What is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is a qualified professional who specialises in planning, styling, and documenting the internal finishes, fixtures, and fittings of your home. Unlike a selections consultant, who focuses mainly on guiding you through standard product choices, an Interior Designer brings a premium, personalised design approach to every aspect of your internal selections.
Your Interior Designer will guide you through every step of your selections journey — from initial consultation and external selections to managing, finalising, and uploading both external and internal Selections Schedules, ensuring your design vision is captured.
What does an Interior Designer do?
Your Interior Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works. They are often involved across your entire journey, ensuring continuity from concept to handover.
Typically, an Interior Designer will:
- Meet with you to understand your personal style, needs, and budget
- Develop a tailored design or creative concepts for your home’s interiors
- Prepare a complete Selections Schedule that includes finishes, fixtures, and colours
- Collaborate with suppliers to source premium products and samples
- Liaise with you to ensure all selections meet specification and timelines
- Provide ongoing input throughout construction to uphold your design intent
- Liaise with your Building Designer to ensure selections are documented correctly (with your direction)
Tip: Why an Interior Designer Could Be a Smart Investment
Interior Designers can save you time, budget blowouts, and decision fatigue. If you’re after a cohesive, high-end look or want help bringing your ideas together, investing in one at this stage can be a game-changer.
What Makes a Good Interior Designer?
Look for someone who:
- Hold formal qualifications in interior design or architecture
- Have a strong portfolio aligned with your aesthetic
- Offer detailed Selections Schedules and documentation
- Are familiar with residential construction and build requirements
- Communicate proactively and can collaborate across suppliers
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from Interior Designers, you’ll need:
- A copy of your concept or design plans
- To review your scope of works to clearly outline what you need them to do
- Any design inspiration, mood boards or pinterest that you may started
- A clear idea of budget for finishes and fixtures
Average Timeframe
For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within
3-5 business days.
When Can I Expect Quotes?
Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).
If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiring an Interior Designer worth it for a new build?
Ye, especially if you're time-poor, want a consistent visual style, or plan to have features in your home that require creative concepts or premium finishes. They can manage complex decisions and ensure design cohesion. Depending on your scope, they can even assist with furnishing and the final details.
Can the designer help with furniture and styling too?
Many do. If you’re interested in interior styling, furnishings, or artwork selection, clarify this in your scope or works to ensure it’s included in the quote, and then in your contract.
How to Complete this Task?
STEP 1
Review and Adjust the Scope of Works
Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.
STEP 2
Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded
Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:
STEP 3
Update the Quality Assurance Checklist
Go to the
Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.
STEP 4
Request Quotes
Click the
orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.
STEP 5
Review the Quotes
Once you receive quotes:
- Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
- Download attached quote documents for detailed review
- Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews
STEP 6
Communicate with the Pro
If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.
STEP 7
Accept a Quote
Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.
STEP 8
Complete the Tasks In Your App
New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the
Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your
contract and
final Scope of Works whenever needed.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
