Pat Elliott: ‘A design brief and schedule will keep a project on track’

AT A time when spending may be constrained, the planning of interior design projects becomes critical.

Not only is planning time well spent, it is almost always cash well spent too: compiling a design brief and schedule will help keep your project on track and in budget.

The amount of information your design brief contains will vary according to the scale of your project but it should include the following: your budget (add ten per cent for the unexpected), proposed uses of the room, key words describing the style you want, notes of any structural work, existing and/or new furniture and furnishings required and planned window treatment and lighting scheme. For kitchens you will need to consider appliances. The best design brief is one that would allow a total stranger to bring in your project exactly as you envisaged.