Describe daily life in the space
Explain who uses it, what happens on a normal day and where the current arrangement gets in the way. For a home, include storage, work, family routines and entertaining. For a business, describe staff activities, customers, equipment and privacy needs.
List your three most important outcomes. Keeping those visible helps the conversation stay focused when there are many appealing possibilities.
Bring a small, useful collection of information
- Available floor plans, labelled with their source and date
- Current photographs taken from several angles
- Measurements of furniture or equipment that must stay
- A few inspiration images with notes about what you like
- Current strata or landlord renovation information, if relevant
- The names and roles of any appointed contractor or consultants
Talk openly about budget and timing
A budget is a planning constraint, not a commitment to spend it all. Say which figures are firm, which are allowances and whether they include construction, furnishings, fees and taxes. Explain any important dates and whether the property will remain occupied during the work.
Ask which decisions or long-lead items could affect the sequence. An initial conversation cannot guarantee an opening or completion date without reviewing the whole project.
Know what you are booking
Before confirming a paid consultation, ask about its length, location, fee and output. A conversation, a written report and a measured design proposal are different services. Clarify whether follow-up questions or revisions are included.
Submitting the enquiry form on this site requests a review; it does not book a paid consultation or create a designer-client agreement.
Finish with clear next steps
- What information is still missing?
- Which service and scope appear appropriate?
- Who will prepare the proposal and what will it cover?
- Which decisions should wait for technical or property review?
- What does each person need to do next?
Related questions.
Do I need professional drawings to make an enquiry?
No. Explain what information you have and what is missing. Photographs and a clear description can help start the discussion; accurate measurements or additional documents may be needed before design work begins.
Should I send my complete address straight away?
City, property type and project details are enough for the initial website enquiry. A precise address can be requested later if needed for site review or a visit.
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.