✨ How Does an Interior Designer Work? Behind the Scenes of a Project

When people think of interior designers, they often focus on aesthetics: colors, furniture, stylish combinations seen in magazines or on social media. But behind every well-designed space, there's a precise working method—based on listening, analysis, technical creativity, and coordination.

Today I’ll take you behind the scenes of a project, to walk you through how I work as an interior designer, step by step.

🎧 1. Phase Zero: Listening to the People Who Will Live in the Space

Everything starts with a conversation. The first step is all about listening: I aim to understand who the client is, how they’ll use the space, what their tastes are, and—just as importantly—their practical needs. This phase is essential: design is not decoration, it’s a tailored response to real life.

🎨 2. Concept: Vision and Direction

Once I’ve gathered all the necessary information, I move on to developing the concept. I create an overall vision that will guide every decision moving forward. At this stage, I prepare visual moodboards, select color palettes, materials, and style references. The concept isn’t just about looks: it takes into account technical constraints, budget, and functional goals.

🧩 3. Design: From Layout to Detail

With the direction approved, I move into the detailed design phase:

• I redraw the functional layout (spaces, flow, proportions)

• I define materials and finishes

• I design lighting—both natural and artificial

• I prepare technical drawings, plans, and sections

I work with professional tools like AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Corona Renderer, which allow me to create realistic, verifiable spaces even before construction begins.

🖼️ 4. Renderings: Seeing Before Doing

Photorealistic renderings are now an essential part of the process. They allow the client to visualize the project clearly, realistically, and emotionally. These aren’t just "pretty images"—they’re tools for validation, communication, and decision-making.

💰 5. Budgeting and Sourcing: Beauty, But Make It Work

A good design also needs to be feasible.I prepare a detailed budget, with clear items for each piece of furniture, material, or intervention. During this phase I also handle product sourcing: selecting reliable suppliers, sustainable solutions, and pieces that match both the project’s style and the client’s budget.

🛠️ 6. Site and Supervision: Turning Design into Reality

In the case of renovations or more complex projects, I personally supervise the site phases. I coordinate craftsmen, ensure the work stays faithful to the design, and solve unexpected issues. This is where my architectural background makes a real difference—it allows me to translate creativity into buildable, real-world solutions.

🪄 7. Handover and Final Styling

The project ends with the handover of the completed space. Often, I also take care of the final styling—arranging objects, artwork, textiles, and accessories. It’s the most emotional moment: seeing a space come to life and truly reflect the people who will inhabit it.

🧠 Conclusion: Behind Every Detail, a Design Vision

The work of an interior designer is much more complex and layered than it might seem at first glance. It’s not just about taste—it’s about method, empathy, technical skills, and vision. Every project is a small-scale architecture of living, designed to measure.