Interior Design Process: What Working With an Interior Designer Actually Looks Like

Most people come to an interior designer unsure what actually happens before construction starts.

They might assume it’s about finishes, colours, or styling choices. Or they worry they’ll be expected to make fast decisions without really understanding the implications.

In reality, the most important part of my work happens well before anything is built.

My role is not to decorate a space after decisions have been made. It's to help clients plan, resolve, and document their homes properly so construction can proceed with clarity and confidence.

This applies whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one.

The interior design process happens before construction

The majority of issues I’m asked to help fix during a build can be traced back to rushed or late decisions.

When layouts, cabinetry, selections, or lighting are left unresolved, those gaps show up later as stress, variations, or compromises on site.

Good interior design is not about reacting once construction is underway. It is about creating clarity before it begins.

This is where the interior design process plays its most important role. By working through layouts, cabinetry, selections, lighting, and documentation early, clients are able to move into construction feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed. Decisions are made with intent, not urgency, which allows the build to progress with greater confidence and fewer surprises.

New builds and renovations use the same process

Although new builds and renovations look different on paper, they require the same level of planning.

Renovations are often assumed to be simpler or more flexible, but in practice they're just as dependent on clear structure and early decision-making. Existing conditions, services, and constraints actually make planning more important, not less.

New builds also benefit from careful consideration. Having a blank slate does not remove the need for thoughtful layouts, well-planned cabinetry, or selections that align with budget and build method.

In both cases, the outcome improves when decisions are made deliberately rather than reactively.

What I help clients decide early

My work focuses on resolving decisions that directly affect how a home functions and how it's built.

This typically includes:

• layout and spatial flow

• cabinetry and joinery planning

• material and finish selections

• lighting and electrical considerations

• clear documentation for construction

These decisions shape how a home feels to live in, how efficiently it is built, and how confidently everyone involved can move forward.

Why clarity and boundaries matter

A calm project does not happen by accident.

Clear scope, clear roles, and clear boundaries are part of good design. They protect the client experience and the quality of the outcome.

When decisions are constantly revisited or delayed, projects become harder than they need to be. Establishing structure early allows clients to make informed choices and then move forward without second-guessing every step.

This approach is not about rigidity. It's about creating space for confident decision-making.

What this means for clients

Clients who engage in a structured design process experience fewer surprises during construction.

They are better prepared, more confident in their decisions, and less likely to feel overwhelmed as the build progresses.

Instead of reacting to problems, they move forward with a clear understanding of how their home is meant to work.

A calm approach, by design

This is how I choose to work.

I support both new builds and considered renovations through early planning, clear guidance, and documentation that builders can rely on.

The goal is always the same: to bring clarity before construction begins, so the process feels manageable and well thought through from the outset.

If this approach resonates, it's usually a good indicator of fit.

Malia xx