This is not another fluffy “renovation planner” that tells you to make a mood board and manifest a good quote.
This checklist is a forensic, line‑by‑line guide to what a solid design–build proposal must include if it’s going to protect your vision, your budget and your sanity.
It walks you through scope, drawings, selections, pricing, inclusions/exclusions, variations, payments and red flags in plain, no‑BS language you can actually use in meetings – not just admire on Pinterest.
Print it, scribble all over it, and take it to every builder and designer conversation.
The moment you start asking questions straight from these pages, the power dynamic flips: you stop feeling like a clueless “nice client” and start leading the project like someone who understands the game.
If a proposal can survive this checklist, you’re in safe territory; if it can’t, you’ve just dodged an expensive mistake before a single tile is ordered or wall is demolished.
Design + Build Proposal Checklist
Interior Design
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New Build
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Renovations
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Interior Architecture
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Commercial Design
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Interior Design ✳︎ New Build ✳︎ Renovations ✳︎ Interior Architecture ✳︎ Commercial Design ✳︎
You’ve saved for years. You have a Pinterest board full of dreams. But deep down, there’s a knot in your stomach. What if it all goes wrong? What if you hire the wrong person, blow the budget, or end up with a house you don't even love?
That fear is real, and it’s justified. As an interior designer, I’ve seen it all. I’ve witnessed the disastrous aftermath of pushy builders, vague designers, and mismanaged budgets.
I've listened to the tearful confessions of strangers in salon chairs who wasted thousands on snap decisions they now regret every single day.
I wrote this guide because I was tired of seeing good people lose control of their projects.
This isn't another e-book about colour trends and furniture styles. This is the insider's playbook that bridges the gap between your vision and a finished reality.
It’s the framework that transforms you from an anxious homeowner into a confident, commanding project leader who gets exactly what they want, on-brief and on-budget.
How to Create a Home That Feels Alive (And Why Good Design Isn't Enough).
You know the feeling. You walk into a room and instantly feel at ease—like the space just gets you. It’s not about the expensive furniture or the perfect colour on the walls. It’s a sense of personality, of history, of soul. It has a pulse.
Then there are the other homes. The ones that look perfect on Pinterest but feel… empty. Sterile. A beautiful, lifeless stage set.
For too long, we've been told that good design is about following rules, matching colours, and avoiding mistakes. We’ve been trained to create homes that are safe, styled, and ready for an Instagram post. But in the process, we’ve ironed out all the life.
This guide is your permission to break the rules.
It’s an invitation to stop decorating and start feeling. It's a new kind of interior design, one that’s layered with memory, mood, and meaning. This is the guide to creating a home that doesn't just look good, but feels like a true extension of your soul.
Your home is not just a place; it's a canvas waiting for your unique touch. Crafting a space that truly resonates with your personality can be both thrilling and challenging. That's why we've dedicated our second issue to guide you through the intricate process of uncovering your design preferences and translating them into reality.
Learn important and valuable skills on interior design and renovations. See all my e-books including Design Digests #1 - #8 on the E-Book page.
Welcome to the enchanting world of interior design, where creativity meets functionality and where every space becomes a canvas for your imagination.
Whether you're a budding interior designer, a homeowner looking to spruce up your living space, or just someone with a passion for all things beautiful, unlock the secrets of interior design.