How an Interior Design Project Works

A Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Mairead Collier Interiors

Transforming your home is a creative and collaborative journey. Here’s how we typically work together, from our first conversation to the moment you step into your beautifully finished space.

PHASE ONE: PRE-DESIGN

Stage One: Getting To Know You

This stage is all about understanding you, your home, and your hopes for the project. We begin with an in-depth consultation where I gather preliminary briefing notes, from how you live and what you love, to your timelines and budget expectations.

After this meeting, I’ll follow up with a tailored proposal outlining the design services that best suit your project, along with a clear overview of estimated fees.

Once the proposal is approved and the contract is signed, your design journey officially begins.

PHASE TWO: DESIGN

Stage Two: Creative Foundations

At this stage, we continue refining the brief. I may ask a few more questions to ensure every detail aligns with your lifestyle, aspirations, and the unique rhythm of your household.

We’ll start developing your design vision, from mood and style to colour preferences and practical needs. Once you're happy with the direction, we move forward to the concept development stage.

Stage Three: Concept to Scheme

Now the design takes shape. I’ll present initial layout options and design schemes, exploring materials, finishes, and furniture ideas (known as FF&E: Furniture, Fittings, and Equipment). Where possible, I’ll encourage you to view products in person, to get a feel for quality, comfort and finish.

We’ll refine the design together until we’ve landed on a well-considered, cohesive scheme, including floor plans, lighting layouts, material palettes, and product selections. With everything agreed, we’ll prepare detailed cost estimates based on your chosen items. When you're happy to proceed, we move to the final stage of design.

Stage Four: Final Design & Tender Pack

With all major decisions made, we finalise drawings, schedules, and specifications, the practical tools needed to bring your project to life. These documents will be shared with the trusted trades and suppliers involved in the work, from curtain makers to electricians.

Contractors may suggest slight tweaks or enhancements, and I’ll support you through the tender process so you can confidently appoint the right people to carry out the work.

PHASE THREE: CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY

Stage Five: Implementation Begins

Now it’s time for the vision to take shape on site. With the project team in place and all plans approved, refurbishment and decoration can begin. At the same time, I’ll begin placing orders for furniture, fittings, and materials, prioritising those with longer lead times.

This stage can be bumpy, delays and surprises are common, but with a collaborative mindset and careful coordination, we’ll navigate the challenges and keep things moving forward.

PHASE FOUR: SNAGGING

Stage Six: The Fine-Tuning

As works progress, I’ll continue to oversee quality and flag any issues. Once the contractor declares the job complete, we create a formal ‘snag list’, a checklist of anything that needs adjusting, repairing, or finishing to a high standard.

This final round of refinements ensures that every detail is just right before the project wraps up.

PHASE FIVE: HANDOVER

Stage Seven: Welcome Home

With the works finished and your vision fully realised, it's time to enjoy your new space. At our final meeting, I’ll hand over a care pack including maintenance advice, product manuals, warranties and guarantees where applicable.

The journey may be complete, but your home is just beginning a beautiful new chapter.

Book here for your free consultation.