Your project brief
- Identify the property city and type.
- List the rooms or business areas affected.
- Write the main problems to solve.
- Choose three priorities for the finished space.
- Identify furniture, materials or features to keep.
- Agree on who will make and approve decisions.
Property and practical information
- Gather available plans and current photographs.
- Mark measurements that still need verification.
- Request current strata or landlord information if relevant.
- Identify known access, delivery or occupancy constraints.
- Record existing consultant and contractor appointments.
- Ask the relevant authority which reviews may be required.
Budget and agreement
- Separate design fees, construction and purchases.
- Identify allowances, taxes and expenses.
- Confirm the document and selection list.
- Agree on meetings, options and revision rounds.
- Define the additional-work approval process.
- Confirm cancellation and payment terms before signing.
Design and implementation
- Review layouts against the brief.
- Compare materials and lighting in context.
- Check product dimensions and current availability.
- Assign responsibility for every purchase and delivery.
- Keep a current decision and change list.
- Confirm who handles site questions and substitutions.
Completion
- Review the agreed scope and outstanding items.
- Gather product care and warranty information.
- Confirm who resolves installation or product issues.
- Record what is complete and what still needs action.
- Keep the final drawings and selection records together.
A little clarity
Related questions.
Do I need every item before contacting a designer?
No. The checklist helps identify what is known and what needs discussion. Start with your city, property type, priorities and the decisions you need help making.
Can I use this checklist for a commercial space?
Yes, as an early planning aid. Add your operational brief, intended use, equipment, landlord information and the professional or authority reviews relevant to the business.
Further reading: IDIBC’s description of professional interior design and S+N Design Studio’s own service information.
This is general editorial planning guidance, not a project-specific design, legal, engineering or permitting opinion. Confirm your project’s requirements with the appropriate professionals and authorities.