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Interior Design Client Revisions

When a client asks for a revision on a project, they are not the enemy! There is this huge misconception in the interior design and architecture industries …

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Interior Design Client Revisions

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When a client asks for a revision on a project, they are not the enemy! There is this huge misconception in the interior design and architecture industries that somehow there should never be any revisions on a project, and that is just insane!

In any interior design or architecture project, there is a direct correlation between the complexity of a project and the number of interior design client revisions that might be required. So, the more complex the project is, the more likely it is that revisions will be required as the brief evolves and develops. This is normal… and not your client’s fault.

Somewhere over the past few years, client revisions have become the enemy, yet we’re forgetting that they are part of the design process. Today, I wanted to clarify a few important things around the topic of interior design client revisions for both clients and designers.

Revisions Are Part Of The Design Process

Interior design client revisions are a normal part of the design process, but what is not normal is if you or your client have unrealistic expectations around revisions. For example, an interior designer who doesn’t allow for revisions on a complex or large project would be in the wrong, and a client not willing to pay for changes caused outside of the designer's control would be unrealistic.

On a small project, the number of revisions really shouldn’t be many (if any at all) because a clear and straightforward design process deals with everything that should be addressed from the outset, and the scope of the project isn’t large enough to allow for extensive client revisions. This is especially true if the designer has allowed the client the opportunity to express their wants, needs, and brief in depth and has followed through on those requests without going off on a tangent.

The Role Of The Brief In Managing Revisions

It’s not designer versus client; it’s more about your design process and how client revisions are managed. Giving your client an active chance to create a comprehensive brief is essential. Unless you’ve provided that opportunity and actively listened to their requests, clients may change their minds later.

When I worked for practices alongside architects and designers, I noticed many more revisions occurred due to minimal effort at the brief stage. Designers would offer one opportunity for the client to state their needs, create the brief, and move on

To achieve a full understanding of what the client wants, it’s essential to spend more time upfront on the brief. If you don’t, there will likely be many revisions and changes because the client wasn’t fully heard at the beginning. This is especially true for larger, more complex projects where interior design client revisions become inevitable as details emerge.
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Small Projects Vs Large Projects

On small projects, which are generally less complex, revisions should be minimal. For e-design, revisions should be almost non-existent. E-design focuses on concept delivery rather than full service, so if the designer undertakes the process to create a solid brief, there shouldn’t be many revisions required.

For full-service projects, even small ones, you might expect a few revisions during sourcing or detail design stages, or when collaborating with builders who may suggest changes during the tender phase. These types of client revisions should be planned for in your contract and considered part of the design process.

Revisions Are Not Criticisms

Many designers perceive client revisions as a form of criticism, but most of the time, they’re not. Requests for changes happen for various reasons. If the reason for the change is because the client wasn’t given the opportunity to express their wants completely, then that’s the designer’s responsibility. However, if the client withheld information, changed their mind, or expanded the brief later on, those changes would fall under an expanded scope of work that needs to be agreed upon separately. 

One major issue arises when designers get too attached to an idea. If a client rejects an idea you’ve poured your heart into, it’s essential to communicate why certain design choices are necessary and beneficial for the project. However, if the client still doesn’t agree, the designer must recognise when to let go of the concept and refocus on meeting the client’s preferences.
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Contracts & Setting Boundaries

So how do we handle interior design client revisions effectively? The key lies in your contract. If your contract doesn’t specify how revisions are managed, it’s open to interpretation, which can lead to conflict. Always outline rules for revisions in your contract and communicate these clearly to the client at the outset of a project.

For example, if a client exceeds the agreed-upon number of revisions, let them know they’ve reached their limit and outline their options (such as additional costs for further revisions). This approach maintains boundaries and ensures the project moves forward while minimising conflict around interior design client revisions.

Designers who run into trouble with client revisions are often those who forget to set clear boundaries at the beginning of the project. If you promote your design process as collaborative, clients may assume unlimited revisions are included, so it’s crucial to manage their expectations. Interior design is a personal and collaborative process, but it must also be managed professionally. It’s your responsibility as the designer to communicate and uphold these boundaries in line with the contract.

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Conclusion

Interior design client revisions are a recurring topic in the design community. They are not a flaw in the process but a normal and necessary part of refining a project. By focusing on a strong brief, setting clear expectations, and outlining boundaries in your contract, you can handle revisions with professionalism and ease.

If you’re looking for a professional network to support you and refine your processes, check out our interior design mentorship: Interior Design Mentorship

How do you handle client revisions in your interior design business? Let me know in the comments below!

Jo Chrobak

Jo Chrobak

Jo Chrobak is a registered architect, interior designer, mentor, and founder of the Interior Designer’s Business School. With over 20 years of experience, she combines her expertise as a trained business and life coach to run a boutique design studio in London, UK.

Having often felt like an outsider in her career, Jo is passionate about making the interior design profession more accessible and inclusive. Through sharing her knowledge and creating innovative educational platforms, she provides support and mentorship to empower designers worldwide, helping them achieve success in both interior design and architecture.
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