The 3 Main Design Phases (And Why They’re Important!)

While each and every designer has their own way of doing things, I like to work through 3 defined phases with my projects.

I find that this ‘system’ gives everyone clear goal markers and no matter whether the project is big or small, ensures that all the bases are covered when it comes to pulling together a consistent, beautiful and functional design!

Here’s a little insight into the different phases & what you might expect when you work with me!

Phase 1: Concept Development

This is the initial brainstorming stage where using your design brief (determined through a combination of our initial consultation results and your answers to a design-style questionnaire!), a full concept for the project is developed.

This is where I get to work on space planning- creating floorplans to see how rooms will be best laid out to meet your functional requirements.

At this stage I also prepare preliminary concepts for finishes and present suggestions for products / fixtures / fittings using digital mood boards and (where applicable!) physical samples.

Some would consider this to be the most important phase- especially when building or renovating(!) as a well considered concept will provide you with a consistent look and feel with amazing flow through the whole project.

This stage is designed to take into account your practical wants and needs, raising any questions and providing solutions to potential issues PRIOR to investing in the physical build.

Phase 2: Finish Selections & Preparation of Detailed Design Documentation

This is the intricate detail stage. After the initial concepts have been signed off, I move on to finalising the interior selections and preparing a detailed FFE (Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment schedule) for all builders and contractors to follow (if using!)

This stage also includes preparing scaled design drawings and documentation for any custom cabinetry to be built and installed, plus lighting/electrical plans (if required).

This is the stage that stops you making costly build and finish mistakes, by ensuring that everyone knows what they’re doing and HOW they’re doing it. With no room for error, this stage takes the longest to produce and can take some back-and-forth to find the right supplier for the job.

The time and money invested in getting this part right though will ultimately save you money from having to re-model / change things down the line.

Phase 3: Furnishing and Styling

My favourite part… shopping! :) This is where we work on finalising furniture, soft furnishings and styling for the project.

This phase is built on largely in conjunction with Phases 1 and 2 (as floorplans help us to determine furniture sizing and our FFE gives us the material finishing!), but the final selections of furniture & accessories, sourcing and purchasing of everything is done during this time so as to limit the need for storing items well in advance of having a finished / prepared space!

If working with me to design custom furniture (for example, couches), this is where we will visit showrooms and Goldilocks test to make sure items are made ‘just right’ and everything is as comfortable for your taste as it is beautiful.

It is the phase where all the work put in over the last wee while really comes together and your finished blank canvas becomes a functional and beautiful layered space with warmth and personality. The icing on the cake!