Are you struggling to keep your interior design projects running smoothly?
Worry no more! I’ve got it covered.
In this episode, I share the tried-and-tested Seven-Step Process I use in my design firm, Rebecca Ward Design, to help you manage your projects more efficiently and effectively. I walk you through each step—from gathering crucial information to presenting your design and overseeing implementation—so you can deliver beautiful, on-time results that impress your clients and within budget.
Whether you are approaching your first project or collaborating with a designer for the first time, this will give you a clear roadmap to manage your project confidently and easily.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your project management skills—tune in now, and let’s make your next design project a success!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how to organize every phase of the design project, from the first consultation to the final reveal, ensuring nothing is overlooked
- Discover tools and strategies to keep projects on track, manage time, and stay within budget, making your work easier and more professional
- Refine your current process to ensure that your projects not only meet but exceed your client’s needs and expectations
Check out these episode highlights
01:46 – Role of Interior Designers in Construction
- Clarification of terms: designer vs. decorator
- Common tasks of interior designers in construction projects and collaboration with contractors
04:02 – Role of Interior Designers in Project Management
Acts as a central point of contact and as a liaison between clients and contractors
Communicates and decides on behalf of the client to minimize their stress
Create beautiful spaces that meet the client’s needs while staying on track and within budget
06:51 – Rebecca Ward Design Seven-Step Process for Project Management
Step 1: Consultation
Purpose: To start the project with a clear understanding of the client’s needs and preferences.
Activities: Initial consultation, often following a free discovery call to ensure a good fit. The consultation is a paid service where the designer uses their expertise to gather detailed information about the client’s needs, likes, and project scope. The designer then drafts a contract and provides a retainer estimate.
Step 2: Gathering Information
Purpose: To collect all necessary data and details to create accurate plans.
Activities: Returning to the site to take measurements, photograph existing conditions, and meet with the client to confirm design direction. This step ensures all details are documented, facilitating accurate plan creation and avoiding surprises later in the process.
Step 3: Design
Purpose: To create a detailed design plan that will guide the project.
Activities: Developing drawings, elevations, and sourcing materials. This includes selecting finishes & furnishings and preparing plans for bidding. The design phase is thorough, often taking six to eight weeks or more, ensuring every detail is accounted for and aligns with the client’s vision.
Step 4: Presentation
Purpose: To present the complete design plan and budget to the client.
Activities: Presenting the design, including all selections and cost estimates, to the client. This step ensures the client understands the project scope and budget, including a 20% contingency for unexpected expenses, and gives their approval to move forward.
Step 5: Implementation
Purpose: To execute the design plan through construction and installation.
Activities: Ordering furniture, signing contracts with contractors, pulling permits, and starting the construction process. The designer regularly visits the site to oversee progress, solve emerging problems, and ensure everything adheres to the design plan. This phase can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the project scope.
Step 6: Installation
Purpose: To finalize the project with the finishing touches.
Activities: Completing the construction and bringing in the finishing details such as furniture, accessories, and artwork. The installation phase ensures the project is visually complete and ready for the final reveal.
Step 7: Conclusion
- Purpose: To wrap up the project and ensure client satisfaction.
- Activities: Conducting a final walkthrough with the client to address any deficiencies, providing a binder with warranties and relevant information, and ensuring the client is happy with the completed project. The designer concludes the project, leaving the client to enjoy their newly designed space.
13:18 – Tools and Procedures for Effective Management
Having a site binder, client binder, and internal process templates to stay organized and on track
Use of Asana for task management and staying on top of all the communications
Use of Harvest for time tracking and budgeting
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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Thanks for listening. I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…