interior design process presentation

Understanding the Interior Design Process: a Step-by-Step Guide for Working with an Interior Designer

Designed by Vieve Interiors

I know what I like, but I just don’t know how to make it all come together. We hear this so often from our clients. This means it’s time—time to tap out (so to speak) and tap in a qualified interior designer! Working with an interior designer eliminates the stress and overwhelm, eases the process of remodeling and building homes, improves the functionality of your living space, and transforms your personal style and goals into a beautiful, cohesive home. 

If this is your first time working with an interior designer, you may be curious about the process. You’re in the right place. We’ve created a step-by-step guide for working with an interior designer to help you develop a good understanding of the interior design process before you begin.

Step One: The Discovery Phone Call 

The first step in the interior design process is to get to know your potential interior designer with a discovery call. This initial meet-and-greet is the perfect opportunity for both you and the interior designer to determine if working together is a good fit. 

Your choice of interior designer shouldn’t be based solely on design style. While good style is obviously a determining factor, it is important to remember that if design principles like balance, rhythm and repetition, contrast, and proportion, are well thought out , your space will come together in a cohesive way no matter what design style you choose. So, find someone who: 

Will work within your timeline and budget.

Is a good listener and will not steamroll your ideas—a good designer should be able to easily add your personality into their design plans.

Can decipher your pain points and goals.

Not only has an eye for aesthetics, but also has a technical background and plenty of experience.

Once you are confident you have found a perfect match for your redesign, it’s time to schedule your in-person, on-site consultation.

Step Two: In-Person, On-Site Consultation

The in-person, on-site consultation kicks off the start of your project (yay!). Each design firm does things a little differently, but our initial consultation typically lasts two hours and is a paid service. During your consultation, you will start to have conversations about functionality and style. This is your time to tell your designer all your hopes and dreams for your space!  Your designer may make some suggestions or have some design ideas to consider, but this meeting is largely about gathering as much information as possible to understand your needs.  This is also when your designer will go over the entire design process and your contract. 

Step Three: The Conceptual Design Phase

Time to get excited—during the conceptual design phase, your designer is hard at work putting together their big vision for your home! The designer will complete a site survey to take measurements and photos of your space. You are also likely to receive access to a shared Pinterest board during this phase so that you and your designer can start to get inspired. 

This phase is also the time when initial floor planning begins—to develop good flow patterns and add desired features into your home. If you opted to work with a designer who also has a technical background, you will likely see preliminary AutoCAD drawings of initial floor plans for full remodels and some options for furniture space plans.  

At the end of this phase, your designer will meet with you to review the initial plans, conceptual design ideas, and an estimated budget to ensure they are on track with the design intent. 

Step Four: The Design Development Phase

After the initial plans are approved, the design development phase begins. This phase is kicked off with a “trade day” in which your interior designer will review the preliminary design ideas with the contractor and tradesmen to get initial bids for construction. 

Next, your interior design team will develop all drawings and iron out all the specifics (every little detail) while simultaneously sourcing all materials, fixtures and furnishings. They will carefully select everything for your newly renovated home, including: 

Countertops

Paint colors

Ready-made or custom pieces 

You get the idea!  Once the refined plans for your design are complete and selections are made, your designer will request pricing from vendors and update the budget as well as the timeline.

At the end of this phase, you will meet with your interior designer to review a finalized design presentation, tear sheets, and the physical material samples. This design plan will be the most finished product up to this point. If something is not approved, the designer will reselect items, refine any construction drawings, and present you with the updated design. Once everything is approved, we move onto the final design phase. 

Step Five: The Final Design Phase

In the final design phase, a few big things are happening. First, your interior designer will create a specifications notebook for the general contractor (to be left at the job site) that includes all floor plans, along with specification sheets of finishes, fixtures and furnishings. All final drawings will be given to you, the general contractor, and any trades necessary. If the general contractor has not done so yet, this is the time they will obtain any required permits. 

Additionally, your designer should begin collecting accessories to be able to complete your design once construction is finished.  At Viève Interiors, we compile a list of accessories and final touches needed and then collect a retainer before purchasing what we need to style out your home. Once that is done, “purchasing and procurement” of all merchandise will begin. The interior design team will coordinate all deliveries and, when necessary, work with a receiver who will make sure everything is in great condition.

The final design phase will also include a lot of project management tasks. For example, the interior designer should host a walk-through meeting with the contractor to kick off construction, and then make periodic visits to the site to ensure design execution is going as planned. Inevitably, issues may arise, in which case your designer should always be looking for solutions and adjusting plans and drawings when needed. 

During this final design phase, the designer will also verify locations of light fixtures, tiles and other flooring, refine details on site, and coordinate additional vendors (like an upholster, wallpaper installer, or window treatment workroom).

Step Six: Installation and Styling 

Finally, the stage when we get to see it all come together! Once construction is complete, your interior design team will schedule a time to take photographs and will install all furniture and décor. At this point, you get to decide what accessories you want to keep and what you want to return. It’s so fun! 

Step Seven: Project Wrap

After a long journey, the day has finally come for the last walk through—yay! To make sure that you are totally and completely in love with your new home design, your interior designer will walk through your space with you and note any deficiencies that need to be resolved, while coordinating solutions. This is also the time where your designer will take pictures of your beautiful home and give you the final invoice. If you are happy with your new remodel, it’s the perfect opportunity to give your interior designer a few referrals or a raving review!

Want to save this blog post for later? Be sure to save this to your Pinterest Interior Design Tips Board!

We hope that you have gained a better understanding of the interior design process! If you have questions, or would like to book a discovery call, call 949-610-7800 or fill out the contact form and we will reach out to you directly!  

At Viève Interiors, it is our mission to help homeowners love where they live because happy homes are the most beautiful homes!

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How to Create a Winning Interior Design Presentation

We see them every day. Beautifully sketched interiors artistically finished off with watercolors, stunning 3D renders that immerse you into an interior designer’s vision for a space. Instagram is overflowing with rows of striking interior design plans to scroll through, while animated walkthroughs in TV makeovers hint at the big reveal that’s yet to come. Impressive as they are, being able to create such stunning visuals is not as hard as you might think. Yes, it takes practice and effort to master these skills, but the benefits are more than worth it. Our team over in Dubai have put together a great guide to help you master interior design presentation skills. You’re welcome!

Interior Design Presentation Techniques & Skills

As an interior designer, creating a stunning presentation can be the difference between you winning a job or it going to someone else. But you might ask yourself “Isn’t it all about the end-result and not impressive artistic skills?” In any design field, first impressions count for everything. In lieu of a physical representation of your ideas, you’ll need strong visual presentation skills to convince your client or interviewer that you’re the right person for the job. This guide can help those already out there pitching for work as well as those of you who are just starting out. Applying these tips to your portfolio, as well as to client presentations will help you to stand out from the crowd from the off.

There are heaps of advantages to having strong visual presentation skills.  These tips will stand you in good stead throughout your career working in interior design. Good visual communication skills help designers sell their ideas to clients more easily, clearly and professionally. They ensure that designers and clients are on the same page and seeing the same thing. They also speed up designers’ work and simplify making changes as needed. In addition, they make

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that designers are flocking to add these tools to their skillset. There are a wide variety of visual communication and presentation techniques for interior designers. Here, we’ve chosen three key skills and tools to use for the concept development and planning stages of the interior design process.

Stage 1 – Sketch for Initial Concept

So you’ve just signed on a new client! You’ve met with them, taken some photos and dimensions of the living room they want designed, and if needed, you have your survey plan ready. You’ve already discussed conceptual options, what trends and colours they prefer, and gone over examples of designs they like. Your client is now waiting for an initial concept from you. What do you do?

You’re excited to start working on your design, but it’s important to first ask yourself: what level of detail in the design is required at this stage? Your focus here should be on communicating a general direction for the plan, and using that to initiate feedback and more detailed discussions.

One of the best ways for you to quickly express an initial idea is to use the age-old reliable technique of hand drawing. A hand-drawn sketch will take you minutes to do. Not all interior design presentations have to be perfect. It’s allowed to look a little messy, and proportions and accuracy don’t need to be spot on. The bare bones are there to build on, but it hasn’t fully taken an exact shape yet.

At this point, you will have a rough idea of your floor-plan, and the amount and type of furniture that fits the space, but haven’t yet defined the exact items and their measurements. The loose style of the sketch reflects the fluidity of the design at this early stage.

The three types of sketches you can use are:

• Floor-plans to give an idea of space distribution, zones and traffic flow
• Perspective drawings to show specific zones
• Elevations to show specific walls and furniture in that view.

This handy blog will teach you the basics of room planning.

What sophisticated tools will you need for this? Mainly, the humble pencil… as well as an eraser, good quality art paper, a pen to finish off the sketch with. And if you want to add colour at this stage, then either colouring pencils, watercolours, or pastels.  You can also go the digital route and use tablets or smart phones with sketching features that make it really easy to add colour and make changes.

As a designer, you’re not required to show off exceptional artistry, but it is recommended that you develop good skills in sketching and perspective drawing. The better you sketch, the clearer you’re able to communicate your ideas. This creates a more professional impression as well as a more impactful interior design presentation that you can share with your client.

If you’re lucky, your client will approve the idea right away. But if you find that your design direction is off-track, then it’s back to the drawing-board for a revised concept. If your client agrees with your concept but wants minor changes, you can either send a revised sketch, or the same draft can be signed off, with notes added on the amendments.  

Stage 2 – Line Drawings for Layouts & Materials

Now’s it’s time to fine-tune! The basic concept you’ve presented needs to become more accurate, and your measurements need double-checking. You’re also starting to identify specific options for furniture and get their measurements. 

Creating accurate floor-plans at this stage will give you a clear idea whether you’re overloading your space with pieces or still have plenty of room left. Along with these, you’ll also create detailed elevations showing the different heights and openings. All of this will help determine the nature of your shopping list.

What should be your tool of choice? AutoCAD , naturally! This software has been the industry standard to draft floorplans and elevations for decades, and for good reason. Using AutoCAD will ensure that your interior design presentations look slick, professional and jump off the page.

With AutoCAD, it will take you just a few hours to create your drawings. You can also draw your furniture items as per exact dimensions, or easily add them from the program’s furniture library. This will ensure that all the furniture you’ll order or custom-make will fit in its designated areas, and help you make quick calculations for quantities of materials needed for all types of wall and floor finishes.

In our imaginary scenario, your AutoCAD 2D plans are now done and shared with the client. They reply informing you that after thinking about it, they’ll need to add a reading corner, and they’re not a big fan of the L-shaped sofa. No problem! Because you have a digital file that can be easily edited. It takes minutes to make the changes and send the revised drawings, which get approved this time around. Imagine this using hand-drawn sketches which need to be done from scratch each time a change in made?

To use AutoCAD, you’ll need to subscribe to a software license and install the software on your computer. AutoCAD is free for students studying with the NDA. All you have to do is download the software and upload proof of your student ID or confirmation letter. Find out more here on the Autodesk website.

There are plenty of video tutorials on the dedicated AutoCAD website as well as on YouTube. Or you could sign up for a short online course with a provider like Udemy to master these skills quicker.

Stage 3 – 3D Models to Illustrate Zones, Furniture & Accessories

You’re now progressing fast with the design development. This is one of the best bits of putting together an interior design presentation for a client. You get to go shopping for everything from flooring, paint, wallpaper and fabrics, curtains, cushions, and furniture pieces all on someone else’s budget!

Because there are many decisions that will be based on this stage, your client will now want a clear idea of the exact finishes you’ve chosen and how they go together. It’s critical that you present this stage with confidence and clarity.

What’s the best way to show all these different finishes and styling choices? You’ll need to make sure that you create a realistic feeling of the layout and different zones as well as represent your colour, texture and furniture choices with accuracy and to the best of your ability. This is the big one!

SketchUp Pro is the most popular and easiest way to achieve a professional presentation which shows your scheme in its best light. This 3D modeling software not only helps clients visualize the finished design, but it’s also invaluable to help designers audit their concepts before final decisions are made.

You can create a 3D model for the project by inputting your AutoCAD drawings and incorporating all of your selections. When you see your scheme in 3D, say you find that the walls look too dark and the flooring doesn’t quite work. SketchUp will enable you to mockup different ideas and test different materials so that you can either present the choices to your client or work out which fits before presenting.

But now that your client has a clearer idea of what the space will feel like, they ask if it’s possible to add a custom-made piece of furniture as a semi partition. So it’s back to SketchUp again, where you easily calculate the space you have and digitally design a bookcase to fit. Easy peasy!

As with AutoCAD, you’ll need to subscribe to SketchUp Pro and download the software on your computer. There is a web-only version that’s free, but it’s not recommended if you want to use the program for interior design projects as it’s just too limited in functionality. Again, students at the NDA get a special deal on SketchUp Studio which includes SketchUp Pro, LayOut and StleBuilder. CadSoft Solutions currently have a student offer for £46.80 for an annual subscription . Tutorials are easily found on the website and YouTube , or again you can sign up for a short course.

Stage 4 – Animated Walkthrough for Final Sign-off

So what’s next? You’ve done all of your plans; your interior design presentation is complete, and your client has made all the changes they want. Surely now you just need to make the concepts into reality? Wrong. Changing things past this point will cause serious issues for you and your suppliers so it’s best to make sure that your client is 100% happy and can visualize the entire scheme and how they will live in the space.

Using SketchUp again, you can create a few simulation scenes to help your client visualize each zone as well as the full space. When you finally meet with your client with the full and final presentation, they will be able to walk through each room or area and fully immerse themselves in the room of their dreams. There’s nothing quite like that level of realism to prove that you’re a pro at this game! It’ll be at this stage the you get the green light and can finally move things from dream to reality.

Because you’ve invested in learning practical skills and helpful tools, you’ve saved lots of time, presented your vision clearly, and left little room for miscommunication.

Study Interior Design Online

Here at the NDA, we’ve been teaching Interior Design for over 30 years. Our courses don’t just teach you the basics of styling your home, they lead to a fully accredited professional qualification. Whether you study an Interior Design Diploma or one of our specially created interior design degrees, you’ll be trained by experts in the field. 

All of our qualifications are taught via our Virtual Learning Studio so you can fit your studies in at a tine to suit you. Click the link in the box below to find out more. 

Want to Learn to Create Professional Interior Design Presentations?

From Diplomas to Degrees, we offer the best interior design courses to fit in with your busy life! Take a look at our courses.

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21 Tips on Client Presentations for Interior Designers

An interior design presentation is one of the most exciting, rewarding moments of the entire project process. 

You get to show off your vision and help your client imagine the final transformation. 

Done right, the presentation can inspire both you and your client so everyone’s cup is full for the challenging work ahead. A great presentation can also instill confidence in your client. When they trust you completely, they’ll be easier to work with during the renovation and installation process. 

Needless to say, there’s a lot at stake!

So…how can you rock your interior design presentations?

Keep reading for helpful examples, a how-to tutorial, and 23 pro tips. 

For all the best interior design tools and resources, learn more about DesignFiles .

Table of Contents

What is an interior design presentation and when does it take place?

An interior design presentation is when a designer shows their client the specific vision and plan for the design project. A good designer will use a variety of content formats during the presentation to really bring the design to life: 3D renderings, moodboards, floor plans, and sometimes artistic sketches.

The design presentation typically occurs after the client is already under contract with the designer. Many interior designers offer a free short discovery call, then they offer a paid consultation. After the client pays a flat-rate design fee or an installment of the estimated hours, the designer gets to work on crafting the design. Then, they present that design to the client.

How to create an interior design presentation

To create your own interior design presentation, you need to add your room designs to a PDF slide show, which you can then send to your client or present during a live Zoom meeting or in-person meeting.

If you’re using DesignFiles, head over to the dashboard and open up the client project. Create a new presentation and select which designs you want to include, such as the designboard, floor plan, and 3D renderings. 

You might also want to include a product list, so your client can see all of the products in more detail.

Watch this video tutorial to see the process in action:

23 tips for creating killer interior design presentations for your clients

Follow these smart tips to create a stunning interior design presentation. 

1. Include 3D renderings from multiple room angles

3D renderings help bring your designs to life, so clients can imagine what their space will look like. Try shifting the design around and saving JPG images of the 3D room design from different angles, such as doorways or high-traffic areas. 

2. Create stylized moodboards

Most vendors don’t have 3D models of their entire collection, so when you’re creating 3D renderings, you have to use similar-looking products and adjust the scale and color as best you can.

With moodboards, you can include all of the exact products you’re recommending for the design. This way, your clients gets a sense of the overall room layout and can also see the exact products in more detail. 

Moodboards also allow you to share your design plan without worrying about scale. Feature small details and textures in larger-than-life photos to help clients understand the feelings and emotions you’re going for.

You can also create full room moodboards with all of the room details to scale, like this example:

3. Generate a floor plan

Floor plans are the key to a well-designed space.

They play a crucial role in establishing the scale and proportion that works for your client’s space. They also provide a way to visualize how people will move through the space and help you identify potential challenges before you even begin the sourcing process.

Watch our step-by-step tutorial on creating a floor plan for your design.

4. Be ready to communicate your design choices

The images will speak for themselves. That said, clients love getting to peek inside your brain to know why you made the choices that you did. 

So prepare a little pitch that will set the tone for your presentation. For example, you might kick things off by saying, “I know you wanted a luxurious but cozy living room that would help you relax and unwind while still being liveable and durable for your kids. Those were my guiding lights when creating this space.”

But how do you describe the design? Throughout the project, make sure you’re taking notes on what the client says, what they are hoping to achieve with the space, and what their desired outcome would be. When you craft your pitch it should include those exact phrases. This lets the client know you’re committed to helping them achieve those goals.

If you’re sending the presentation digitally, write up a little intro slide with these descriptions and create a short intro video with Loom or Berrycast to make it more personal. 

5. Plan every moment of the design presentation beforehand

When you’re getting ready to present your design to your clients, make sure that you’ve got the meeting scheduled to a T.

For example, your schedule might look something like this:

• Minutes 0 – 3: Greetings and ice breakers, human connection
• Minutes 4 – 6: Explain the guiding principles and overall approach for the design
• Minutes 7 – 15: Share the moodboard, 3D renderings, and floor plan
• Minutes 16 – 20: Take feedback
• Minutes 21 – 30: Clarify the next steps for the project

Of course, things might not go exactly as planned, but just by having things written down, you’ll be able to quell your own anxiety, show up as a true professional, and keep the meeting on track.

6. Create PDF slides to organize the entire presentation

A lot goes into a design presentation. You’ve got moodboards, floor plans, project phases, …etc.

Make sure that you’re adding all of this to a PDF presentation. Even if you plan to present the design live, it’s very likely that the client will ask to see the presentation so they can review everything in more detail. 

You don’t want to make them click around through a bunch of different links, so make sure you have one organized PDF file that contains everything they need to know they can explore. 

7. Make sure you’re dressed on brand

If you’ve ever watched interior design shows on HGTV or Netflix, you know that a designer’s brand is evident not only in the transformations they create for clients but also in their own clothing and accessories. 

Know your brand and stick to it. That might be simple, minimalistic shift dresses or bold power suits with statement jewelry. 

8. Have all of your swatches ready

Clients want to touch and feel the materials you’re planning to use so make sure you’ve got swatches and samples for flooring, paint colors, cabinetry, tiles, upholstery, etc. 

If you are dealing with large full home projects, organize your samples by room so you can share the appropriate ones as you make your way through each room in your presentation. This will help keep you organized and your client focused on the task at hand.

9. Mention stories from previous successful projects

Clients have already hired you, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need more reassurance. Based on their previous experience working with interior designers or tackling home renovation projects, they might feel confident about moving forward—or terrified.

Make sure you’re “reading the room” as the saying goes, and talk about what the project looks like from here, using plenty of stories, examples, and mini-case studies to back up your claims. Of course, delays and issues happen. So, the point here isn’t to lie to your clients, but to use past triumphs to combat any concerns they bring up.

10. Only show options when you think it’s necessary

Should you show your clients options? 

If you include too many options in your design presentation, you’ll give the impression that you’re not decisive enough. This might raise doubt in your clients because they’re relying on you to be the decision-maker. 

Only show options in your design when you think it’s absolutely necessary—such as the choice between utilizing a dining hutch they already have versus purchasing something that fits the design a bit better, but will up the budget. 

Otherwise, keep the options to yourself. Have them in your back pocket so your prepared for cases where clients want to see alternative options. But don’t show them in your initial presentation. 

11. Show clients a final design that’s a little higher than their budget

Kim Horton is a Connecticut-based designer who recommends that you ask clients to allow you to design their dream without a set constraint and then work backward from there to fit within their budget. She has clients give her the prices they’d be comfortable with spending on certain items to get a ballpark for their budget, and then designs something a bit higher than their budget to help them get the final look they want. 

You can watch our full interview with her to get all of the details about her approach, which she credits with getting her a stellar portfolio:

12. Have backup products ready to keep the design under budget

When using the strategy mentioned above, you don’t want to frustrate your clients by going way beyond their desired budget. 

You can have backup products ready (in your back pocket) to update the design and get the numbers back into safer territory. 

13. Ask for their feedback in an open-ended way

Don’t say, Is there anything you want to remove? or Do you want to swap out any items to lower the budget?

Instead, simply ask, “How do you feel about this design?” and see what they say.

This gives off more confidence and doesn’t assume anything is wrong with the design. You never want to encourage your clients to find faults. 

14. Take notes or record the client’s feedback

Unless you have one of those minds that remembers everything, be sure that you or someone on your team is taking notes or opt for recording the session so you can review it later. Design presentations can take a while, especially if you are dealing with a full home project. Having a detailed record of all the feedback your client provided will ensure you and your team address all requests and changes before your next client meeting.

15. Bring your unique flair and personality to the presentation

Are you goofy? Funny? Mellow? Serious?

Whatever your unique personality, bring it. 

Your clients chose you because they connected with your personal brand and portfolio pieces. They want to work with you , not a robot. So be your 100% authentic self.

16. Be prepared to let clients know which purchases can be delayed

When hit with a big bill, some clients might struggle to want to move forward. Prepare phases ahead of time, so you can let your clients know which items could be purchased later. 

You don’t need to mention this option unless the client seems concerned about the budget, and you can tell that’s why they’re not giving you the green light. 

17. Let the visuals speak for themselves

One of the best sales tips is to not talk too much. If you do, you’ll appear nervous and unconfident. 

In a way, a design presentation is like a sales conversation. You’re selling your vision and your hard work, and you need the client to give their approval. 

So, make sure not to over explain and ramble on too much. After you share why you choose the approach you did and what you were trying to achieve, let the visuals do the talking. Be quiet for a few minutes so the client can imagine the final result without distractions. 

18. Use design software that allows for in-person and digital presentations

Your design software should make it easy for you to present in various formats. You should be able to add your moodboards and 3D renderings to a PDF presentation for in-person or virtual meetings. And, if you run your business digitally, you should also be able to send a link to the designs and allow the client to comment on products and elements directly.

Check out DesignFiles for the best design and project management tools.

19. Include your junior designers

If you have junior designers on your team who are heading up a project or contributing to it greatly, make sure to bring them to the presentation. That way, they can answer any questions that only they have the background knowledge on. Plus, they can learn how you run design presentations in preparation for running them one day.

20. Create a presentation template for future use

Whether done by you or your team, creating design boards and presentations is a ton of work. With the wrong processes, you’ll struggle with design and formatting issues.

To save yourself time, use templates. With DesignFiles, you can create templates for your moodboards, which you can then add to your presentation in seconds.

21. Clarify the next steps and set the schedule moving forward

When you’re confident and in control of the situation, your clients will feel at ease. Spend the end of the meeting discussing what the path looks like from here. 

If the pricing moves from flat rate to hourly now that the project is in the project management phase, then remind them of that. If you know of any likely delays, give them a heads-up. Offer the best-case scenarios, what could impede them, and how you’ll address any issues.

Example interior design presentations

Interior designer Karin Bohn takes us behind the scenes of a presentation for a major office renovation. Notice how calm and comfortable she is as she shares the design team’s big ideas. You’ll also notice how she allows junior designers to speak, too. 

In the next interior design presentation example, you’ll see Sophie Paterson share her design plans for a living room and master bedroom. The presentation materials, moodboards, and floor plans are all presented in her signature luxe, minimal style.

The final word? An excellent interior design presentation will help you wow your clients and make it easy for them to say yes to the design and feel excited and confident moving forward.

Hey designer! Get the best tools, resources, and community with DesignFiles .

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The Interior Design Process Explained

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about the Interior Design Process including the goals, deliverables and tools.

In this article, we'll discuss the who, what, and how of the Interior Design process.

Let's get started!...

First, ask yourself if you've ever felt productive in an office space. Perhaps enjoyed the ambiance of a vibrant café. Or felt cozy in a cabin in the woods.

Those feelings are the result of great interior design.

What is Interior Design and why is it important?

Interior design is more than just assembling mood boards and picking out fabrics.

It is the creation of an interior environment responding to human needs. Interior design firms balance a space's function and its aesthetics.

According to a study by the EPA , we spend 90% of our time inside. This makes interior design important. Well done interiors make or break your experience in the space.

Who is involved in the Interior Design process?

The interior design project management process typically involves:

• Interior Designers
• Architects (depending on the scope of work)
• The Client team (a developer, owner, prospective tenant)
• Consultants (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting)
• FF&E vendors

Depending on the size and scope of a project, other project team members may include:

• A client’s facilities team that will manage the space upon completion. The facilities team encompasses security, IT, food and beverage, etc.
• Landlords, who may need designs to adhere to their building standards.
• Environmental graphic designers (EGD), who design a visual wayfinding system. The visual system often incorporates the client's brand.

What types of projects involve Interior Design?

Any building that will have a functioning interior will often involve interior design. We categorize projects by typology or interior design workflow.

Some common programmatic typologies include:

• Residential (houses, apartments, condos)
• Commercial (office space, retail, restaurants)
• Institutional (schools, healthcare facilities)
• Cultural (museums)

Some common interior design deliverables or project scopes are:

• Tenant improvement (“TI”) projects involve a space designed for a commercial property.
• Remodeling projects are upgrades made to existing interiors.
• Adaptive reuse projects are more extensive than standard TI projects. They often involve converting an existing building use and zoning classification into another.
• New ground up construction projects may include interior designers to design project interiors. In this type of project, interior designers collaborate with the lead exterior architect.

So, what are the phases of the Interior Design process?

There are 5 key interior design process phases..

According to a recent survey by the AIA, renovation projects make up 50% of projects for firms. Adaptive reuse and interior modifications make up 25% each and tenant improvements make up 18% of those.

Knowing this, we’ll discuss the following interior design process with a focus on commercial TI projects. This type of project is standard, less complicated, and does not need rezoning.

Let’s dive in and discuss the goals, process, deliverables and tools required for each phase:

1. programming, the main goal of the programming phase is to define the project’s scope of work and constraints..

The same space will have different design solutions depending on its audience and use. A Fortune 500 company’s needs are distinct from those of a creative studio. This is where programming comes into play.

Programming means understanding the client’s spatial needs, business organization, and brand. Interior designers conduct work sessions to listen to the client’s project wishes. Clients might share inspiration images at the initial consultation that interior designers can use as a reference point.

The general process, goals, and deliverables of Programming include:

• Site visits to take existing conditions measurements, and formulate a survey report
• Verify an existing model or creating a new 3D model for the basis of design
• Sessions with the client and stakeholders to understand their vision and requirements
• Schedule and scope of work creation in a written document (interior design project plan)
• Definition of room types and target square footages in a programming spreadsheet
• Sketching of the preliminary space plans and bubble diagrams

How can a flexible database tool like Layer App help organize this data?

There isn’t a concrete design created during this first phase of the interior design process. But there is a myriad of collected information that will inform the following phases.

1. Building Condition Assessment Template to capture existing building data

2. Room Data Sheets are a fantastic way to create a basic programming sheet

2. Schematic Design

The main goal of schematic design is to explore design solutions through test fits..

A test fit is a floor plan layout that confirms the location and size of spaces for the project.

Unlike bubble diagrams, test fits are to scale. They help the client visualize a potential solution to their design problem. Interior designers walk clients through the test fit to ensure room adjacencies and sizing are fit for their needs.

The final test fit is often attached to the lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord.

The general process and deliverables of Schematic Design include:

• Develop concept boards to show the “look & feel” of the space
• Create test fit options and corresponding programming sheets
• Portray spatial relationships through schematic interior renderings
• Provide an initial cost estimate to the client
• Present to the client and landlord for their approval

What’s great about a flexible database tool is that users build upon the workflows they set up. Here are a few ways to further develop a project during Schematic Design:

• Adding more detail to the Room Data Sheets . Linking geometry from a test fit to the room data sheets to compare numbers.
• Interior designers can create presentations for their mood boards in Layer.

3. Design Development

The main goal of design development is to narrow in on a solution and dive into the design details..

In Design Development, the client and interior designer agree upon a single direction. The approved test fit and mood board from schematic design serve as the starting point.

Some aspects of the layout and design may shift as interior designers layer detail into the drawings. Keeping the client in the loop through frequent design review meetings enables the design team to solidify the project elements before the Construction Documentation phase.

The general process and deliverables of Design Development include:

• Develop floor plans, furniture plans, interior elevations, reflected ceiling plans, details
• Assemble FF&E specifications and schedules
• Create detailed interior renderings and work with EGDs for branding
• Coordinate with consultants (structure, MEP, life safety)
• Present design to client for sign off before the next phase
• Provide an updated cost estimation

A flexible database tool assists with Design Development in a few ways:

1. The FF&E template is a database enabling designers to store their information in a single place. 2. Documenting meeting minutes is crucial to confirm design decisions and changes.

4. Construction Documents

The main goal of construction documents is to assemble the final documentation set for bidding and the construction phase..

The final documentation set has several drawings, schedules, and visuals used for pricing and the realization of the space. Interior designers coordinate the set with consultants and review drawings for quality.

The length of the documentation set will vary depending on project type and complexity. It is common to conduct page-turn meetings with the client to review key drawings from the set for their approval.

If the client is not attuned to reviewing construction drawings, simplify the drawings and annotate areas that need more attention. This will ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

The general process and deliverables of Construction Documents include:

• Conduct page-turn review meetings with clients
• Provide a completed and coordinated set of construction documents to the tenant and landlord for approval
• Share the final construction documents to prospective GCs for bidding
• Issue construction documents to permitting authority for review and approval

During this phase of the interior design process, a flexible database tool is great for:

1. Redlining in progress sets in the PDF viewer.

2. Responding to general contractor’s RFI’s during bidding.

5. Construction Administration

The main goal of construction administration is to support the bidding, construction, and close out of the project..

At this stage, the project is almost at the finish line and ready for the clients to move in. During this final phase of the interior design process, interior designers are in the field. They are answering contract documentation or questions and finalizing deliverables for project hand off.

Client management is critical at this final stage. Clients may grow anxious and inquire about construction updates.

Rather than be reactive, interior designers should be proactive and keep clients in the loop as the project comes to life. If possible, walk clients through the space with the proposed floor plan as a guide. It’s an exciting time when drywall goes up and the interior starts taking shape.

The general process and deliverables of Construction Administration include:

• Obtain bids and secure permit
• Create and answer any RFIs from the construction team
• Conduct a punch list walk through of the space
• Review submittals from sub-consultants
• Issue photos and updates to clients via e-mail
• Collaborate with vendor for procurement & installation of materials
• Revise the 3D model and produce as-built drawings (if required by client)
• Handover project documents to client and building operations team
• Generate a post-occupancy evaluation (POE)

A flexible database tool can help interior designers cross the finish line by:

1. Coordinating RFIs from the construction team 2. Organizing punch list items and documenting in field information via mobile.

What’s Next?

This is a general framework for executing commercial tenant improvement projects. Every project will have its own particularities dependent on the client, the interior designer, and the existing space.

For those new to interior design, we hope you learned something. For those who are ready to supercharge your interior design process workflow, email us at [email protected] or schedule a custom demo here >

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Interior Design Presentation Tools

• Post category: CGI Interior Design / Interior Design Business

Table of Contents

What is Interior design presentation?

Interior design presentations are visual overviews of a planned design concept that interior designers use to communicate their ideas to clients. These presentations often include mood boards, floor plans, 3D renderings, and material samples to give clients a comprehensive understanding of the proposed design. Software programs like chaos vantage for interiors are utilized to create realistic virtual walkthroughs of the proposed design, allowing clients to immerse themselves in the space before it is even built. This helps clients visualize the final result and make informed decisions about their design preferences.

These presentations as part of the design project proposal showcase the designer’s proposed plans for the layout, furnishings, materials, color scheme, and other details for a residential or commercial interior space.

Examples of elements that may be included in an interior design presentation are:

• Floor plans – 2D drawings showing the layout and dimensions of the space
• Furniture arrangements – Digital renderings or models showing furniture placement
• Fabric and finish samples – Physical swatches of proposed fabrics, carpets, tiles, woods, etc.
• Color scheme – A palette of proposed paint colors and accents
• Lighting plan – Technical drawings indicating lighting layout and fixture selections
• Material specifications – A detailed list of all proposed materials and finishes
• Concept boards – Mood boards with inspirational images, materials, and colors
• 3D renderings – Digitally generated imagery showing the designed space in perspective
• Lifestyle vignettes – Styled set-ups showing proposed furniture arrangements
• Project description – An overview of the design concept and goals

Presenting these elements visually allows clients to better understand and provide feedback on the interior designer’s proposed design before implementation. The presentation brings the concepts to life.

George is a seasoned interior designer and property marketing strategist with over 13 years of experience. He specializes in transforming properties into visually stunning spaces, helping clients recognize the potential and beauty in each property. With an impressive international client base of exciting projects throughout Europe and America.

The presentation boards allow the designer to display these details in a graphic, visually-oriented format. They bring together all elements of the design into a cohesive presentation.

An interior design project may be the second biggest commitment for a property after the purchase of the property from a client’s perspective!

overview of the presentation process

The process follows roughly the same path, but the resources and division of labor vary by studio size. Communication and collaboration are key throughout. 

Presenting the design is ultimately a team effort.

Solo Designer

• Research – Gather inspiration, analyze client needs
• Concept – Develop overall design direction and color schemes
• Schematic Layouts – Rough space plans
• Design Refinement – Materials, finishes, details
• Production – Create presentation boards, models, renderings
• Presentation – Present to client, get feedback
• Revisions – Refine based on feedback

Small Studio (2-10 designers)

• Research – Conducted collaboratively
• Concept – Team brainstorming session
• Schematic Layouts – Work divided amongst team
• Design Refinement – Collaboration on details
• Production – Divide tasks like boards, renderings
• Presentation – Often presented together
• Revisions – Team approach to refinements

Large Studio (10+ designers)

• Research – Conducted by project designers
• Concept – Presented for group critique
• Schematic Layouts – Work divided by project phase
• Design Refinement – Specialists for materials, etc.
• Production – Often outsourced renderings, models
• Presentation – Led by project designers
• Revisions – Implemented by project team

What are the 3 phases of interior design presentation?

Interior design presentation consists of 3 main phases with up to 13 different elements incorporated under them. Each element builds on the others to create a comprehensive, visual presentation that is part of project proposals.

Interior designers combines the three phases in a strategic way to communicate the design narrative and details. 

Typically, an interior design presentation incorporates 4-13 different elements that work together to convey the design concept.

The design process that leads to the presentation can be broken down into several key phases:

Programming Phase: The initial stage where the client’s needs and goals are identified. This informs the overall direction.

Schematic Design Phase: Rough layouts and space planning are developed that align with the programming needs.

Design Development Phase: More detailed design work is done to refine the schematic design, including material selections, lighting plans, etc.

The presentation then pulls visuals, drawings, and samples from these phases to depict the design. 

Common elements include:

• Bubble diagrams and hand sketches showing initial concepts
• CAD and hand-drawn floor plans showing layout
• Axonometric drawings demonstrating spatial relationships
• Interior elevations and section drawings showing finishes and architectural details
• Physical and digital materials boards with finish samples
• Digital and physical presentation boards with concept collages, sketches, etc.
• 3D interior modeling studies and renderings bringing the design to life visually where color schemes, references and real life measurements are combined into 3D concept.

Visually Communicating Value with new clients

The goal is to establish trust and rapport through professional, polished presentations focused on collaboration and exemplary service. 

Design is problem solving; presentations reflect that philosophy .

Here are some key elements of an interior design business philosophy as it relates to client presentations:

• Communicate don’t dictate – Presentations should facilitate an open dialogue, not just convey demands.
• Educate the client – Take time to explain the rationale behind recommendations.
• Collaborate, don’t confront – Welcome ideas and aim for compromise, not conflict.
• Guide, don’t direct – Gently steer clients towards quality, even if more costly.
• Anticipate needs – Strive to present what clients want before they ask.
• Sell the process – Demonstrate how careful methodology leads to better outcomes.
• Reinforce expertise – Leverage presentations to highlight specialized skills and value.
• Be transparent – Clearly convey all costs, lead times, and constraints. No surprises.
• Make it visual – Show don’t tell; visuals bring concepts to life.
• Think long-term – Build lasting relationships not just transactions.
• Present comprehensively – Demonstrate attention to all details big and small.
• Pursue perfection – Constantly aim to improve presentation skills and tools.

What is Programming Phase?

The programming phase is the first stage of an interior design project. It involves gathering information about the client’s needs and goals for the space.

Key activities in the programming phase include:

• Initial client meeting and site visit – To understand project scope, requirements, and constraints.
• Interviewing stakeholders – Speaking with all end users to identify needs.
• Conducting research – Investigating relevant laws, building codes, regulations.
• Performing analysis – Analyzing site, architecture, existing conditions.
• Defining project goals – Identifying the client’s vision and objectives.
• Determining space requirements – Including sizes, adjacencies, capacities.
• Developing program documentation – Compiling research into a written program.
• Presenting findings – Reporting key details back to client.

The programming phase essentially establishes the “rules of engagement” that guide the design moving forward. The interior designer works collaboratively with the client to define all functional, legal, budgetary and aesthetic goals for the project.

Having a well-defined program provides an effective roadmap as the designer transitions into conceptual development and space planning. It also allows the client to review and approve project expectations before design work proceeds.

The programming phase is a crucial foundation for success.

What is schematic design presentation

A schematic design presentation communicates the initial spatial planning and layout of an interior design project. At this early stage, the presentation typically includes.

• Bubble diagrams – Initial space planning sketches
• Hand-drawn floor plans – Rough layouts showing adjacencies
• Digital floor plans – Preliminary plans from CAD software
• Furniture arrangements – Rough blocking plans for furnishings
• Spatial blocking plans – Generic shapes showing spatial zones
• Area calculations – Basic sizes/capacities for spaces
• Concept sketches – Early hand drawings of ideas
• Mood boards – Inspirational imagery and samples
• Design narratives – Written description of concept and goals

The schematic presentation focuses more on spatial relationships and broad concept rather than refinements. It establishes the foundation that the design will later develop from.

This allows the client to review and approve the proposed spatial layout and functionality before the designer progresses into more detailed design development. The presentation ensures the design is aligned with the client’s programming needs and goals early in the process.

The schematic presentation is an important first step in bringing the client into the design process. It initiates a dialogue that continues through the evolution of the design in subsequent presentations.

What is bubble diagram interior design

A bubble diagram is a basic planning tool used in the early stages of the interior design process. It uses simple shapes and symbols to represent spatial elements.

In interior design, bubble diagrams are typically used during the programming and schematic design phases to explore initial layout options and spatial relationships. Common elements included in an interior design bubble diagram are:

• Circles/bubbles – Indicate rooms and other spaces
• Arrows – Show connections and relationships between spaces
• Squares – Represent fixed elements like stairs, columns
• Text labels – Identify the function of each space
• Size variations – Show relative sizes/proportions of spaces
• Colors – Differentiate space types or zones

Bubble diagrams are quick, flexible tools to experiment with different space planning scenarios. They help identify spatial needs, adjacencies, layout possibilities, and circulation patterns in a low-detail format.

Interior designers use bubble diagrams to collaborate with clients, ensuring the layout meets their functional needs and goals early in the design process. The simplicity of the bubble diagram facilitates effective communication and exploration of options.

Bubble diagrams provide an important starting point that leads into more detailed space planning and interior design development. They reveal opportunities and issues before committing to a layout.

What is material board presentation?

A material board is a key component of many interior design presentations. It allows the designer to physically showcase proposed materials, finishes, and samples to the client. 

Examples of items that may be included on a material board are:

• Fabric swatches – Samples of proposed upholstery, drapery, and other fabrics
• Carpet and area rug samples – Carpet tiles, bound rugs, swatches, etc.
• Tile samples – Stone, ceramic, glass, and other tile types
• Wood samples – Stain swatches, veneer samples, solid wood samples
• Wall covering samples – Wallpaper, grasscloth, metal sheets, etc.
• Paint color chips – Chips showing proposed paint colors
• Hardware samples – Knobs, pulls, hinges, lighting, plumbing fixtures
• Accessory samples – Such as pillows, throws, vases
• Natural material samples – Leather, stone, glass, etc.
• Marble, granite, quartz samples – For kitchen and bath surfaces
• Appliance samples – Brochures, spec sheets, swatches

The material board allows the client to see and feel the products being proposed for their space. It brings the materials off the page, helping the client better visualize the designer’s plan. The board serves as a tactile complement to the rest of the presentation.

Interior design project timeline

Between 80 and 90% of design projects feature similar phases and timeline. 

• Programming – Gather project goals, requirements, constraints
• Schematic Design – Develop initial space plan and layouts
• Design Development – Refine plans, select finishes, furnishings
• Design Presentation – Present concept to client for review and approval
• Construction Documents – Create detailed drawings and specifications
• Bidding/Estimates – Obtain contractor pricing for construction
• Construction Administration – Oversee and manage installation process
• Furnishings Procurement – Purchase and install furnishings and décor
• Installation Completion – Final walkthrough and handover to client
• Project Closeout – Final documentation, payments, contractor evaluations

The initial design presentation usually occurs after schematic design and design development, allowing the designer to present a comprehensive concept showing the spatial layout, materials, and vision for the project. This presentation is crucial for aligning with the client before moving into construction documentation and implementation. It is a pivotal milestone in the design process timeline.

The tradition of the design presentation

80% of interior designers are not makers but thinkers with a maker’s way of thinking, and only 25% of all designs have mastered their design presentations.

If a great design idea is not presented in the best light to the client, often this leads to a break-up in the relationship between a designer and client.

The presentation is the crossroad that can earn high profits and fame or break the project and it all starts with the interior design process.

Traditionally, young designers are taught in schools and colleges to create design boards composed of 2D drawings, sketches, fabric swatches, little materials samples, and inspirational references. The interior design process is also briefly taught in the design school but often, implementing it requires much more experience and knowledge.

Although this is an excellent tactile way for clients to “experience” the project, if you ask, most designers will tell you that their clients always have hundreds of questions after such presentations.

One may experience the fabric and compare references, but it will have difficulty linking the 2D diagrams and plans with watercolor sketches. All of this creates more work for the designers to explain every element with cutout images or other ways.

The design process of presentation

The design process is the pillar of each project. If a project does not have a well-organized design process, often called “programming,” or “Pre-design planning” the risk of failure and mistakes is high, which will always lead to breaks in relations with clients, loss of profit for the designs, and increased budgets for the client.

Pre-design planning (also Programming) represents a detailed analysis of the client’s needs, requirements, and budget. Everything is put against any architectural or site constraints.

Newbie designers overlook the importance of having even simple programming in place. This shows the clients each step of the project and establishes the designer’s credibility and communication skills.

Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation are the three main stages of an interior project.

Analysis – it includes phases of defining and translating the project’s problem.

Synthesis – all potential problems and requests are formulated with one or multiple solutions (for discussion with a client)

Evaluation – often has a few rounds of critical reviews, comparison of pros and cons of each solution.

The importance of the pre-design planning phase is so high that the process can be compared to a business justification and options appraisals, all leading later to better-optimized budgets for the client and increased profits for the designers.

George Nicola

Each of the above phases has multiple stages, and they may have different names for each designer, but in general, they lead to the same outcome – solving the problem. Design teams of 5+ teams often have dedicated programmers in charge of the management and communication. Since every project and company are different, programming varies on the type – the size of the project and the amount of useful information presented by the client.

More on this you can read our article “ How to develop an Interior Design team ?”

Below I will try to explain the most common types of interior design presentation tools and grade them with scores for complexity and effectiveness.

Interior bubble diagrams

Complexity: 4 / 10 Effective: 6 / 10

Think of bubble diagrams as a way of early schematic brainstorming. These diagrams can quickly generate multiple concepts. Each bubble has a rough scale according to the space’s proportion, representing its location and adjoining spaces.  Based on an approved diagram, the concept is further developed into a floor plan, hand sketch, or 3D drawing. This technique is used by architects, designers, engineers, marketers, developers, and many more professionals where problem-solving is required.

Interior design hand sketches

Complexity: 8 / 10 Effective: 4 / 10

Hand sketched presentations are the oldest and most widely used tool for presenting three-dimensional interior schemes.

Considered almost an art, they require a lot of time, skills, and techniques to be brought up to a level that design clients can understand and read. 

Being able to sketch an interior to such a degree shows your clients you know what you are doing and impress them. 

Unfortunately, the downside to this design presentation is that only a tiny percent of clients can understand the details of their future homes in-depth.

Thus interior designers who rely solely on hand sketches need to bring additional tools to support and convey their ideas. Here we’ve explained in-depth the most common types of Interior design hand sketching techniques.

Hand drawn floor plans

Complexity: 7 / 10 Effective: 5 / 10

Floor plans, also known as (horizontal building sections) are drawings depicting the building or room layout as if looking through the ceiling with a horizontal cut approximately at half the wall height.

Floor plans are drawn to scale, which may vary according to project conditions.

Larger-scale plans are used to show the general layout without specific details, and smaller-scale interior floor plans are used for highly detailed presentations. 

Hand-drawn floor plans are not common today as it takes a long time and effort to produce, which may have to be amended after each client meeting. NDA Uk has produced valuable insight into sketching the initial concept here .

CAD floor plans

Complexity: 7 / 10 Effective: 6 / 10

CAD floor plans are the modern version of the sketched-by-hand plans, which present a much more refined process, quicker to amend details identified by clients.

In addition, CAD plans benefit from having to vary a variety of graphic annotations for each element and attribute. 

These orthographic drawings are abstractions of the idea with a specific goal – illustrating and delineating items are walls, windows, boundaries between spaces, and other new or old elements of the project. 

The most significant positive side of CAD plans is flexibility.

Interior Axonometric drawings

Complexity: 7 / 10 Effective: 7 / 10

A large percentage of interior clients have difficulty understanding everything if presented independently without supporting materials, which leads to designers producing early in the project additional support drawings as axonometric drawings

Axonometric drawings can be hand sketched or CAD models; either has its own pros and cons

Interior section drawings

Complexity: 5 / 10 Effective: 6 / 10

Section drawings are vertical planes slicing the volumes of the spaces that form a projected image of the elements of the interiors.

Their main goal is to identify and refine interior details around walls, doors, and window fixtures. It is important to note that there are multiple internal sections and elevations stages as a project progresses.

Interior model study

Complexity: 6.3 / 10 Effective: 8.3 / 10

Interior model studies can be done in 3D software or traditional paper and styrofoam miniature. Primarily used by architects to explore the shape and principal components of buildings, interior designers have adopted the tool for the use of internal exploration.  Interior studies are part of the concept design phase when the foundation of the concept is laid.  This tool is also known as 3D floor plans in the real estate sector.

Traditional interior design board

Complexity: 3 / 10 Effective: 6 / 10

Design boards (often material presentations) are always put together for the client to understand the overall color-material palette of the project. Meetings often are conducted in-house. This part of the project presentation is important as it covers the colors overall and often may have specific references to ready-to-buy furniture or lighting.  Often such design boards are accompanied by floor plans, hand sketches, or sections.

Digital Interior design board

Complexity: 2 / 10 Effective: 5 / 10

Digital design boards are a thing today since it’s much easier to compile and send to the client via e-mail for review. This virtual brother of the traditional design board is used mainly during the preliminary discussions and concept direction. Digital design presentations should be part of the process and work along the actual design board at the end.

Interior 3D drawing

Complexity: 6.2 / 10 Effective: 8 / 10

SketchUp is easy to use and affordable modeling program used by more than 80 million people worldwide. Being the most straightforward and intuitive for building 3D models of interior spaces and not only.

SketchUp models can be exported into 3rd party rendering software since the software does not have an integrated photorealistic renderer.

Many Interior Designers use hand drawings and SketchUp models to help their clients envision the project. Hand-drawn projects often are used for preliminary client meetings for quick hatches and depiction of ideas, while SketchUp is used to refine everything in a highly-accurate Interior 3D drawing. 

Since SketchUp is only a modeling software, it does not have an integrated rendering module.

Often designers export rough models and overlay them with digital watercolors or another method of digital painting to make them more appealing and artistic.

Interior 3D rendering

Complexity: 9 / 10 Effective: 9 / 10

Think of Interior 3D renderings as the extension of the Interior 3D drawing tool, the cherry on top of the cake for your interior project.

Interior 3D renderings are the highly refined photoreal product of 3D drawings and models. 3D renderings are images with depicted natural light, colors, shapes, and textures of the interior space in all of its beauty. 

This is the most effective tool in a designer’s toolbox. Most savvy designers use 3D renderings combined with the other mechanisms explained above to have maximum impact on their presentation.

This article has the “ Most common 3D rendering questions a designer asks “

Why interior presentation is important?

Thoughtful presentations throughout the design process lead to better outcomes and often save time, costs, and headaches down the road. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Reasons why interior design presentations are important, especially for firms looking to save time and resources:

• Aligns vision – Ensures designer and client are on the same page about design goals and concept direction before moving forward.
• Provides feedback – Allows client to give input on layouts, selections so changes can be made early.
• Validates concepts – Gives the client opportunities to react to and validate the design concepts.
• Manages expectations – Clearly conveys what is technically achievable within budget and site constraints.
• Sells ideas – Enables designer to persuade client towards bolder/progressive design choices.
• Refines details – Opportunity to tweak finishes, furnishings based on client comments.
• Establishes scope – Solidifies what is included before construction documents commence.
• Saves rework – Avoids wasted time from major redesigned if issues are caught earlier.
• Tracks approvals – Provides documentation of client approvals at key project milestones.
• Manages budget – Ensures costs are aligned with client goals at various stages.
• Builds confidence – Reinforces the designer’s expertise and vision.

Starting an Interior Design Presentation

When presenting interior presentation the goal is to make the client feel comfortable, involved, and excited to see the design come to life. A thoughtful introduction and presentation style sets the stage for an engaging, productive meeting.

• Welcome the client – Greet them, offer water/coffee, make introductions.
• Give an overview – Explain the presentation purpose, flow, and estimated length.
• Show appreciation – Thank the client for the opportunity and input so far.
• Set expectations – Note that it’s a collaborative process open to feedback.
• Establish the vision – Summarize the design goals and client wishes.
• Start with inspirations – Use engaging visuals to introduce design concepts.
• Present confidently – Be knowledgeable yet conversational.
• Watch body language – Make eye contact, don’t turn your back.
• Invite participation – Ask for initial reactions, input as you go.
• Clarify as needed – Answer questions clearly without jargon.
• Read the room – Assess reactions; adjust pace/approach accordingly.
• Have a conversation – Make it an open dialogue, not a one-way lecture.
• Set a positive tone – Balance professionalism with warmth.

how to present an interior design concept

The presentation should provide an engaging, sensory introduction to the design narrative. Ensure the client connects with the concept on an emotional level.

Here are some tips for presenting an interior design concept:

• Create a mood board – Collage images, materials, colors that represent the design intent. Help tell the visual story.
• Develop inspirational sketches – Hand drawings to quickly convey spatial ideas and stylistic details.
• Use concept models – Simple massing models showing forms, spatial connections.
• Prepare initial floorplans – Hand drawn or digital plans to indicate layout and functionality.
• Show materials and finishes – Present physical or digital samples of proposed materials.
• Use inspirational descriptors – Compose a narrative to explain the concept’s origins and goals.
• Include spatial vignettes – Model or digitally render key spaces to visualize the concept.
• Develop title and style boards – Display the project name, client, date, and design aesthetics.
• Present in layers – Break down complex designs into digestible parts and pieces.
• Tell a story – Take the client on a journey through the eyes of the end user.
• Seek feedback – Have an open dialogue to understand responses and make refinements.
• Be passionate – Enthusiasm for the concept is contagious.

who is involved in creating the design presentation

For solo and small teams often the involved in presentation are lead or project designer and graphics team. While in larger firms more peopel are involved in putting up the design presentation.

There are usually several key team members involved in creating an interior design presentation:

• Lead Designer – The primary interior designer responsible for the project oversees the presentation creation. They ensure it aligns with the design concept and client needs.
• Project Designers – Any other designers working collaboratively on the project help develop presentation content.
• Graphics Team – Graphic designers, CAD technicians, render artists create the drawings, boards, models, etc.
• Support Staff – Administrative staff may assist with scheduling, printing, assembling materials.
• Construction Team – Contractors and tradespeople may provide estimates, feedback on constructability.
• Specialty Consultants – Lighting, acoustics, AV consultants help develop technical details.
• Photographers – For projects involving site photos, lifestyle images.
• Copywriters – Can assist with composing the narrative content.
• Principals/Partners – Senior leadership may review the presentation and provide guidance.
• Client – The client is the most important collaborator, providing feedback throughout the process.

The combination of the design, technical, and creative team allows for all aspects of the presentation to come together in a cohesive, impactful way. It’s a team effort!

Are FF&E part of the presentation?

Yes, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) are an important part of most interior design presentations.

Here are some of the key ways FF&E may be incorporated:

• Furniture Floor Plans – Scale drawings showing proposed furniture layouts and arrangements.
• Furniture Elevations – Scaled drawings with dimensions and details of specific furniture pieces.
• Furniture Spec Sheets – Manufacturers’ spec sheets for priced furniture items.
• Furniture Renderings – Digitally rendered perspective images showing furnishings in context.
• Furniture Samples – Photos, fabric swatches, paint colors for custom pieces.
• Furnishings Plan – A detailed list of all specified furniture, fabrics, and finishes.
• Furniture Inspiration – Mood boards with furniture images representative of the style.
• Furniture Models – Physical scale models or digital models of key furniture forms.
• Furniture Vignettes – Styled arrangements of furniture, accessories, and finishes.
• Pricing Summaries – Spreadsheets listing furniture costs, vendors, and lead times.

Showcasing the proposed FF&E allows clients to better visualize the complete design concept and understand how furnishings complement the architecture and finishes. Specifying detailed FF&E is an integral part of the design process and presentation.

What designers need to show presentation on site?

The goal is to bring anything needed to clearly explain the details and vision of the design in the context of the actual space.

It’s important for designers to have a capable laptop or tablet when presenting on site. This allows them to access and display digital presentation materials, 3D files, and other electronic design documents.

A powerful, portable device also enables designers to make edits or adjustments to the presentation on the fly in response to client feedback during the meeting.

The ability to pull up designs, add notes, make changes, and project plans in the space itself helps facilitate an interactive, productive on-site presentation.

With the right mobile technology, designers can make the most of the opportunity to share and discuss designs in person.

Allowing clients to review the presentation on site makes it as relevant and tangible as possible.

Here are some key things designers need to bring and show during an on-site presentation with a client:

• Presentation boards – Physical boards displaying materials, plans, concepts, etc.
• Digital presentation – Laptop, tablet, or slides to present digital materials.
• Fabric swatches – Cuttings of specified upholstery and drapery fabrics.
• Finish samples – Wood, tile, stone, wall covering samples, paint color chips.
• Furnishings plan – A detailed FF&E schedule and product specs.
• Floor plans – Scaled drawings of the space layout and furniture arrangements.
• Lighting plans – Technical lighting specifications and layouts.
• Finish plans – Drawings or schedules showing all finishes.
• Plumbing/Electrical plans – If applicable, show rough-in locations.
• Architectural details – Drawings of millwork, ceilings, built-ins, etc.
• Perspective sketches – Hand-drawn 3D perspectives of the space.
• Color renderings – Digitally rendered views of the proposed design.
• Models – Physical scale models, potentially with materials/finishes.
• Photography – Before photos, site photos, comparative photos.
• Specification book – Detailed specifications for all products.

Do designers do free presentations?

Most professional interior designers do not provide full design presentations for free.

However, there are a few scenarios where a designer may provide some initial ideas without charge :

• Initial Consultation – Many designers offer free initial consultations to discuss the project scope and determine if they are a good fit for the client.
• Concept Sketches – Some designers may provide a few rough concept sketches at no cost to give a sense of their design approach.
• Sample Boards – Small sample boards with a couple finish options are sometimes provided as part of an initial meeting.
• Portfolio – Designers will freely show their work portfolio during meetings.
• Proposal – When bidding on a project, a presentation or proposal may be offered.
• Existing Relationship – Designers working with past clients may start new projects with some pro bono work.

However, developing a full presentation with multiple detailed boards, drawings, specifications, etc takes a significant investment of the designer’s time and resources. 

Most interior design firms will charge for the full presentation, typically billing hourly or as a percent of the overall project fee.

While free consultations are common, clients should expect that a comprehensive interior design presentation will have associated costs and fees in line with the scope of work involved.

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Interior Design Presentations: The Secret to Winning More Clients

As an interior designer, creating interior design presentations that communicate just how you’ll realize a prospective client’s vision will help you land and ultimately manage projects so you can do more of what you love.

It’s often said that a picture tells a thousand words, which is certainly true with interior design presentations.  When your clients see your vision for their project, they’re sure to get excited, and together you’ll be able to finetune the final design.

What Should an Interior Design Presentation Include?

• 3D floor plans. Include the location and size of doors, windows, and built-ins to help clients understand a space's size, layout, and traffic patterns.
• Furniture plan. Help clients visualize each piece's size, shape, color, and texture in combination with the rest of the décor.
• Material samples . Invite clients to explore the wood, metal, glass, fabrics, stone, and/or other materials you plan to use.
• Color scheme. Your understanding of color theory, the psychology of color, and your client’s wishes will help you select the perfect palette. 
• Renderings. High-resolution floor plans and 3D visuals show texture, materials, and details like interior lighting, sunlight, and shadows.
• Budget. Regardless of a project’s scope or size, determining its budget should be at the top of your to-do list. Break it down by room and provide less-expensive alternatives to big-ticket requests.
• Project schedule. Giving your clients realistic timelines for each phase of the design will go a long way to managing their expectations.

Types of Interior Design Presentations

There are numerous ways to share your design vision with prospective clients, including the following:

Mood Boards

A mood board helps communicate your vision through a collage of images, textures, color palettes, typography, description words, and floor plans. They should represent the look, feel, and emotion you want to achieve, so not every image or sample has to be related to interior design. Pictures of nature, for example, might work.

You can create a physical mood board with a simple foam board and samples inviting clients to see, touch and feel the materials you recommend. Another option is to use graphic design software like the RoomSketcher App to make a digital mood board that can easily be shared with your client and others.

Hand-drawn sketches were once the cornerstone of interior design presentations, but many fear they’re becoming a lost art. Yes, they’re being replaced by 3D renderings, but they can still be helpful in communicating a project’s general direction and formulating ideas while you experiment with various options and proportions.  

You may even carry a notebook and pencil with you so you can do a quick sketch when inspiration strikes. Because poorly-drawn sketches might confuse rather than inspire prospective clients, many interior designers rely on them as part of their development process. Still, they don’t necessarily share them with clients past an initial meeting.

3D Renderings

With photorealistic 3D rendering presentations, you can take your clients on a virtual tour around their future space and bring fine details of the project to life by zooming in on a specific section of the rendering. You can offer more than one vision and develop ideas in collaboration with clients in real time, allowing you to make better design decisions more quickly and ensuring you’re both satisfied with the final design.

Top Tip With a RoomSketcher Pro subscription, you can generate sophisticated 3D interior design presentations – quickly, easily, and affordably.

Many clients can select finishes and items they like but struggle to visualize them in a space. That’s why so many interior designers agree that 3D renderings are the most powerful of all interior design presentation tools. Here are some reasons why:

• Better visualization. 2D floor plans simply can’t rival 3D renderings, which give you a realistic overview of the space and design elements. The fully-immersive experience even allows clients to appreciate how the space makes them feel, which is ultimately the most important factor.  
• Convenience. Collaborating with prospective clients in real-time allows you to make better design decisions faster and goes a long way to developing a harmonious relationship, which will make the project more enjoyable and can also lead to referrals. 
• Meet client expectations. Design customers have come to expect 3D visualizations for their home design projects. Knowing the end result before the project even gets underway allows them to set realistic expectations. 
• Save time and money. Interior designers once had to rely on render specialists to create realistic renderings to share with prospective clients, but it’s easy to create 3D renderings with the RoomSketcher App, saving you both time and money.

Steps to Create a Professional Interior Design Presentation

There are lots of reasons why hiring an interior designer is worth it. Often, people need someone to identify a space’s potential and/or pain points and then provide creative solutions that are functional and pleasing to the eye. The following steps will help you create presentations that show clients just how you’ll do that:

1. Sketch your initial design concept

The first step to creating a dynamic interior design presentation is to sketch your initial design concepts for each area clients want to be revamped. Draw a basic layout of the space, make note of its dimensions, and add comments that will help guide the remainder of your design process.

2. Draw a 3D floor plan

The next step is to create the floor plan using RoomSketcher. No technical training is required, so you can get started straight away and draw your floor plan in minutes. RoomSketcher generates a virtual 3D model of your floor plan as you draw.

Upon completion, you’ll be able to see your project in 3D at the click of the click of a button, thanks to state-of-the-art rendering and 3D visualization technology.

Top Tip With RoomSketcher, create 3D Floor Plans to your liking. Choose to show all furniture or just fixed installations and add labels such as room names and measurements. Once you’ve landed on a signature style that reflects your brand, save your settings to create a unique template available to everyone in your company.

3. Furnish and decorate each room

Next, furnish and decorate your floor plan with furniture, fixtures, appliances, and accessories in the RoomSketcher Product Library, which contains more than 7,000 brand-name and generic items. RoomSketcher Pro gives you exclusive access to our complete product library, which includes even more customizable furniture, fixtures, appliances, and accessories.

4. Highlight fabrics, colors, and materials

Our complete materials library also includes additional options for floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as a full selection of finishes for appliances, cabinets, and countertops. The Replace Materials feature , available with a paid subscription, allows you to change finishes easily. Consider adding labels to help your clients better understand each space and your choices.

5. Add product!

The right accessories inject style and personality into a space while synchronizing and balancing other design elements, taking your project to the next level.

As you know, there’s an art to displaying treasured valuables and collections, creating gallery walls, arranging sofa pillows, and so on. RoomSketcher allows you to add and remove accessories and furnishings until the space is flawless. 

Top Tip Brand your floor plans by including your logo, company name, and colors for a professional touch. Download your floor plans on a letterhead with a logo and custom disclaimer text to complete the look.

6. Share and collect feedback

RoomSketcher automatically creates a professional Project Presentation that you can easily share with others. Simply email the Project Presentation link to your client and other design team members, including the project manager, or post it on social media accounts like Twitter or Facebook to draw followers and drum up business. 

Recipients will receive an engaging presentation that includes Floor Plans, Live 3D , 3D Photos, and the furniture used in the project. Whether meeting clients in person or remotely, you can view different options and change dynamically. Update your project presentation at the click of a button with RoomSketcher instant correction and fast premium rendering. That’s productive!

7. Create 3D Photos that wow clients

An easy-to-use camera tool lets you take 3D Snapshots of any part of your design as if you were standing in the room. Create and save multiple snapshots to compare and present different design options. Upgrade key snapshots at the click of a button to create stunningly realistic 3D Photos sure to impress clients.

Create Better Interior Design Presentations Beginning Today

As an interior designer, you take pride in creating spaces that will positively impact the happiness and well-being of the people who use them. Engaging and well-organized interior design presentations help you develop your vision and improve your chances of landing projects so you can do just that.

Take your Interior Design Presentations to the next level with RoomSketcher!

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4 Phases of The Interior Design Process

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours scrolling through Pinterest, gathering inspiration for your dream home. But have you ever wondered what goes into turning those visions into reality? That’s where the interior design process comes in. It’s a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis, and integration of knowledge into the creative process.

The interior design process isn’t just about choosing the right wallpaper or finding the perfect sofa. It’s a comprehensive approach that involves four crucial phases: initiation, design, implementation, and closure. Each phase plays a critical role in transforming a space from ‘meh’ to ‘wow’. So, let’s dive in and explore these phases in detail.

Phase 1: Concept Development

To embark on our journey towards a beautiful and functional space, I’ll first introduce the initial and arguably one of the most important phases:  concept development . This phase is crucial as it sets the stage for the rest of the design project, defining the direction and tone.

Concept development is all about understanding the client’s needs, visions, and constraints. It involves in-depth discussions to tease out the intended functionalities, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle needs. To translate vague ideas into a cohesive vision, we delve into the following sub-phases:

• Client Interview : Communication is key in this sub-phase. Through a series of discussions, we’ll delve into the client’s personal style, lifestyle, and preferences. What colors do they gravitate towards? How do they envision their space used?
• Site Assessment : This involves visiting the site or space to take measurements, observe its overall structure, and understand any existing elements to be incorporated into the final design. Understanding the physical aspects of the project site helps shape our design direction.
• Inspiration Gathering : Mood boards and sample photos serve as visual representations of the client’s design aspirations: preferred color schemes, textures, and finishes, contributing to the overall concept.
• Preliminary Design Sketching : Rough sketches and initial floor plans are developed highlighting room layouts, furniture placements, and color palettes decided during client interaction.

The objective of the concept development phase is to establish a  clear and coherent design direction . It guides the subsequent design, implementation, and closure phases, reinforcing the importance of accuracy, detail, and clear communication.

Next, we’ll dive into the second phase of the interior design process, the design stage. This stage takes the conceptual framework and starts to build upon it, transforming ideas into concrete plans. Do keep on reading as we delve deeper into this challenging yet satisfying phase of interior design.

Phase 2: Presentation

We’re diving into the second stage of the interior design process now: the presentation phase. This is where things really start to come to life and where ideas solidify into practical designs. This step is essentially an elaboration or refinement of concepts that were developed in the initiation phase.

I’ll start by preparing a series of visuals. These may include sketches, digital models, and perhaps a couple of renderings. It’s a comprehensive collection that helps deliver a tangible sense of the design vision. At this stage, I’m not only expressing my ideas, I am also aiming to foster a  visual dialogue  with the client.

Next, I prepare and present a detailed design proposal. This generally includes material selections, furniture layouts, color palettes, and furniture pieces to be used. It’s crucial that I present these in an understandable and appealing way. Clients might not have the professional knowledge to understand complex architectural terms or representations, so  clear communication  is key here.

I also involve clients in this phase. I show them samples of the materials or take them to showrooms so they can touch and feel textiles or see a piece of furniture in context. I believe that an informed client will make decisions they are happy with in the long run.

The presentation phase is also about  negotiating  and  revising . Some of my initial choices may not resonate with the client, or practical issues could arise. Modifications are a normal part of the process. I take comments and critiques, responding with solutions that satisfy the client while remaining aesthetically and practically viable.

After the modifications and negotiations, the design proposal becomes a final design that’s ready for the next phase. This design is what I’ll use as a blueprint in the implementation and closure stages. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there’s still plenty to cover in Phase 2. You’ll find that the process is ever-evolving as we move forward.

Phase 3: Design and Documentation

With a design proposal in hand, we’re ready to jump into the third, crucial stage in the interior design process: Design and Documentation. This phase takes the vision from the initiation and presentation stages and gives it life, depth, and practicality through detailed schematics and documentation.

The essence of this phase is in  transforming ideas into concrete plans . That involves finalizing the design concepts and translating them into detailed drawings and specifications. I use a range of tools, from state-of-the-art drafting software to traditional hand sketches, to turn the vision into a comprehensive set of documents. These blueprints detail every facet of the design, from spatial allocation, furniture placement, to material specifications.

We’re not just dealing with aesthetics here. Practical elements like safety regulations, accessibility requirements, and functionality get their focus. The accommodation of HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and electrical systems is weaved into the design documentation to ensure a cohesive and practical final design. This meticulous attention to detail is what sets good interior design apart from great one.

During this phase, the client is still actively involved. Presenting finalized visuals, including  3D renditions  and  virtual walkthroughs , helps to immerse the client in the space before it becomes reality. Feedback is valued and changes are made as necessary.

Once the schematic designs are approved, a detailed budget is prepared. This process is no small feat as it involves meticulous number-crunching, sourcing, and negotiations with vendors. Here’s a peek into the budgeting process:

Upon final agreement, the design becomes a documented plan. This plan serves as the playbook for the next phase, implementation and closure. But, we’ll delve into that exciting phase in the next section of this article.

Phase 4: Execution

As we’ve navigated through the initiation, design, and implementation phases, we’ve seen how integral each step is in the interior design process. Now, we’re at the final phase: execution. This is where the rubber meets the road. All the planning, drafting, and budgeting culminate in this stage. Here, every detail of the design is brought to life, transforming the space according to the approved plans. The client’s vision becomes a tangible reality, and the design that was once just on paper now breathes life into the space. It’s a testament to the power of a well-executed interior design process. Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that are functional, safe, and tailored to the client’s needs. The journey may seem long, but the results are worth every step. So, let’s embrace the process and relish the beautiful outcome it brings.

20 Tips to Master The Art of Client Presentation for Interior Designers

13 Mins Read

February 4th, 2024

Kimberly Elizabeth

With over a decade of expertise in the design realm, Kimberly is trained at the prestigious FIT in NYC, she excels in curating harmonious spaces with a keen focus on symmetry and function.

Currently at

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Importance of Client Presentations to Close Deals

What is the one thing that can improve your chances of landing an interior design project? A presentation ! It is a visualization of what interior designers will offer for any customer. As a result, your customers will have a better idea of what they will achieve at the end of the project. However, the question that most interior designers may ask is, how do you present the interior design to close the deal?

When designing for any interior design client, there are several important factors to consider like the space (office or home design), budget, clients and their family members, client’s style, and way of living. As a designer, these are your styling cues that help create better visualizations for the client. 

In the typical interior design process, it can take up to 2-4 weeks to collate design inspirations, elements, quotes and create a presentation board. However, it is essential to have a signed contract or a retainer before you begin the process of creating a presentation board.

The interior design contract clearly defines the budget, pricing and other prerequisites for the project, so you keep that in mind while planning the design. Also, sourcing the data related to the client’s vision of the space and expectations are crucial for your deadline planning as a part of project management. Once all of these activities are over, the next phase is a one-on-one presentation with the client.

It is here that you need to have a presentation plan ready to execute. There are several elements of a successful client presentation, and here we will discuss twenty of them.

Read also – 14 Tips To Build Strong Brand for Your Interior Design Business

20 Best Client Presentation Tips for Interior Designers for Successful Deals:

1. design rendering.

When it comes to client presentation tips for interior designers , 3D rendering is an approach used as a last resort. However, we are discussing it first here for two significant reasons. First is the advanced form of visualizations that a render may offer to the clients. It allows them to visualize the exact design in a three-dimensional format that resembles the final result. 

The second reason is how it can positively influence the client. It is more than just a design mockup that digitally enhances the look of furniture pieces, floor plans, and even entire spaces like the living rooms. Your clients get to know what the design will be once the project is complete. 

However, it is not so popular among designers as most of them outsource rendering. Thus, there is an extra cost that is to be reimbursed.

Read also – 15 Best 3D Rending Software

2. Design Boards

One of the critical foundations of interior design presentations is design boards that help clients understand different design elements and their final outlook. Design boards can be created with cork boards, pins, and paper. It is a simple board that does not need anything fancy and can yet convey the design effectively. 

You can print images of furniture pieces, create swatches for color schemes, print pictures of rugs, different features, lighting, and flooring, and pin them on the board. Adding fabric samples and upholstery or curtains can make it more intuitive.

Image Credit: Unsplash.com

Design boards allow you to get all the data related to different design ideas, and space heuristics can help in better visualization. However, it is essential to understand that a design board is different from a mood board. The presentation is related to the real design of space with a design board than inspiration images used in a mood board. 

With modern technologies and digitization, you can now use software like Photoshop to create a digital design board. Then, you can either print out such a digital design board or present it directly from a device like a tablet or PC. 

Read also – 15 Best Interior Design Software To Design Digital Boards

3. Dress Code

It may sound stupid to many, but dressing up relevant to the client’s style, space, and environment can make a difference. According to Victoria Sanchez , a prominent interior designer and founder of Victoria at Home, “Walking into a client’s home with your four-inch high heels when you will present designs for a family with kids can be awkward.”

Youtube Video – The Art of Client Presentation by Victoria Sanchez | FoyrTalks2020 | September 23 – YouTube

She further states that walking in with a pair of jeans on for presenting an interior design for a country club project may not be a great idea. Thus, the concept is to dress according to the project’s theme, adding to the aesthetic element of interior design and aligning with the space heuristics.

4. Organized Presentation

Victoria also asks interior designers to stay organized for their presentations. She emphasizes that if your interior design presentations are not organized, they will act as an indicator of how inefficient your services will be for a client.

Here are some tips that she shares:

• Try to have every aspect of the presentation planned before the meet.
• Don’t have the swatches, material samples, or even a digital board unorganized.
• Keep all the design elements in chronological order, which can assist you in explaining the process.
• Don’t waste time going back to your studio for little things related to the presentation, as that can be deemed inefficient.

Read also – Digital Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers

5. User Experience of Presentations

While interior design is an aesthetics-based concept, there are some design elements that you need to have in physical form. In layman’s terms, the feel of touching a material can be more stimulating than just visual appeal. This is related to the fabrics, material of furniture pieces, curtains, carpets, etc. 

Adding physical samples of the fabrics and allowing your clients to feel them through touch will help drive the decision-making. You can even create a sample board with all the materials pinned for a better experience. There can be one hero sample with other options, which will enable clients to make a choice.

6. Moodboards

Apart from the design boards and sample boards, mood boards are also a great way to design presentations. It is a collation of different design inspirations that offer cohesive visualization for clients. However, mood boards are highly suited for presentation to a new client. But if you are looking to close a design project deal, you may need a more comprehensive design board. 

Read also – 14 Tips To Create Mood Boards for Interior Design

7. Master of the Art

There is no denying that you should be at your best for the entire project, but you need to assert your expertise when it comes to a design presentation. However, it does not mean you throw jargon that your clients don’t understand, but help them with expert advice and choices.

Also, try to communicate your anecdotes from different projects you have worked on over the years to showcase your expertise.

Read also – How To Revive Your Interior Design Business Post-COVID-19?

8. Optional Concepts

Sometimes a single design concept is enough for your client to be impressed, and most of the time, it might not be a possibility. It’s a luxury that every interior designer does not have, and you should be prepared for it. 

Especially when it comes to new clients that do not have an extensive idea about interiors or your work, you need to offer multiple options of design concepts. One way to do that is by creating multiple mood boards for presentations. 

In such a scenario, when you need to present multiple concepts and there is a shortage of time, you can leverage mood board-creating software for multiple digital iterations. For example, you can create three iterations:

• A design concept of your choice
• Your client’s choice
• The middle ground

Read also – AI-Powered Interior Design Software

9. Design Context

Most designers get the presentation wrong when they attempt to present too many aesthetic-based concepts out of context, making it a beauty contest. One of the critical client presentation tips for interior designers is to showcase a single concept contextual to the client’s needs rather than showing multiple options without context.

You can use a PowerPoint slideshow, which will help clients better understand the design plan and visualize the project. 

Read also – 10 Best Interactive 3D Presentation Software

10. Naming Your Idea

Showing exuberance and confidence is essential to ensure that your client understands the potential in your design plan and design firm. One way to ensure confidence is to name your concepts. If you don’t name it, these ideas will be just vague thoughts in your mind. So, name your design concept suitably to present your idea better.

11. Design Sketches

One of the best ways to express your ideas during the design presentation stage is using the age-old hand drawing technique. You can create hand-drawn design sketches and include them in the presentation slideshow. However, it can look messy, and you may opt for software that can help you create 2D sketches digitally. 

Image Credit: nda.ac.uk

It can offer a rough idea of the floor plan, furniture pieces, and even different design elements that fit the space. The sketch may not define the exact elements and measurements,  but it will offer a fluid design for early-stage visualization. 

There are three types of sketches that you can create: 

• Floor plans sketches (showing space heuristics)
• Sketches to define space zones
• Elevation sketch

A word of caution, don’t skip a sketch just because it’s a conventional method.

Read also – How To Draw A Floor Plan?

12. Layouts & Materials

When you move on from a basic design sketch to a more enhanced presentation plan, you will need a layout with accurate measurements. You will define your clients’ placements, sizes, and materials, from the floor plan to the furnishing. However, while you can offer options for materials, quantity can be discussed during the presentation, especially if the agreement is signed.

13. Storyboards

Storyboards are an old-school method related to any concept presentation, but you can use the concept of storytelling for design presentations. For example, if you are designing an office for an online platform like LinkedIn, you need to have that vision embedded in the design.

The best way to ensure visualization of the vision is to employ a storytelling-type design presentation with several anecdotes from the client’s journey.

14. Keeping It Realistic

Interior designing is a profession where creativity meets excellence to create the magic of aesthetics and comfort. However, it is essential to understand that there is a budget on the line, and you need to create the design plan according to it. So, make a realistic and practical interior design solution for the presentation.

Read also – Pricing Strategies for Interior Designers

15. Client-Specific Approach

As a designer, you will have to present your designs to different types of clients. While it can be a little easier presenting a new concept to clients you have worked with before, new clients need a solid design plan. So, devise a client-specific approach to create presentations as per the client’s sensibility, behavior, and requirements. 

16. The Problem-Solving Game

A design is not just about aesthetics but also has to offer solutions to the client’s problems. For example, a corporate client might be looking towards a work-from-home setup that is more functional than aesthetic during the pandemic. So, your design presentation needs to be innovative and offer solutions for the client’s problems.

Read also – How To Get Clients for Interior Design Business?

Image Credit: unsplash.com

17. Self-explanatory Details

Apart from being contextual and using the storytelling approach, your design presentation should be self-explanatory in many ways. For example, furniture piece designs, placements, and even the overall look can be self-explanatory by leveraging 3D mockups that you can design using software like Photoshop. 

18. Attention to Clients

Your design presentation is not just yours, and that is the most significant thing to keep in mind. Being attentive is one of the best client presentation tips for interior designers . Try to listen to what your clients want from the interior design, and then fuse your expertise to bring that ‘wow’ element to the project.

Read also – How To Pick The Right Interior Design Clients?

19. Business Aspects

Apart from all the design elements, materials, mockups, and aesthetics, you need to discuss the business aspects of the project. These factors can include budget, material procurement, vendor details, and a timeline for the project.

19. Noting Inputs

Throughout the design presentation, you need to note down each input from your clients. It will help your design sync with what your client wants and help you quickly adjust your presentation. 

Read also – How Do Designers Get Interior Design Clients On A Low Budget?

With all these client presentation tips for interior designers, the recipe is ready for any professional to win their projects. 

Having the right business tools will make each stage of the interior design process simpler and more efficient. Foyr Neo is a powerful interior design platform built with you, the designer, in mind. Take design ideas from concept to a photo-realistic rendering in just minutes with a suite of advanced tools, including:

• The ability to choose from thousands of preloaded items like furniture, plants, accessories and much more – or upload your own 3D models to create the exact look your clients want.
• Produce 4K, photo-realistic renderings on demand.
• Advanced lighting options and visualization settings.
• Real-time 3D editing capabilities.

By combining the functionality of multiple tools in one platform we empower designers to spend less time with software and more time with their clients. You can try Foyr Neo free for 14-days now and experience the power of limitless design.

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How Client Presentations Can Bring Your Designs to Life

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by SampleBoard

Interior Designers know all too well the struggle of bringing their creative vision to life.

It's one thing to have a great concept, but it's another thing entirely to turn that idea into a tangible product or design.

That's where interior design client presentations come in—they can be the key to unlocking your designs and bringing them from concept to reality.

In this blog post, we'll explore how you can use client presentations as a powerful tool for communicating your ideas, getting feedback, and ultimately creating designs that truly shine.

So buckle up and get ready to transform your creative process!

Introduction: What are Interior Design Client Presentations?

When you're ready to present your design concepts to a client, it's important to remember that a successful presentation isn't just about showing off your hard work.

It's an opportunity to tell a story to help your client visualize how your designs can become a reality.

To do this effectively, you'll need to focus on three things:

• Clearly articulating the problem you're solving with your design. What pain points are you addressing? How will your designs make your client's life better?
• Sharing your process. How did you arrive at the solutions you're proposing? What research did you do? Who did you talk to? Why did you make the decisions you did?
• Painting a picture of what success looks like. What does the world look like after your designs have been implemented? How will people interact with your solutions? What benefits will they experience?

Why Client Presentations Are Essential for Designers

Client presentations are one of the most important tools that designers have to bring their designs to life.

They allow designers to present their work in a professional manner, while also getting feedback from clients. Client presentations also help to build trust between the designer and the client.

Designers who do not take the time to create client presentations are missing out on a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and get feedback from clients.

By taking the time to prepare a well-crafted presentation, designers can demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to their craft.

Additionally, presenting designs to clients helps build trust between the two parties, which is essential for any successful working relationship.

Steps to Create an Effective Client Presentation

There are several key steps to ensure effectiveness when creating a client presentation. First, you'll want to get an understanding of the client's needs and objectives.

What are they looking to achieve with this project? What are their specific goals? Once you have a good grasp on this, you can start putting together your presentation.

Next, you'll want to focus on your visuals. Remember that your presentation is essentially a sales pitch for your designs, so you'll want to ensure they're as clear and compelling as possible.

This means using high-quality images and graphics and avoiding anything that could be perceived as confusing or cluttered.

Don't forget about your delivery. Even the best visuals will fall flat if they're not presented in an engaging way.

So take some time to practice beforehand, and pay attention to your body language and tone of voice when you're actually giving the presentation.

If you can master these three elements, you'll be well on your way to impressing clients and landing those big projects.

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)

An interior designer can benefit from using Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) in several ways:

 Here's a list of intelligent document processing use cases :

• Automated Data Entry : IDP can automatically extract and enter key data from design documents, invoices, contracts, and other materials, reducing manual data entry efforts and the likelihood of errors.
• Improved Document Management : IDP can classify and organize various documents, such as project proposals, supplier contracts, design plans, and client communications, making it easier to retrieve and manage them efficiently.
• Resource Allocation and Cost Management : By extracting detailed information from invoices and contracts, IDP can help interior designers more effectively track costs, manage budgets, and monitor resource allocation.
• Streamlined Project Workflow : IDP can automate the processing of work orders, permits, and approvals, ensuring that all necessary documents are in place and up-to-date. This helps streamline project workflows and ensures that projects stay on schedule.
• Enhanced Client Communication : IDP can help manage client communications by automatically sorting and storing emails, feedback forms, and other client documents, allowing interior designers to respond to client needs and queries promptly.
• Design Proposals and Reports : IDP can assist in generating detailed and accurate design proposals and progress reports by extracting relevant data from previous projects and documents, ensuring that proposals and reports are comprehensive and data-driven.
• Compliance and Record-Keeping : IDP can help maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations by automating the documentation process, ensuring that all necessary records are kept accurately and consistently.
• Market Analysis and Trend Identification : By processing and analyzing large volumes of industry-related documents, IDP can help interior designers stay informed about market trends, new materials, and innovative design ideas, giving them a competitive edge.
• Time Savings : Automating the processing of various documents frees up valuable time for interior designers, allowing them to focus more on the creative aspects of their work and client interactions.

Overall, IDP enhances interior designers' efficiency, accuracy, and productivity, enabling them to manage their projects and business operations more effectively.

How to Incorporate Technology Into Client Presentations

Technology has revolutionized the way designers create and present their work. In the past, designers would have to rely on hand-drawn sketches or physically build prototypes to show their clients.

Now, with the power of technology, designers can create realistic 3D models and virtual reality simulations that allow clients to experience their designs before a single brick is laid.

When incorporating technology into your client presentations, remember a few things. First, you want to ensure that your presentation is engaging and interactive.

Nobody wants to sit through a boring slideshow! Second, you want to use technology to showcase your designs in the best light possible.

This means using high-quality visuals and giving your clients the ability to explore your designs from every angle.

Don’t forget that technology is just a tool – it’s not a replacement for good old-fashioned customer service.

At the end of the day, your clients still want to feel like they’re working with real people who care about their projects.

So, even if you’re using the latest and greatest tech tools, make sure you take the time to connect with your clients personally, too.

Canva Templates for Interior Designers

Canva Templates for Interior Design is a breath of fresh air in the world of design. It offers an innovative and user-friendly platform for unleashing your creativity.

With endless possibilities at your fingertips, these templates become a gateway to transforming any space into a mesmerizing haven that reflects your unique style.

Whether you are a professional designer or someone passionate about interior aesthetics, Canva Templates provides an inspiring playground where imagination flourishes.

From pre-designed stunning mood board templates that effortlessly capture the essence of your vision to floor plans meticulously crafted with precision, each template is curated with utmost care and attention to detail.

The vibrant colors, elegant typography, and carefully chosen textures blend seamlessly together, forming harmonious compositions that evoke emotions and tell captivating stories within every room they grace.

With just a few clicks, you can customize these templates to align them perfectly with your taste - swapping out furniture pieces and experimenting with color palettes.

There's no limit to what you can achieve when armed with Canva Templates for Interior Design – it’s time for you to create spaces that not only inspire but also leave lasting impressions on all who enter them

Tips for Delivering a Successful Presentation

When giving a presentation, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure its success.

First, it is important to be clear and concise when communicating your ideas. It is also essential to be well-prepared and organized so that you can keep the presentation flowing smoothly.

Additionally, engaging with your audience and keeping them involved will help to make your presentation more successful.

Remember to practice beforehand so that you are comfortable with the material and delivery.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your presentation is successful and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Embracing the Power of Visualization

As someone who works in the design industry, you know that clients are often visual people. They want to see what their space will look like before they commit to anything.

This is where visualization comes in.

Visualization is the process of creating a mental image of something that doesn't yet exist. It's a powerful tool that can help you bring your designs to life for your clients.

There are a few different ways you can go about visualizing your designs.

One way is to create mood boards or Pinterest boards with images that represent the overall feel of the space you're envisioning. Another way is to create 3D renderings or sketches of the space.

Whichever method you choose, visualization can be a helpful tool in getting your clients on board with your designs.

It allows them to see what you're envisioning and gives them a better understanding of how the final product will look.

Are you tired of creating presentations from scratch every time? We have the solution for you!

SampleBoard Studio offers a wide range of stunning interior design Canva templates to help you create professional and visually appealing presentations in no time.

Why Choose SampleBoard Studio Templates?

Our templates are carefully crafted to suit all your interior design presentation needs.

With our templates, you can showcase your design concepts in a visually stunning way, impressing your clients from the very start.

Using our pre-designed templates will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating amazing interiors.

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7 Key Stages of the Interior Design Process You Need to Know

There are a lot of steps that go into the interior design process. I want to share with you the behind-the-scenes of my design process and why it is so important to develop a system that is going to be the foundation of your design work.

Interior design process

1. the research phase, 2. analysis.

• 3. Concept development
• 4. Design boards

5. Space planning

6. technical specs, 7. renderings.

But before we begin, I need to mention something about the design concept phase that you probably all have heard of. By definition, a concept is a thought or an idea. And when we gather these ideas collectively, we create an abstract vision, which becomes tangible.

But things get very complicated when designers start their design process in the concept phase. That’s why I start with the research phase.

Before I even think about my design concept I have to familiarize myself with the project. If I'm designing a commercial space I want to be familiar with what those spaces actually look like in real life.

Case studies

For this project, I did thorough research on the same type of commercial space that I was going to be designing. I started to hand-draw sketches of my observations about these types of projects, including layouts, space planning, materiality, lighting, flooring design, ceiling design, and anything else you can imagine.

This particular project was for a sustainable clothing brand. So the sustainability factor had to be considered within the interior space.

I researched sustainable interior design and what types of materials were accurate for this project. In this phase of the design process, I'm not even attempting to design anything yet.

Some designers and architects will spend months doing research about case studies of similar projects. Research is crucial to understanding the real function of the space you’re designing.

After I become familiar with similar projects, I can start shaping the direction of my project. Are there any specific elements that I like about these projects, such as materials, furniture, lighting, or ceiling design, for example?

You have to be very critical about these case studies and analyze design mistakes. These other spaces may not always be well designed. This is all part of your critical analysis and deep research as an interior designer.

Materials analysis

During my research, for example, I found out that lots of materials generate a massive amount of waste and cannot be recycled. And I also found other amazing biodegradable and recyclable materials.

3. Concept development: brainstorming, sketching, and interior design principles

This multi-step part of the design process is when I start to explore design possibilities for the space. It should start out very vague and you shouldn't put a lot of thought into it. It's here when you can generate as many ideas as you want. And this is what we refer to as brainstorming or word association.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming can be a map, or it could be a list. It's normally words that are going to help you describe the space. All of these words and idea generations will later lead to design possibilities.

Sketching your ideas and gathering images that represent or reflect those ideas is another very helpful way to visualize your design possibilities. So this is actually when the concept development phase actually starts. And I like to think about concept development as a blank white canvas.

I find this to be one of the hardest phases, if not the hardest phase, of the interior design process. That is because your mind is being challenged to be creative. Creativity can come from your surroundings so use everything–from fashion, industrial, product, and furniture design–to trigger that creative mind.

Principles of interior design

Because creating a concept is very challenging, it helps to rely on the principles and the elements of interior design. When you start using these principles, things start to work out somehow.

4. Design boards: mood, concept, and materials

When you have a pretty solid concept, it’s time to create design boards to make your concepts tangible. These design boards are the first things that you will show to your clients to make sure that you are on the same page with them.

The mood board comes first, and it should only include abstract images that reflect the mood, the vibe, and the feeling you imagine within the space. Those words that you gathered will help you connect to the images for your mood board. It's very important that you carefully show those specific elements and principles in the right images.

Concept board

After creating the abstract mood board, you’ll begin the concept board. Here, images are critical, too. It's very important not to choose a lot of general images of interior spaces. Clients will see an image and think you want to replicate that interior when all you wanted them to see was a specific concept in the image.

It's easier to select vignettes, which are little sections and snippets of rooms that you like, and highlight those elements that you are going to use. You have to be very clear with your design boards.

Material board

The material board includes the actual materials that you will be using for the project. This material board is very useful just to make sure that all your materials are coordinated in terms of texture and color. And it’s probably one of the most fun parts of this process.

So once I have my concept defined, I will move into my space planning. And this is a lot of the time done before the concept. It’s very different for residential and commercial projects.

When I was doing residential interior design, we did the concept before anything else. But now that I'm learning about commercial interior spaces, we've been designing offices and restaurants and clients prefer to see the functionality of the space before you start thinking about the concept.

After the space planning comes the technical stuff that we do, which is like the construction drawings, the elevations, the sections, all your specifications for materials, for furniture, for everything you're going to use. So the boring side of interior design. A lot of people like that phase, but I am more into the creative part of it and the actual process of designing.

Some clients will ask for realistic renders of the space or even hand-drawn renders. I think both are great. They show you exactly how the space is going to look. And if there's something you don't like, then this is the time to change it.

Many designers don’t do renders, which I’ve seen happen, and then you are relying only on the boards. But it's very hard for clients to picture a space with just mood boards.

I hope my design process has helped you understand how a space is designed. I have to be honest and tell you that a lot of these steps in the design process are not linear. Many times things won't work and you have to go back to a previous step and refine other stages to be able to move forward to show your client a concept or rendering.

Let me know in the comments if you have learned anything today about the design process.

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My 7 step workflow and interior design process with clients

When I was still working with design clients my projects typically moved through seven stages.

In this post I’m sharing what each of those stages involved and what my workflow looked like with clients.

1: INITIAL CONSULTATION

All my projects, no matter how big or small, started with a PAID initial design consultation. I always charged for this initial meeting and I explain why in this blog post here if you’re interested.

I funnelled every client through an initial design consultation because:

having one way to start a project is the easiest way for clients to understand how to get started working with you (don’t make clients have to think too hard by offering lots of service options on your website)

this was a chance for me to see what the client was like and whether I was interested in taking on their project (a luxury that comes later on in business when you have a choice of work - when you’re first starting out you generally will take whatever work comes your way, which is completely fine)

this was a chance for my clients to interview me and see if I would be a good fit for them to work with

it was a simple way for clients to start working with me that didn’t feel like a huge leap on their part - which made the sales process of getting to the first step with a client really easy. Remember in sales that what you’re trying to do is always move a client to the next step of your sales funnel - not try and sell them the entire process in one hit.

Here’s how I would book and run an initial design consultation

Book the consultation (incl. sending initial emails, collecting pre-payment, sending pre-consultation questionnaire) - Get all my email scripts here

Prepare for the consult - this blog post explains my preparation process

Run the consult - this blog post will give you tips for improving your consultation and getting more sales

Decide your project fees - you can take my Pricing Course for Designers if you need help with this

Develop a fee proposal after the consult if the client had more work they needed help with (this was most clients). Get my Fee Proposal template here

2: ONBOARDING

For clients that moved forward with more work, which for me was probably around 90% of people I met at an initial consultation, the next step in my process was onboarding the client.

The aim during onboarding is to get your client set up in a way that makes them feel excited about what's to come!

A Client Welcome Pack is an amazing resource to have ready to send clients for onboarding. This will immediately upgrade the professionalism of what you’re doing with your clients and make a great first impression.

If you need help quickly and easily building your own client welcome pack then check out my template and get this implemented today.

Send a welcome video or a personal message that they aren’t expecting and makes them feel excited to work with you. Most people don’t do this and it will be unexpected.

Work through your Client Onboarding checklist - if you don’t have one then you will find my Client Project Tracker helpful as I have my full checklist in there

Send your Client Welcome Pack by email

Do your administrative/back end systems set up - My Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) database for designers will help you with this if needed

Set kick off meeting and site measure with the client ( full details of how to run this is in my SOP database )

3: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

This phase of the project involved creating the initial design concept for the client.

My concept documentation was a mix of drawings created in SketchUp and Layout - which were then presented in a Design Concept ( get my template here ).

Send kick off invoice/get paid - do not start any work until you have at least a partial up front payment!

Prepare initial concept documentation in SketchUp ( see here for examples of what I would send )

Create your Design Concept ( get my template here )

Proof read + edit your documentation for errors - this is really important as if you have errors in your documentation your clients will start to question what else might be going wrong with their project (even if nothing else is going wrong).

Send regular email updates to client as you go - get my email script templates here if you need them .

Send concept documentation and arrange to meet with the client once they are ready to discuss (or arrange a zoom meeting instead - whatever works best for your business model)

Get paid after completion of concept phase + sign off before moving to the next phase of work

4: DOCUMENTATION

Develop detailed design documentation.

To see examples of what I created and included at this phase of a project check out this blog post .

This was by far the longest part of the design process as it involved a lot of detailed work and time spent documenting the finer details of joinery/cabinetry design, bathroom elevations, scaled plans, drawing packages etc. This was also the phase of a project that had the largest fee attached as well.

Invoice client/get paid before starting any work!

Create design documentation + FF&E schedule (normally the longest part of the design process for me) - get my drag and drop FF&E template here

Send regular email updates to client as you go ( email scripts here )

Check documentation for errors (as above)

Send documentation to client and/or meet with client

Invoice client/get paid after sign off

5: CONSTRUCTION

Some projects halter at the documentation phase. Clients decide it’s too hard, too expensive or circumstances just change. But most projects will move on to the construction phase after a tendering process has been completed.

My involvement in the construction phase of a project varied from project to project.

Sometimes I was heavily involved and other times the clients were happy to go ahead without too much involvement from me. I was fine with either option really - although I did tend to find that design intent was much more closely adhered to when I was more heavily involved during construction so I would definitely try and be involved if the client was happy for this.

Set regular site visit meetings with trades/clients (or as needed depending on your involvement at this phase)

Send regular email updates to client during this phase ( get my email scripts here )

Invoice client weekly or monthly with hours worked. I would often work on a retainer model during this phase of a project as it gave me some certainty and also helped my clients budget for design fees.

Make sure you don’t overstep your role during construction - many designers take on a project management role when they aren’t qualified, licensed or insured to do so. So be careful!

6: INSTALL/STYLING

This is the phase of the project that involves the install of furniture, styling, accessories. It’s also where you will hand the project back over to the client.

Invoice client/get paid before starting!

Develop furniture/styling package (if not completed in earlier phases) - get my Furniture Schedule Template here

Work through your install checklist and ensure you have everything ready for install day (my full checklist is included in my Client Project Tracker or you can find something in my Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) database as well - if you need help with this).

On install day work through your install day checklist and make sure everything is completed on your list.

Hand project over to clients and prepare a client handover pack - get my Client Handover Pack template here

Post install follow up + defecting

7: PROJECT COMPLETION

The final phase of my projects was the formal completion phase and an important step for getting reviews, case studies and images of your project to share as social proof in your marketing. Don’t skip this step!

Send final invoice + get paid!

Professional photography of project - or sometimes I would just take my own photos, especially in the beginning when I didn’t have much budget for this. I share some tips for this in this blog post.

Send check in emails to clients for a few weeks post-project to check all is OK

Request a review/referral from clients - get my email scripts here

Add reminders to your diary for regular checkins/stay in touch with clients

And that’s my workflow!

Some projects would include all these steps. Some would only involve some. It really depended on the size of the project and what my clients needed help with. As my business grew and I got more work the size and quality of my projects improved and I was able to pick and choose the types of projects I wanted to work on so towards the end I was only really working on larger projects that involved all of these steps. In the early days I obviously took whatever types of projects came my way so that I could focus on generating revenue and getting my business off the ground.

If you’re just getting started then a focus on revenue is what you should be concentrating on as well.

Also, during that early period I had no idea what I was doing (from a business perspective) and had to learn so much about how to run a successful project by trial and error. So I hope by sharing some of what I’ve learned over the years helps you develop a process and workflow with clients that suits you and your style of working.

But remember - your business is YOUR business. Run it how you want.

The most important thing is to provide an exceptional and high quality client experience and project outcomes that your clients are thrilled about.

If you need more help with upgrading your client experience - take my short course on this

There are lots of different ways to get to that point and no right or wrong way to go about it.

So do what works for you and have fun with what you’re doing.

I hope this has been helpful! :)

Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects

DO YOU WANT TO….

Improve your professionalism?

Find more clients?

Bring in more revenue?

Create better systems and processes?

Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.

These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Dr Clare Le Roy

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Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Interior Design Presentations

In the realm of interior design, the power of a well-crafted presentation cannot be overstated. It’s the bridge between concept and future reality, where first impressions are formed and decisions are made. 

But many designers — even experienced ones — tend to make simple mistakes when presenting their ideas. These mistakes can hurt their presentations and even cause them to lose clients!

Are you making any of these mistakes?

In this 7-minute read, we’ll help you avoid 5 common presentation pitfalls. By improving your presentation skills, you can better communicate your ideas and land more clients. 

Let’s start with the basic process for presenting your interior designs.

Interior Design Presentation Process

Crafting an interior design presentation is an art in itself. It requires a balance between creativity, clarity, and technical precision. 

Here are key steps and tips to refine your process:

Start with a clear objective: You need to fully understand your client’s vision, needs, and preferences. Tailor your presentation to reflect these aspects. Make sure your design solutions are both relevant and personal.

Gather high-quality visuals: Use images, samples, and 3D renderings to bring your concepts to life. Visuals should complement your narrative and explain your ideas.

Organize your content: Structure your presentation logically, starting from broad concepts (layout, floor plan) and narrowing down to specific details (materials, decor, fabrics). This keeps your audience engaged and ensures they can follow your thought process.

Focus on the benefits: Highlight how your design addresses their needs, improves functionality, and enhances aesthetic appeal. Don’t just focus on why you like your choices. Make it clear why your solutions are the best fit for them .

Prepare for feedback: Be ready to answer questions and possibly tweak your design based on client input. Flexibility and responsiveness are key to a successful presentation.

Remember, your presentation is not just about showcasing your design. It’s about demonstrating your understanding of the client’s needs and your ability to fulfill them. A well-crafted presentation builds trust, sets the foundation for your project, and ultimately, seals the deal.

So what are some of the common mistakes interior designers make when creating presentations? Check out the next section.

Mistakes When Creating Interior Design Presentations

Even the most experienced interior designers make mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of their presentations. Recognizing and avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for delivering compelling and persuasive presentations to your clients.

For each mistake we’ll…

• Mention the mistake
• Provide tips for avoiding it

1. Crowded or Overwhelming

A common pitfall in interior design presentations is overloading clients with too many ideas, colors or materials. This can lead to confusion and make it difficult for them to envision the final design.

Tips to Avoid Making this Mistake:

• Keep it simple: Focus on the main ideas you want to communicate. Too much information can distract from the key elements of your design.
• Balance visuals and text: Use images to convey concepts and minimal text for clarification. This helps in maintaining interest and comprehension.
• Limit your color scheme and materials: Showcasing too many options can be overwhelming. Stick to a cohesive palette and material selection that aligns with the client’s preferences and the project’s theme.

PRO TIP: Use mood boards to convey the overall feel and theme of your design. They’re an effective tool for presenting a curated selection of colors, textures, and materials without overwhelming your client.

2. Poor Quality Images

The impact of your presentation heavily relies on the quality of the visuals you use. Low-resolution, poorly lit images or low-quality 3D renderings can make your designs look unprofessional.

• Invest in high-quality renderings: Use a powerful, yet easy-to-use 3D design program like Cedreo . It makes it easy for anyone to create pro-quality 3D designs that impress clients.
• Use consistent lighting: Ensure that all your images have consistent lighting conditions to maintain the coherence of your presentation.
• Choose the right angles: Select angles that best showcase the design’s features and flow of space.

PRO TIP: Always preview your presentation on the same type of device or screen you’ll use in the actual meeting. This ensures that your images will look as intended in front of your clients. High-quality visuals not only enhance the attractiveness of your presentation but also demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail. Check out Cedreo to see how easy it is to get high-quality 3D visuals for project presentations .

3. Too Much Font

An often overlooked but critical aspect of interior design presentations is typography. Using too many fonts or styles leads to a cluttered and confusing presentation that can significantly detract from the message you’re trying to convey.

• Simplify your typography: Stick to a maximum of two to three fonts. Choose one for headings, another for subheadings, and a third for body text, if necessary.
• Ensure readability: Opt for fonts that are easy to read, especially for key points or captions. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might compromise clarity.
• Consistency is key: Use the same fonts throughout the presentation to maintain a cohesive look and feel.

PRO TIP: When in doubt, lean towards minimalism in your typography. A clean, straightforward font is often the best choice for complementing the visual elements of your design.

4. Lacking Design Consistency

A lack of consistency can lead to a disjointed experience. This makes it hard for clients to grasp the overall concept of the design.

• Unified color scheme: Ensure your presentation adheres to a consistent color palette that reflects the project’s mood and tone.
• Coherent visual style: Use images, renderings, and materials that align with the project’s aesthetic. Disparate styles can confuse the narrative.
• Maintain layout uniformity : A consistent layout throughout the presentation helps in creating a smooth, logical flow of information.

PRO TIP: Create a template for your presentations that includes your color scheme, font choices, and layout preferences. This not only saves time but also guarantees consistency across all projects.

5. Only Presenting One Design

Presenting a single design concept is a common mistake that limits client engagement and feedback. Offering multiple options demonstrates flexibility and a deep understanding of the client’s needs.

• Offer alternatives: Present at least two or three design concepts. You can also showcase different approaches or solutions to the project’s challenges.
• Highlight pros and cons: For each design option, discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks. Being open about the pros and cons helps the client make an informed decision.
• Encourage feedback: Use the variety of options as a starting point for dialogue. Ask specific questions and encourage your clients to give feedback. 

PRO TIP: Balance is essential. Too many options can overwhelm clients. So carefully curate the designs you choose to present, ensuring each is distinctly viable and well thought out.

By addressing these common mistakes, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your interior design presentations so they help you land and keep more clients.

Keep going in the next important section with tips for creating a client-specific approach you can use on all your projects.

How to Create A Client-Specific Approach

Tailoring your interior design presentation to each client’s unique requirements is crucial for success in the highly personalized field of interior design. Creating a client-specific approach not only demonstrates your attentiveness and commitment to meeting their needs but also significantly increases the likelihood of them approving your project.

Follow these tips to create a client-specific framework you can replicate with every one of your projects. 

• Understand your client’s vision: Engage in thorough discussions to grasp their desires, lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences. Keep in mind that your clients may not know what they want. They’re relying on you to guide them. 
• Customized solutions: Show how your design addresses their specific concerns and desires — from functional layouts to personalized style choices.
• Feedback loop: Incorporate an easy-to-use mechanism for ongoing feedback within your presentation process. This ensures the client feels heard and involved throughout the design journey. 
• Highlight unique elements: Point out specific design aspects tailored just for them. This could be custom furniture pieces, unique color schemes, or personalized artwork.
• Make it a story: Use storytelling to make your presentation more relatable. Narrate how each design choice contributes to the story of their future home or space. This makes it more than just a physical layout but a reflection of their identity.

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• Rapid Prototyping: Quickly develop floor plans and 3D renderings to explore and refine your design ideas.
• High-Quality Visuals: Produce stunning, high-resolution 3D images that make your presentations stand out.
• Instant Feedback Incorporation: Cloud-based software lets you make instant design edits anywhere you have wifi. 
• User-Friendly: With an intuitive interface, Cedreo makes it easy for professionals of all skill levels to create professional designs.

Start leveraging Cedreo’s intelligent design tools to enhance your presentations, engage your clients, and close more deals.  With a FREE version , you’ve got nothing to lose. Sign up for Cedreo today!

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The Interior Design Process

Smaller projects may not necessitate every step in the design process to the same extent as larger, more complex ventures, but even the simplest projects will benefit from a systematic progression through a series of steps in logical sequence to solve the design problem.

The main phases in the design process are:

• Programming
• Concept Development
• Presentation
• Design and Documentation

1. Programming

The Programming phase can be broken down into four distinct stages:

• Problem statement
• Programme document
• Client review and approval

The initial  Problem Statement or (or ‘Design Statement’) defines the project in very general terms.  It identifies  the client(s); the nature of the project (primary residence, holiday home, office, etc.); the location of the project; the purpose of the space and the extent of the design work.

The research process begins with identification of each of the users – from principal occupants to guests and friends.  In a residential design, a profile may be developed for each of the principal residents, including such information as their age and sex, hobbies, habits, need for privacy, style and colour preferences, and an inventory of possessions and furnishings that need to be accommodated in the redesigned space.  This stage involves interviews with the client and other end-users, surveys, inventories and wider research.

Bubble Plan showing relationships between zones

It is important to ascertain the objectives, requirements, feasibility, extent and constraints (regulatory or financial) associated with the project.  Space adjacencies, circulation patterns (‘traffic flow’) and spatial and activity relationships may be sketched in the form of ‘bubble diagrams’.

The programme data is analysed and the results are compiled in a  Programme Document  that articulates the design problem and outlines a solution.  The programme document is reviewed and approved by the client.

2. Concept Development

Once the design programme is approved, the concept development phase begins.  This phase may be broken down into 2 stages:

• Ideation stage
• Concept Statement with Schematics

Once the Design Programme Document is approved, the concept development phase begins.  The initial ‘ideation’ stage involves brainstorming design solutions (verbal, sketched or written) before filtering out unworkable ideas and refining the workable ones until one or more main design concepts emerge.

The main design concept is articulated in the form of a written Concept Statement expressing the principal ideas and approach behind the proposed design solution.  The Concept Statement is accompanied by Schematic Drawings – quick sketches and graphic visualizations of these main ideas – portraying the siting, orientation, space allocations, circulation patterns, spatial and activity relationships from a variety of perspectives, colour schemes and other important details of the proposed design.  Bubble diagrams are refined by the addition of proportion and character.

3. Presentation

One or more design concepts is presented to the client in the form of a proposal, for review, feedback and approval.  The proposal may consist of

• The Design Concept Statement and supporting conceptual drawings, including scaled floor plans showing furniture placement; mood boards showing colour, materials and finishes.
• Depending on the scale of the project, the proposal may include additional sketches, perspective drawings, full colour renderings, 3-D models or computer simulations.
• Cost estimates for the project, including materials, labour and a fee for design services.  At this stage, project costs can only be estimated as precise costs can only be obtained once final working drawings are submitted to contractors, suppliers and installers for their bids.
• Time frame showing events in sequence and a proposed completion date.

4. Final Design Development and Documentation

Final Working Drawings (also called ‘ Construction Drawings ‘) are produced.  These may include perspective drawings, site plans, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (showing lighting and ceiling fixtures), sections, elevations and detailed drawing of architectural elements (e.g. doors and windows) and design elements (e.g. paint, trim, wall coverings and window treatments), along with all drawing notes necessary for the construction and installation of the design.

Written Specifications  list and describe in detail all furnishings and materials to be acquired, and Schedules  list the type, finishes and placement of architectural and design elements.

A critical path timeframe maps the duration of each activity in consecutive, overlapping order.

The final design documentation, including drawings, specifications, schedules and timeframe become part of the designer’s contract with client.

5. Execution

Once the final design is approved, the execution or implementation phase marks the realisation of the design.  Contractors’ bids are sought and the designer prepares a detailed schedule of works, choreographing construction, installations and finishing in their proper sequence, which may be in the form of a Gantt Chart .

The designer will make regular site visits to co-ordinate progress, inspect the quality of workmanship and resolve any on-site issues.  Once construction and installation works are complete, the designer will draw up a ‘Snag List’ (also called a ‘Punch List’) of defects to be resolved before movable furnishings, materials and accessories are installed.

6. Evaluation

The Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is an important final step in the design process.  The designer follows up after completion of the project to measure the success of the design solution.  This may involve a questionnaire, interview or walk-through inspection with the client.  The designer may make adjustments and revisions to improve the result.  Evaluation may also be invited from peers.  Project evaluation should be repeated at intervals to measure user-satisfaction and to increase professional knowledge for future projects.

Nissen, Faulkner & Faulkner (1994) Inside Today’s Home , 6 th edition. Nielson & Taylor (1994) Interiors: an introduction , 2 nd edition.

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• June 19, 2023

The 4 Key Stages of the Interior Design Process: Turning Vision into Reality

Creating a beautiful, functional, and cohesive space is a multi-step process that involves planning, creativity, and attention to detail. Understanding the interior design process stages can help you appreciate the work involved in turning ideas into spaces and ensure a successful home transformation . In this article, we will explore the 4 design stages that professionals follow to turn a design vision into reality.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Concept Development

The first stage of the interior design workflow begins with an initial consultation between the designer and client. During this meeting, they discuss the client’s design vision, goals, and requirements. The designer will also assess the space and gather necessary measurements. Following the consultation, the designer develops an initial concept for the space, which typically includes:

• Mood boards or concept boards to illustrate the desired style, color scheme, and materials
• Space planning to determine furniture layouts and traffic flow
• Selection of key design elements, such as lighting, flooring, and window treatments

Stage 2: Design Development and Presentation

During the second stage of the interior design progression , the designer refines the initial concept based on the client’s feedback and further research. This stage involves:

• Creating detailed floor plans and elevations to illustrate the proposed design
• Developing 3D renderings or virtual walkthroughs to help the client visualize the final result
• Selecting specific materials, finishes, and furnishings
• Developing a budget and timeline for the project

Once the design is fully developed, the designer presents it to the client for approval. This may involve several iterations and adjustments to ensure the design aligns with the client’s vision and budget.

Stage 3: Procurement and Project Management

After the design has been approved, the designer moves on to the procurement and project management phase. This involves:

• Ordering materials, furnishings, and fixtures
• Coordinating with contractors, architects, and other professionals involved in the project
• Managing the project timeline and budget
• Overseeing the installation of design elements

The designer acts as the liaison between the client and various professionals, ensuring that the design process steps are executed smoothly and efficiently.

Stage 4: Installation and Final Reveal

• Painting, wallpaper, and other wall treatments
• Flooring installation
• Assembly and placement of furniture and accessories
• Installation of lighting fixtures, window treatments, and other design elements

During this stage, the designer also addresses any issues or concerns that may arise, ensuring that the space is completed to the client’s satisfaction. Once everything is in place, the designer reveals the final result to the client, marking the successful completion of the interior design process stages .

Understanding the 4 design stages involved in the interior design workflow can help clients and designers alike ensure a successful project outcome. From the initial consultation and concept development to the final reveal, each stage plays a crucial role in turning a design vision into reality . By following these design process steps and working closely with a skilled professional, homeowners can create beautiful and functional spaces that reflect their unique style and needs.

DOUGLAS CUTLER ARCHITECTS

24 Danbury Road,  Wilton, CT 06897

Email: [email protected]

Office: (203) 761-9561

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Top 10 Interior Design Proposal Templates with Samples and Examples

Sapna Singh

The numbers in interior design have always been alluring. The industry has a compound annual growth rate of 6.75% and generates $10bn in yearly revenue. This value indicates that the market is large and the industry is growing, implying that the sector has lots of space for expansion.

Discover the core steps of the Interior Design Process  to interact with clients and realize their vision. Click here to uncover the essence of the place, its purpose, and the intended setting.

Companies, including Gensler, HOK, Hirsch Bedner Associates, Yabu Pushelberg, and others, have grown abroad, completing projects ranging from hotels and apartments to airports and shopping malls. The concept of attractive, functional, clutter-free, motivating, and elegantly designed spaces appears on almost everyone's bucket list when asked to delineate their version of a perfect life. Adding a decorative touch to infrastructures pleasing to our eyes is a growing trend that necessitates the services of interior designers or interior design firms specializing in balancing spaces, light, and color for design tasks.

Use SlideTeam’s PPT sets   for all architects and active architecture firms to improve your client pitches. Showcase your architecture firm’s knowledge and experience with the clear weaving in of project concepts, roles, timeframes, and prices.

Beyond the walls, carpets, and new paint

If you’re an interior designer or a design firm, our ready-made Interior Design Proposal Template is the ideal tool for pitching your services. Create an engaging and memorable space that fits clients’ demands and expectations. These templates provide an overview of features for laying out concepts, scope of work, pricing, and other project-specific information. Use these PPT Templates to convert your clients’ rooms and settings into personalized havens of elegance and comfort. The 100% customizable nature of the templates allows you to edit your presentations. The content-ready slides give you the much-needed structure.

Use SlideTeam’s high-quality PPT Templates to demonstrate your professionalism and interior design talents.

Let’s get you started with interior design services by creating an incredible business proposal for potential clients. Continue reading to learn how to develop critical interior design proposal sections that meet the needs of every customer.

Template 1: Interior Design Proposal PPT

Want to impress your clients with your incredible interior design services and ideas? Use this PPT Template as a guide to develop your interior design process proposals to express your brand’s narrative. This work process describes the scope of work, milestones, deliverables, and your grasp of potential clients’ expectations. Incorporate every critical component, as instructed, to create an exceptional proposal for your prospective client. Use this presentation resource to enhance your design approach to create beautiful, safe, and functional interior spaces. Download it now!

Download this template

Template 2: Cover Letter for Interior Design

Use this cover letter template to make a solid first impression for your interior design services. This presentation showcases your work process, creativity, uniqueness, and ability to manage interior design projects from start to finish. Modify the sample text to meet your individual needs, laying out your ideas, scope of work, pricing, and other project-specific information. Employ this presentation template to bring clients’ aspirations to life by emphasizing your interest in the position. Get it right away!

Template 3: Project Context of Interior Design Services

Use this PowerPoint Presentation to provide a comprehensive overview of the interior design process that businesses use to maximize space planning. This presentation highlights the project’s contextual structure and specific objectives for resolving customer challenges. It provides a solid platform for internal teams and potential stakeholders to grasp levels in project management, technicalities, and other criteria. Save it now!

Template 4: Interior Design Services Offered

Use this PPT Template to showcase your company’s interior design services and decoration solutions. Highlight your interior design process for creating ideal rooms for every project, large or small. The PPT Layout aids in transparency, personalization, setting expectations, and positioning your services as a viable answer for your clients’ interior needs. Get it now!

Template 5: Service Timeline of Interior Design

Use this PPT Template to illustrate the procedure of the interior design service timeline. This slide will help you define your interior design process in phases to ensure that your project is completed on time. It comprises developing a timetable and budget, evaluating building systems, creating a preliminary space plan and then, a final space plan, and conducting construction and site observations to develop a well-thought-out space. Use this template to ensure effective customer communication. Get it now!

Template 6: Your Investment for Interior Design Services

Use this PowerPoint Presentation to explain the interior design investment. This slide depicts the pricing of interior design services to ensure transparency. The template includes a table with services and pricing for transforming places to match your style and meet practical demands. Use this presentation resource to retain clarity and make more informed decisions. Get it today!

Template 7: About Us

This PowerPoint Template will allow you to customize your proposal for interior design services. Use it to supplement your offer by adding your branding, experience, fundamental beliefs, and contact information. Provide potential clients with information about your company to earn their trust. This download allows you to strengthen the reputation and credibility of your organization by generating ideal representation of your services. Save it now!

Template 8: Previous Project Photos

Use this PowerPoint Slide to include the best examples of your interior design services projects in your pitch. This illustrates your interior design process, work process, client list, and projects relevant to the prospective client. These references are an excellent method to establish confidence and demonstrate your track record in completing interior design projects. Use this download to discuss what you accomplished for the customer, their goals, and how your interior design services helped them achieve these. Grab it now!

Template 9: Client Testimonials

This PPT Template allows you to share the experiences of current clientele with your interior design services. These endorsements could help you close the deal and serve as the record of your proficiency in the interior design process. Use this presentation to include visual elements, such as a direct statement from the client and their photo as a clear testimonial on your deliverables. Get it now!

Template 10: Agreement

Use this PPT Template to establish the parameters of your interior design services. This allows you to specify details such as payment terms, copyright, confidentiality, property lines, and how the agreement’s terms are subject to alteration under specific scenarios. Employ this presentation template as a guide to draft a terms and conditions contract with your potential clients to avoid any conflict between parties. Get it now!

Offer creative interior design solutions to create your  fantasy.

The interior design process includes processes from conceptualizing to implementing to finishing touches. Use SlideTeam’s PPT Templates to guarantee that stakeholders understand the design strategy and specifications throughout the process.

PS An effective Engineering Proposal seeks to persuade the audience of the project’s merit, viability, and alignment with their needs to obtain approval and support for its implementation. Click here to learn more.

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