As with any industry professional, it’s often easy for us to forget how much of a minefield of information the world of interior design can be if you’re not living it every day like we do. Therefore, we’ve put together this breakdown of the stages of a typical interior design project (or at least, this is how we do it at Owl & Vine!).

So, if you’ve been flirting with the idea of appointing an interior designer to help make your dream home a reality, but feel overwhelmed at the thought of a painful, complicated process, look no further than this handy guide to the interior design project stages.

Submit an enquiry

Timescale: Approx 30 mins

Costs: No fee with O&V

The first step to kicking off your project couldn’t be more straightforward - all you have to do is send an email!
Our number one tip for engaging with an interior designer in the first instance is: detail, detail, detail. The more information you can provide in this initial contact, the easier it is for the designer to establish what it is you’re looking for and how they can best assist you. You can also expect a much quicker response, and a smoother transition into the next stage, as sending as much information as possible early on should negate the need for excess back and forth communication.

If possible, try to include the following information in your initial contact email:

Who are you?: Single professional/married couple/family with small children/family with grown up children etc
Type of project?: Private residential/commercial
Project location?
Stage of purchase? (if purchasing new property): E.g. offer made/exchanged etc
Type of property?: Detached/Semi-detached house/cottage/city townhouse/apartment etc. Include listed/heritage/planning status if relevant
Size of property?: Square footage, number of reception rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms etc.
Scope of works?: Construction work required or just light decoration? Interior architecture; hard finishes such as flooring or wall tiles, sanitary ware, bespoke joinery? Full furniture package or a mixture of client existing and new furniture? Window dressing? etc.
How will the property be used?: For residential properties: Is this a full time residence or a part time holiday home? Do you have guests over regularly? Do you enjoy entertaining, or would you prefer to prioritise family comfort? Will anyone be working from the property? etc
Site photos/videos of the existing property if available and a floor plan (even a hand drawn sketch with some measurements would be helpful at this stage!)
Key concept images of desired design direction or simply things you like.
Key descriptive words of your “must haves”: ie “must have” a space for grandparents to stay, “must have” a space for home office, “must have” space for kids to play etc.

Consultation (Stage 1)

Timescale: Approx 45-60 mins

Costs: Consultation fee (typically £150 - £450 depending on the designer)

The initial phase of a project serves as a foundation for building a strong working relationship and aligning goals. This typically begins with a relaxed phone or video call, where the designer gets to know the client on a more personal level while learning about the project and sharing their working terms. This two-way conversation ensures the project is a good fit for both parties and gives clients the opportunity to assess whether the designer is the right match for them.

The detailed information provided in the enquiry form plays a crucial role at this stage, allowing the designer to prepare effectively for the call and demonstrating their attention to the client’s needs.

Following this initial meeting, the designer will develop a comprehensive brief, identify design preferences, and outline the project’s scope.

This phase typically includes:

CIient questionnaire
Initial meeting
Review of provided floorplans
Preliminary schedule and budget projection
Written scope outline

Additionally, the designer should provide a copy of their standard working terms, offering to review these in detail and answer any questions. Since every designer operates slightly differently, clients are encouraged to clarify aspects such as invoice payment terms, confidentiality (especially concerning project photoshoots), and procurement processes, even if they’ve worked with other designers in the past.

Concept Design (Stage 2)

Timescale: Approx 2 weeks

Costs: Site survey fee (usually the designer’s day rate which can range from £150-£350 + travel expenses), Design Fee deposit (Usually 50% of the total fee),

At this stage, the creative process begins, and the overall design direction starts to take shape. Following a site survey, clients are typically provided with a "teaser" document featuring initial layout proposals, mood boards and concept images for key spaces, such as the kitchen, main bathroom, living area, and master bedroom. This helps to set the tone and inspire the project’s aesthetic.

Design workshops are held to develop spatial layouts for the property, explore finishes, styles, and design influences, and create sketches and renders to visualise the proposed design. This collaborative phase includes:

Site measure
Spatial planning
General finish recommendations
Refined project cost estimate
Concept presentation

This stage also marks the first real financial commitment. A full project estimate is provided, and a deposit—usually around 50% of the total design fee—is required to proceed. The remaining balance is typically spread out over several months, ensuring a structured approach to the design process.

Design Development (Stage 3)

Timescale: Approx 4 weeks

Costs: Monthly instalments of the remaining Design Fee,

The design development stage typically includes a more in-depth meeting to present a comprehensive room-by-room design. During this meeting, clients are provided with suggested spatial layouts, along with a mix of concept images, visuals, and initial material choices. These include hard finishes such as flooring, tiles, sanitary ware, interior architectural elements like doors, mouldings, panelling, fireplaces, radiators, and ironmongery.

This collaborative meeting is an opportunity to refine the design, review layouts, and select finishes, with the added benefit of seeing and reviewing finish samples. The focus during this stage is on fine-tuning the internal layouts, specifying key finishes and materials for the floors, walls, joinery, and more. Lighting concepts and M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) requirements are also finalised for approval. The stage includes:

Developed spatial layouts
Finish recommendations
Initial kitchen & bathroom layouts
Developed design presentation

Technical Design (Stage 4)

Timescale: Approx 8 weeks

Costs: Monthly instalments of the remaining Design Fee, construction, sanitary ware, kitchen, ironmongery, fixed lighting, joinery and decoration (plus any associated costs such as delivery and installation of these items)

Once the design is approved, the project moves into the Technical Design stage, where the designer creates a comprehensive, detailed construction package for the project. This includes finalised furniture layouts, bathroom designs (with tile layouts), flooring layouts, kitchen designs, reflected ceiling plans, lighting and electrical layouts, finishes plans and a fitted joinery drawing package.

The Technical Design stage includes:

Finalised floor plans & flooring layouts
Bathroom & kitchen elevations, tile layouts
Lighting & electrical layouts, luminaire schedule
Finishes schedules
Sanitary ware schedule
Joinery package

Tender & mobilisation (Stage 5)

Timescale: Approx 4 weeks

Costs: Remaining monthly instalments of the Design Fee

With the detailed design stages complete, the design team collaborates to recommend and select suitable contractors, issuing the tender package and developing the construction schedule. A meeting will be arranged to review the package in detail and ensure it aligns with the client’s vision. Upon approval, the design package is sent to various contractors for bidding. Simultaneously, the joinery package is sent out for tender, and once a joiner is selected, a shop drawing package is prepared, typically taking 2–4 weeks to complete. The client will also receive joinery finish samples for review.

After the contractor is appointed, workshops are held to thoroughly review the design proposals and provide guidance on relevant specialist sub-contracted aspects of the project.

Meanwhile, the designer continues refining the room-by-room design, developing a detailed document that includes suggested furniture, upholstery, and window treatments. The client will also receive a fully costed estimate for all FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) for approval prior to the Procurement stage commencement.

Construction & procurement (Stage 6)

Timescale: Project scope & size dependant

Fees: Remaining monthly instalments of the Design Fee, cost of all goods to be procured (plus mark-up & procurement fee, delivery, storage and installation costs)

During the on-site phase of the project, the designer works closely with contractors and FF&E suppliers to ensure the design is executed successfully, overseeing the installation and commissioning of all related FF&E elements. Once the design and final selections are approved by the client, the construction and procurement stage begins.

In this phase, the designer will source and order all furniture, fixtures, and accessories (FF&E), managing everything from ordering to deliveries and logistics. A Procurement Fee (separate from the Design Fee) usually applies, covering access to trade discounts, placing orders, coordinating deliveries, storage, and resolving issues like damaged items or late deliveries. This ensures clients receive the best deals without the hassle of managing it themselves. Depending on the designer, there may also be a percentage mark-up on all goods purchased, typically ranging from 20-40%, aligned with standard trade discounts.

On-site, construction work progresses, with radiators, sanitary ware, ironmongery, and fixed lighting being ordered, delivered, and installed. Interior architectural elements, including doors, mouldings, panelling, and fireplaces, along with hard finishes like flooring and tiles, are completed, followed by the fitting of joinery and the kitchen. Decoration is also carried out during this stage.

Installation (Stage 7)

Timescale: Approx 1 week

Fees: Remaining monthly instalments of the Design Fee (if applicable)

The installation phase is where all the hard work and planning come together to transform your space. As the project nears completion, your designer will:

Visit the site to meticulously inspect all the work done to date
Prepare a detailed snagging schedule to ensure every last detail meets exacting standards
Work with contractors to recommend and implement solutions for any issues identified during the inspection

Once everything is in perfect order, your designer will coordinate and oversee the delivery and installation of all FF&E items. Picture sofas being unwrapped, art pieces being hung with care, and every cushion and lamp finding its rightful place. Even the final styling touches, such as arranging shelves and placing throws will be handled to ensure the space is truly photo-ready.

This stage is all about bringing the design vision to life—an exciting moment that makes all the challenges of a renovation project worthwhile!

I hope this post helps take the mystery out of the interior design process and makes you feel more at ease about what’s ahead. I want you to feel confident and excited as you take that first step toward creating the home you’ve always dreamed of. And remember, your project is only an email away—and your chosen designer is here to help every step of the way!

If you’re interested in working with us to make your project a reality, please get in touch.

Contact us to discuss your project!

Fool-proof guide to the interior design process