8 Stages of Interior Designing  Project Plan

STEP 1. Site assessment

Before working on the layout the designer goes for site assessment i.e. measurements of site, any prevailing issues on site, existing water lines, north point etc. After the overall site study, he starts with the drafting of an outline plan as per site measurements done so that he can proceed further with the planning. 

I have seen cases where drawings are made and it comes to notice during the site execution that drawing and site dimensions differ a lot. That adds to the timelines and frustrations.

STEP 2. Division of Spaces/Zoning

 Second comes division of spaces as per the requirements. Each plan has its own requirements shared by the client so according to those requirements the designer starts dividing the spaces into the drafted measured plan keeping in mind the area required for each space as per its capacity. Designer makes few options at this stage looking out for possibilities which best suits the plan.

STEP 3. Detailing Out the Plan

This also means freezing the layout. Once he is done with the division of spaces, he starts with its detailing i.e. placement of partitions, walls, doors, windows, furniture, dimensions and spacing, deciding on materials for each element, et cetera. When detailing is over he discusses the layout with the client so that he can get client's approval to take the work further in more detail. Client comes up with his critical changes into the layout and the layout is changed accordingly. After the approval of layout from the client, the designer starts with the next stage which is conceptualization.

STEP 4. Conceptualization

He prepares some design concepts for each space. For example in reception, how the table will look like, it’s wall designs, designs for the waiting area, any interior mood elements to be added and discuss it with the client to have his ideas on it once the client and interior designer is ok with all the concepts and designs.

STEP 5. 3D Views

The designer starts with the 5th stage, i.e. 3D views which is optional as per the clients requirements. Now-a-days there is really good softwares available to prepare 3D views and renders. Some of the designers are also working on virtual real interior design where the client can move inside the space to experience it virtually before it is actually done. This stage gives a better picture and clarity of how the space is going to look. At this stage the client may notice some changes to be done hence this stage is preferred before detailed drawings are prepared.

STEP 6. Detailed Drawings 

Then comes detailed drawings i.e. wall elevations, sections, ceiling detail, mechanical, electrical and plumbing detail, furniture detailing, flooring details, HVAC, RCP and others relevant drawings to the project. These drawings are helpful for on-site execution work.

STEP 7. BOQs

Now that the set of drawings are prepared and all the approvals are being taken from the client, BOQs can be prepared where the description of each scope of work is listed with its prices per unit and its total amount which gives total expenditure of the project for execution. This stage can also be done before detail drawing as per client's requirement in case budget is the issue.

STEP 8. Execution plan

Finally, must be made using tools like Gantt chart, CPM-PERT to ensure that neither the site work gets delayed nor the project manager is overwhelmed at any given time with workload, pendencies or delays.