UNDERSTANDING OUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS: A BIID-ALIGNED APPROACH

Our interiors are shaped through a balance of creative instinct and a structured design methodology. A clear and considered process allows ideas to be explored, developed, and resolved with intention, supporting the successful delivery of interior design projects from concept through to completion.

Working between Bristol and the Cotswolds, we design residential and commercial interiors across the UK, guiding each project through a thoughtful and collaborative journey.

WHY STRUCTURE MATTERS IN INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior design is a layered discipline, bringing together  creative direction, technical coordination, and an understanding of how spaces are lived in and experienced over time.

Our projects are guided by a framework aligned with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and the RIBA Plan of Work. These established standards provide a clear structure for how projects are briefed, developed, and delivered, while remaining responsive to each client, building, and context.

By working through clearly defined stages, decisions are made with clarity and intent, ensuring the integrity of the design is carefully carried through from early ideas through to final delivery.

OUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS

Every project is shaped by its own brief, constraints, and opportunities, while progressing through a clearly defined sequence of stages. This structure brings clarity and continuity to the process, allowing the design to evolve with purpose and ensuring each phase builds naturally on what came before.

Stage 00 – Initial Consultation

The first stage centres on an initial meeting to discuss your ambitions for the space, priorities, and budget. This conversation allows us to understand how you live, what you value, and what you want to achieve, as well as any constraints relating to the property, timeline, or investment.

Whether working on a townhouse in Bristol, a rural home in the Cotswolds, or a hotel in London, this stage helps establish how we can best support both the design process and the delivery of the project. From here, we begin to shape the brief, undertaking early research and gathering references to inform the direction of the design and how the project can move forward.

Stage 01 – Appraisal & Brief

This stage establishes the foundation of the project. We consider how the space will be used, the architectural character of the property and the practical parameters that may influence the design.

A strategic appraisal document is prepared, bringing together the project brief, site context, investment level and early design direction, allowing the design to develop with clarity and purpose.

Building on the initial consultation, this stage brings greater definition to the project. We take a closer look at how the spaces need to function, the architectural qualities of the property, and the practical considerations that will shape the design.

A strategic appraisal document is developed to draw together the brief, site context, investment level, and an emerging design direction. This document captures the key parameters of the project, sets priorities, and establishes the principles that will inform decision-making as the design progresses, providing a clear and considered framework to guide the next stages of the project.

Stage 02 – Concept Design

Concept Design is where the creative direction of the project begins to take shape. We explore how the space could feel, flow, and function, responding to the architecture of the building and the way it will be lived in day to day. Atmosphere, materiality, and spatial relationships are considered together, allowing the design to emerge in a way that feels both natural and intentional.

This stage typically includes the development of spatial layouts, curated visual references, and early material exploration. Through drawings, sketches, imagery, and discussion, ideas are tested and refined, helping to establish a clear design language and a shared vision before moving into more detailed design work.

Stage 03 – Detailed Design

At this stage, the approved concept is fully resolved as a complete interior scheme. The focus is on refining the design in detail, making final decisions on layout, materials, finishes, furniture, lighting, and bespoke elements so the overall vision is clearly defined and agreed.

Each room is developed with close attention to proportion, functionality, and atmosphere, ensuring the scheme works cohesively across the project. Layouts and elevations are refined, bespoke joinery is designed in depth, and all interior elements are carefully selected and coordinated.

By the end of this stage, the design intent is fully established, providing a clear and confident foundation for technical documentation and delivery.

Stage 05 – Liaison During Tender & Construction

As the project moves into tender and construction, our involvement continues to support the transition from drawings to the built space. We work alongside contractors, consultants, and specialist makers as work progresses on site, helping to maintain continuity between the design and its delivery.

During this stage, we act as a point of reference for the design, responding to queries, reviewing information, and offering clarification as needed. We attend site meetings where appropriate, review samples and mock-ups, and provide guidance to help resolve challenges as they arise.

The focus is on supporting the careful realisation of the design, ensuring consistency, quality, and attention to detail as the scheme is brought to life.

Stage 06 – FF&E Specification & Procurement

This stage brings together the furniture, fixtures, and equipment that bring a space to life. The focus shifts to the careful sourcing and coordination of all specified elements, from furniture and lighting to decorative pieces and final fittings.

We manage the sourcing and purchasing of agreed items, working closely with suppliers, manufacturers, and contractors to ensure each piece aligns with the design intent and performs as required in both practical and aesthetic terms. Budgets, quality, and programme are considered throughout, supporting informed and well-judged decisions.

Coordinating ordering, delivery, storage, and scheduling forms an important part of this phase, requiring clear communication and careful organisation. Each item is tracked and prepared to ensure it arrives on site at the right time and in the right condition, ready for final installation and styling.

Stage 07 – Installation, Styling & Handover

This final stage is where the project comes fully to life. Furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories are delivered, installed, and carefully arranged, and the interior begins to take its final shape. Attention is given to placement, proportion, and atmosphere, ensuring the space feels balanced, cohesive, and ready to be lived in.

We oversee installation and styling on site, working alongside contractors and suppliers to ensure each element is positioned and assembled as intended. Close attention to detail and clear communication remain essential at this stage, allowing any final adjustments to be made with care and sensitivity.

As the interior is completed, the project moves through to handover. The space is allowed to settle and evolve naturally, with the design providing a foundation that supports everyday life while retaining its clarity and character.

Following a BIID-aligned framework allows our projects to progress with clarity and purpose, ensuring each stage supports the next. 

If you are planning an interior design project and feel aligned with this approach, we would be delighted to begin the conversation.