Creating the perfect interior design for your project starts with a clear, detailed brief. Whether you’re working on a new build, refurbishment, or anything in between, a well-thought-out brief helps ensure that your vision aligns with the designer’s expertise. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you brief your interior designer effectively.
1. Project Overview
Start by providing an overview of your project to help the designer understand its scope.
- What type of project is this?
Is it a new build PBSA, a refurbishment of an existing BTR scheme, or a high-risk building? Specify the nature of the project so the designer can tailor their approach accordingly.
- What’s the current status?
Are you at the early concept stage, post-planning, or mid-refurbishment? Knowing the stage helps the designer prepare for the right level of involvement.
- What are you hoping to achieve?
Do you want to update tired interiors, create a consistent brand identity, appeal to new markets, or improve maintenance? This helps define the direction of the design.
- Any useful admin info?
Include essential details like the building’s name and address, your client entity, any preferred level of insurance, or whether the designer needs to sign your contract.
2. Brand & Marketing Vision
Design isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a reflection of your brand. Ensure the designer understands your brand and what it stands for.
- Do you have a brand identity in place?
If you have existing logos, values, tone of voice, colour palette, or any other brand materials, share them with the designer.
- What is your brand trying to communicate to residents?
Whether you want a calm, minimalist vibe, or a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, make sure your designer knows what you’re aiming for.
- • What is your positioning?
Is your property affordable, premium, or mid-level? This will guide the design’s tone and style.
If you want to dive deeper into how to build a strong and effective brand identity, check out our article dedicated to brand identity.
3. Scope of Spaces to Be Designed
Provide a detailed list of the spaces that need designing. This includes both private and communal areas.
- Bedroom types: Are they ensuite, studios, or accessible rooms?
Provide clarity on the types of bedrooms in your property.
- Shared amenities:
List shared spaces like lounges, gyms, kitchens, study rooms, and cinemas, along with their overall square footage.
- Circulation/threshold spaces:
Include areas like corridors, lift lobbies, stairwells, and entrances.
- Outdoor spaces:
Don’t forget to mention outdoor spaces such as balconies and roof terraces.
4. Design Involvement & Processes
Clarify the level of involvement you need from the designer throughout the project.
- Do you need full involvement or specific packages?
Will the designer be involved from start to finish, or only up to a certain stage (e.g., Stage 4)? Be clear on the scope.
- Any potential scope creep?
If there are areas that may overlap with architects or other consultants, clarify who is responsible for what, such as technical drawings or statutory compliance.
- Additional consultants:
Will you appoint additional consultants like MEP or Architecture? Be sure to mention whether these will be handled directly by you or the designer.
- Documentation & software preferences:
Will you provide all necessary documents (e.g., existing structure details, MEP info, fire strategy documents)? Also, mention any preferred software, such as Revit for drawings or Teams for meetings.
- Environmental rating system:
Are you aiming for any specific environmental ratings, like BREEAM or LEED? Mention this early on if applicable.
5. Design Constraints
Setting clear boundaries helps avoid delays and miscommunications.
- Budget range:
Whether it’s a per room/unit or sqm rate, providing a budget range will help the designer work within your financial constraints.
- Timeline:
Outline key decision dates, installation targets, and the target handover date. A clear timeline keeps the project on track.
- Procurement approach:
Do you have preferred suppliers, or will there be a tender process? Clarify how procurement will be managed.
6. Reference Points
Help the designer understand the visual style and direction you want.
- Do you have a moodboard?
If you’ve already compiled a moodboard, share it with your designer. If not, consider creating one to give a visual idea of the look you want.
- A sample guideline you like?
Whether it’s your own or someone else’s, share any sample guidelines that reflect the design style you want to achieve.
- Previous projects?
If you have any past projects that closely reflect your brand and values, let the designer know.
- Internal brand strategy deck:
If you have an internal brand strategy, share it with the designer to ensure alignment with your broader vision.
7. Who’s Involved?
Understanding the decision-making process is crucial to keeping the project running smoothly.
- Who are the key decision-makers?
Let the designer know who will be making the final decisions.
- Who needs to be consulted?
If there are others who need to be involved in the process (e.g., other stakeholders, contractors), mention them early on.
- What’s your ideal sign-off process?
Define the process for final sign-off and approvals to avoid delays down the line.
- Want to make this easier?
We can support you in developing the brief itself. Our design strategy workshops are a great starting point if you’re unsure of the answers to any of the above. These workshops help clarify your vision and provide valuable insights to guide the design process.
Ready to get started?
Download and complete ourCHECKLIST
Send us your answers (even in rough format!) or book a call to talk it through. We’ll take it from there. The clearer the brief, the stronger the design.
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