dimensions, and capturing images of the present area or location.
Acquiring details from the client may involve written questionnaires, telephonic discussions, or online meetings.
Preliminary project investigations cover regulatory codes, deed limitations, and relevant legal aspects.
Determining foundational project elements, such as the preliminary timeline and estimated budget.
Output: A precise written outline of the project’s extent and preliminary budget estimate. Adjustments are made as needed.
Approval: Client’s confirmation is necessary on the project’s outline.

2. Schematic Design (SD): The Conceptual Phase

At this juncture, designers begin sketching out rough layouts and preliminary floor plans based on the program developed in the previous phase. It’s a conceptual phase where the broad strokes of design are laid out, and initial 3D models or sketches might be developed. Ideas are presented to the client for feedback, ensuring the design is on the right path.

Schematic Design involves the following tasks:

Initial Space Planning diagrams for working through scale and relationships, layout, functionality, circulation paths, and adjacencies. Multiple options will be considered against the established program parameters, and the best few will be presented to the client for review.
General interior finish recommendations are considered for budgetary purposes (ex. Tile in the kitchen, wood flooring throughout, wallpaper in the powder bath, etc.)
Fine-tuning of budget, scope, and vision.
Deliverable: Presentation of rough concept layouts, revisions if necessary.
Sign-off: The client signs off on a single concept to move forward with further development.

3. Design Development (DD): Refining the Vision

Building upon the schematic designs, the design development phase is about refining the design. It involves adding more detail to the drawings and solidifying materials, finishes, and specific design elements. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are fleshed out at this stage. The client remains involved, providing approvals as the design evolves to meet their vision and requirements.

Design Development involves the following tasks:

Further development of floor plan, including presentation of specific interior finish material and fixture recommendations,
Initial kitchen and bath layouts with cabinets drawn.
Initial appliance and equipment selections considered.
Communication between designer and client about specific selections.

4. Contract Documents (CD): Blueprint for Construction

In the contract documents phase, the refined design is translated into detailed drawings and specifications to guide contractors during construction. Every detail is specified, from construction methodologies to material details and finishes. These documents serve as the basis for bidding, permitting, and construction.

Contract Documentation involves the following tasks:

Finalizing details for floor plans, elevations, cabinet and finish specifications, lighting plans, door and window schedules, etc.
Review and coordinate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical details according to project scope.
An architect or engineer may review the plans depending on the project’s complexity and if structural elements require alterations.
Deliverables: A finalized set of contract documents ready for bidding and permitting. Any further changes will be documented as addenda or change requests/ change orders.
Sign-off: The client signs off on documents received.

5. Contract Administration: Supervising Construction

With construction underway, the design team’s role shifts to ensure that the building process adheres to the designs and specifications provided in the contract documents. This phase includes regular site visits, addressing any queries from the contractor, reviewing shop drawings, and managing any changes or modifications that might arise. The design team ensures the quality of construction meets the standards set out in the plans.

Contract Administration involves the following tasks:

Obtaining bids (often broken out as a separate phase on larger projects) and selecting contractors kick off this phase.
On projects involving permits, the contractor will secure permits after being hired.
Building materials, finishes, plumbing and lighting fixtures, hardware, appliances, window treatments, and furniture are ordered.
The General Contractor and sub-contractors work on-site.
Designer on-site for walk-throughs or during installation of key elements requiring direction, such as lighting, furniture, and art.

6. Move-In and Post-Occupancy: Evaluation

Once construction is complete, the final design phase encompasses the move-in of the client and the evaluation of the project’s success. It’s an opportunity to see the design come to life and ensure it functions as intended. Post-occupancy evaluations can provide valuable feedback to designers, shedding light on any areas for potential improvement in future projects.

In conclusion, the six design phases represent a thorough and systematic approach to bringing a design concept to reality. From the initial understanding of client needs to the evaluation after move-in, each stage has its importance, ensuring the final outcome is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.