Working with Designers: A Client’s Guide

So, you’ve decided to work with an interior design firm—congratulations! Now what? Before you start dreaming about perfectly curated spaces, here’s what you need to know:

The Process is a Thing. First, there’s a consultation where you spill all your hopes, dreams, and budget (yes, be honest about that last one). Then come mood boards, floor plans, and—eventually—real furniture instead of just sketches.
Bring Your Homework. Show up with photos of spaces you love, a list of must-haves, and some deal-breakers (e.g., “No shag carpets!”). This helps your design team get inside your head—minus the mind-reading.
Communication is Key. Give feedback fast and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, appoint one point person so the design team isn’t juggling 10 different opinions.
Budgets and Contracts Exist for a Reason. Surprises are fun at birthday parties, not in design budgets. Review costs upfront and keep some contingency funds.
Things Will Go Wrong. Materials might get delayed, or you may suddenly hate that paint color. Stay flexible, trust the process, and keep your eye on the (beautifully designed) prize.

Now, let’s create something amazing—no shag carpets, we promise!

Working with an interior design firm is an exciting opportunity to bring your vision to life, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time.

At Goebel Design Group, we believe in making the design process accessible, collaborative, and enjoyable for all our clients. Whether you’re a senior housing executive, project manager, or facility planner, this guide will help you navigate every phase of working with an interior design firm.

A well-structured interior design process must account for countless details and decisions, with each firm employing its own strategies to manage them effectively. To simplify this complexity, the process is typically divided into key phases.

Being familiar these phases can help you ensure clear communication and alignment with your design team. While specific approaches may vary between firms, the journey generally follows these essential steps:

Key Phases:

Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals, timeline, and budget.
Concept Development: Review mood boards, sketches, and preliminary layouts.
Design Development: Finalize layouts, select materials/goods, and refine details.
Implementation: Oversee construction, installations, and the final touches.

At Goebel Design Group we have found expanding these into the following nine phases creates a more concrete roadmap and timeline for every project we work on.

What to Bring:

Photos or examples of spaces you admire.
A list of must-haves and deal-breakers.
Details about your project, such as square footage, current challenges, and future goals.

The initial consultation sets the tone for your collaboration. Coming prepared ensures a productive discussion.

Real-World Example: A senior housing client shared photos of spaces that inspired them, which helped us design a facility that blended functionality and elegance.

Pro Tip: Be honest about your budget. Transparency at this stage helps the design team propose realistic solutions and avoid surprises later.

Recommended Visuals: A sample consultation checklist to help clients prepare.

Clear and consistent communication is key to a successful project.

Tips for Collaboration:

Share feedback promptly and constructively.
Use visuals to explain your preferences.
Ask questions if you’re unclear about any part of the process.

Real-World Example: For a corporate office redesign, weekly check-ins allowed the client to review progress and make decisions quickly, keeping the project on schedule.

Pro Tip: Designate a primary point of contact on your team to streamline communication.

Recommended Visuals: A communication flowchart showing how updates and decisions are shared between clients and the design firm.

Budgeting and contracts can feel intimidating, but transparency and organization make them manageable.

Best Practices:

Review a detailed breakdown of costs before signing a contract.
Ensure the budget includes contingency funds for unexpected expenses.
Clarify payment schedules and deliverables.

Real-World Example: In a senior housing renovation, we provided an itemized budget with clear cost categories, giving the client confidence in every expenditure.

Pro Tip: Request a sample contract during the proposal phase to familiarize yourself with standard terms and conditions.

Recommended Visuals: A sample budget breakdown or a checklist for reviewing contracts.

Even with the best planning, challenges can arise. Here’s how to address common issues:

Challenges and Solutions:

Scope Changes: Maintain flexibility, but document all changes to avoid miscommunication.
Delays: Stay proactive by requesting regular updates and contingency plans.
Design Disagreements: Focus on shared goals and trust your design team’s expertise.

Real-World Example: During a hospitality project, unexpected delays in material delivery were mitigated by sourcing alternative options, ensuring the timeline stayed on track.

Pro Tip: Keep a project journal to track updates, questions, and decisions for easy reference.

Recommended Visuals: An infographic illustrating common challenges and solutions.

Ready to Get Started?

Working with an interior design firm should be a collaborative and inspiring experience. By understanding the process, preparing for meetings, and maintaining clear communication, you’ll set the foundation for a successful project. At Goebel Design Group, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to request your free Project Kickoff Checklist PDF and take the first step toward creating a space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.