Working With an Interior Designer: A Guide to the First 90 Days | Luxury Interior Design

The Foundation of a Great Partnership

The decision to partner with an interior designer is the first step on an exciting journey—one that will culminate in a home that is a true reflection of you. But in these initial stages, it’s natural to wonder: What happens now?

The first 90 days of our collaboration are the most critical. This is the foundational period where we build trust, establish a shared vision, and transform abstract ideas into a tangible, actionable plan. It’s a period of discovery, creativity, and decisive action.

To give you a clear window into our world, here is a guide to what you can expect during this intensive and rewarding initial phase of our partnership.

Month One (Days 1-30): Laying the Foundation of Discovery

The first month is dedicated entirely to listening and learning. Our primary goal is to understand not just what you want your home to look like, but how you want it to feel and function. This is the bedrock upon which every future decision will be built.

• Our Focus:

  • The Deep Dive: Our initial consultation is more than a simple chat. We'll walk through your space and discuss your lifestyle, your family's needs, your daily rituals, your frustrations, and your aspirations.

  • The Site Survey: We conduct a meticulous survey of your home, taking detailed measurements and photographs to understand the architectural canvas we are working with.

  • Defining the Brief: We distill all our conversations and findings into a comprehensive Project Brief. This document becomes our shared compass, outlining the scope, goals, and functional requirements of the project.

• Your Role:

  • To be open and share your vision, your inspiration, and your practical needs.

  • To think deeply about how you want to live in the space.

  • To review and approve the final Project Brief, ensuring it perfectly captures your goals.

By the end of Month One, we will have a crystal-clear, shared understanding of the destination.

Month Two (Days 31-60): Creating the Blueprint for Your Home

With the "what" and "why" clearly defined, we move into the creative heart of the process. This month is about exploring possibilities and translating our shared vision into a concrete spatial plan. This is where the first exciting glimpses of your future home begin to emerge.

• Our Focus:

  • Space Planning: We explore various floor plan options, focusing on creating the perfect flow, function, and emotional zoning for your lifestyle. We solve spatial puzzles and unlock the hidden potential of your home.

  • Concept Development: We develop the overarching creative direction, presenting you with concept boards that establish the mood, colour palette, and key material directions for the project.

  • The Big Picture: We present these initial floor plans and concepts to you, walking you through the logic and artistry behind our proposed direction.

• Your Role:

  • To engage with the floor plan options and imagine yourself moving through the proposed spaces.

  • To provide thoughtful feedback on the creative concepts.

  • To give your approval on the final floor plan and conceptual direction, which serves as the master blueprint for the next phase.

By the end of Month Two, we will have an approved blueprint that dictates the form and feel of your home.

Month Three (Days 61-90): Bringing the Details to Life

With the blueprint signed off, we zoom in from the big picture to the exquisite details. This is where we begin to select the specific elements that will bring the design to life. This phase is about curating the perfect combination of textures, finishes, and forms.

• Our Focus:

  • Detailed Design: We begin the meticulous process of selecting specific furniture, lighting, fabrics, flooring, and finishes that align with the approved concept.

  • Sourcing & Specification: We leverage our network of trusted suppliers to source these items and begin creating the detailed specification documents.

  • Bespoke Elements: If your project includes custom joinery or furniture, we create the initial detailed drawings for these unique pieces.

• Your Role:

  • To review and make decisions on the curated selections we present to you.

  • To enjoy the process of seeing the individual "ingredients" of your home come together.

By the end of Month Three, the core elements of the design are in place, and we are moving towards a fully detailed and specified plan.

A Journey Built On Clarity

After these foundational 90 days, we will have moved from a conversation to a comprehensive, actionable design plan. You will feel confident, informed, and excited, because you have been an integral partner at every stage.

This structured, transparent approach is the key to a seamless process and a spectacular result—a home that is a perfect and lasting embodiment of your vision.