What Does An Interior Designer Do?

WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

Updated: Nov 11, 2025 - The Interior Designer demonstrates expertise in high-end residential projects through comprehensive AutoCAD documentation, including site plans, elevations, custom joinery, and full construction packages. This role involves creating 3D models and photo-realistic renders, coordinating with consultants and builders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time. The designer also includes managing property surveys, preparing tender submissions, and supporting design development in collaboration with the Design Director.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Interior Designer

1. Interior Designer Duties

Client Consultation: Get to know the homeowner’s needs, design style and personal preferences during the first appointment in their space
Design Measurement: Complete design measures and as-builts before creating custom designs
Custom Design: Develop custom designs to wow clients using software, Chief Architect
Plan Presentation: Walk clients through 3D and 2D noted plans
Project Sales: Responsible for selling their own projects as a result of using the process and building relationships with homeowners
Finish Selection: Assist clients in choosing hard finishes for their beautiful new space
Issue Resolution: Troubleshot any design issues during build-out by proactively working with the estimator and project manager
Project Management: Taking charge of small to large projects from the direction of the business leaders
Project Execution: Running projects from concept through to completion
Design Documentation: Preparing design development presentations and documentation
Stakeholder Liaison: Liaising with suppliers, contractors and clients
Meeting Leadership: Prepare and lead internal, site and client meetings

2. Junior Interior Designer Details

Store Design: Develop amazing store designs in accordance with Brand Standards
Site Assessment: Assess site and demographic information and develop an appropriate design for each site
Fixture Selection: Select appropriate furniture, fixtures, finishes and equipment that are appropriate for each site
Budget Management: Provide custom details and deliver designs that are on budget
Team Communication: Effectively communicate project status with team members consistently
Consultant Collaboration: Collaborate with external consultants to deliver the project
Design Review: Participate in design reviews with management
Design Execution: Execute design from concept to construction documents, about 30-50 projects a year
Deadline Management: Hit project deadlines and key milestones on schedule
Code Compliance: Ensure all intended scope of work and code requirements are met, aligned with design intent and reflected in drawings

3. Interior Designer Responsibilities

Design Proposals: Proposing exceptional design proposals that push the brand forward
Proposal Development: Develop proposals for both production and concept cars using 2D sketching, 3D rendering, and 3D modeling abilities
Cross Collaboration: Interact collaboratively across many different departments and functions
Project Support: Work promptly to support Program Management and project timing
Engineering Coordination: Work closely with studio engineering to bring designs into production
Model Support: Support CAS and clay 3D modelers with clear and representative drawings/renderings to develop designs in 3D
Multitask Management: Work efficiently and creatively on multiple programs at once
Team Support: Support the Design leader to lead a design team from briefing, space planning, concept, detail design, documentation, tendering, site and close-out process
Client Presentation: Give those solutions to the client in the presentation
Design Research: Researching both the client's needs and requirements and other similar or related projects
Deliverable Review: Review and finalize all deliverables
Trend Awareness: Keep abreast of developments in design techniques and trends
Design Reputation: Develop a reputation both outside and within Woods Bagot as a skilled and innovative designer

4. Interior Designer Job Summary

Project Phases: Work on and contribute to all project phases such as concept design, space planning, design development, documentation, on-site construction management and contract administration
Client Briefing: Contribute to client briefings, workshops, design and design development
Revit Design: Create designs and documentation in Revit
Design Presentation: Prepare presentations and communicate designs in multiple forms such as Revit, Enscape, InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp, VR, etc.
Team Collaboration: Work cohesively in small and large teams
Material Selection: Work with the design team to develop and execute the conceptual design and material selection
Concept Development: Develop a conceptual design and provide solutions to the site constraints and parameters of the budget
Technical Support: Provide technical solution and assistance to the main contractor and consultants in detailing and buildability aspects of the Project
Contract Administration: Carry out contract administration, site inspections, reviewing and processing materials, shop drawings, etc.
Detail Accuracy: Ensure all specifications and details in drawings are accurate and communicated clearly, including any subsequent changes needed

5. Junior Interior Designer Accountabilities

Concept Design: Provide conceptual design, design development and production drawings of interior projects
Space Planning: Produce space plans, furniture plans, and elevations, conceptual and finishes design presentation documentation, detailed specifications and construction documentation
Budget Preparation: Prepare or supervise the preparation of preliminary furniture budgets and specifications
Finish Selection: Selection of interior finishes, furniture and equipment
Value Engineering: Review pricing, material and value engineering for projects
Problem Solving: Provide solutions to design problems and generate design alternatives
Client Presentation: Presenting designs to the client, including putting together sketches, color boards and sample materials
Drawing Review: Review drawings, mock-ups, materials and finish samples to be submitted by the Contractors
Site Support: Regular site visits and provide technical design support to projects under construction
FF&E Specification: Writing FF&E and finishes specifications, which are then used as part of the contract document of the project
Specification Assistance: Assist in writing FF&E and finishes specifications, which are then used as part of the contract documents of the project
Design Quality: Ensuring quality design and promoting the highest level of professionalism and ethics
Site Management: Managing on-site development and progress to ensure the designs are being respected
Business Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to drive business in new and existing markets
Team Liaison: Liaise with the team throughout the design process to make sure all client requirements are met

6. Interior Designer Functions

Online Design: Work online through the Havenly platform to create beautiful designs for clients across the country
Furniture Sourcing: Source furnishings and decor from a wide variety of retail, trade and wholesale vendors
Client Experience: Provides remarkable client experiences
Client Satisfaction: Receive positive ratings on all designs and are constantly searching for new ways to go above and beyond to meet the needs of clients
Brand Awareness: Stays active on social media as well as in local and online communities to bring awareness to their brand and service
Trend Awareness: Actively follows trends and news in and affecting interior design
Team Feedback: Provide both positive and constructive feedback to the Havenly team so that they can continually improve the e-Designer experience and help grow the business
Concept Development: Responsible for developing, organizing and executing design concepts
Design Revision: Modify and update designs based on review comments from management
Team Collaboration: Work closely with the architectural team to deliver the client's requirements

7. Interior Designer Job Description

Team Contribution: Participate as an active contributing member of the commercial team in the execution of the project goals throughout all phases
FFE Support: Assist with furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) throughout all phases of interior design work
Client Analysis: Assist in evaluating client needs, analyzing and effectively documenting design objectives and spatial requirements including programming, space planning and integrating established workplace strategies
Concept Development: Assist in the conceptual development and documentation of spaces addressing planning, three-dimensional development, interior elevations, details, ceilings, lighting and finishes
Furniture Specification: Assist in the selection and development of furniture specification packages
Material Selection: Assist the team in the selection, consideration and choice of building materials such as flooring, wall finish, ceilings, furnishings and other interior materials
Drawing Production: Produce high-quality drawings and perform support functions as directed in conformance with project time, cost and quality constraints
Design Presentation: Assist in preparing renderings and other presentation materials
Vendor Coordination: Assist in evaluating and selecting materials, consulting with vendors, and informing project specifications
Design Research: Continually focus on learning, researching, and exploring the interior design field

8. Interior Designer Overview

Concept Proposal: Creating a conceptual design proposal with strong visual communication skills
Design Development: Develop interior design from the conceptual stage to the production stage
Cross Collaboration: Work closely with other design departments, engineering, and supply chain in cross-functional teams for the implementation of interior design for production vehicles as well as concept properties
Experience Design: Collaborate and coordinate with the CMF and UX departments closely to develop future luxury experiences throughout the vehicle inside
Customer Engagement: Circulate the sales floor and approach customers promptly
Client Consultation: Discuss with the client their style preferences, scope of project and investment plan
Site Measurement: Provide in-home services to collect accurate measurements for floor coverings, lighting, furniture, accessories and window treatments
Space Planning: Counsel client on space planning, layout and color coordination to ensure practical and aesthetically pleasing designs
Plan Layout: Lay out all floor, furniture, lighting and budget plans for client approval
Furnishing Purchase: Purchase furnishings, artworks, area rugs, accessories, etc.
Client Follow-up: Reach out to the client to confirm satisfaction with all designer services

9. Interior Designer Details and Accountabilities

Design Collaboration: Work with the project manager and the project lead designer(s) in creating interior environments which serve the client’s goals and respond to their desired spatial needs, image and aesthetic requirements
Code Compliance: Develop code-compliant designs and schematic fundamental design reports
Material Selection: Select appropriate finish materials and furnishings
3D Rendering: Develop presentation materials including 3D renderings
Client Presentation: Lead and participate in design presentations to the client
Design Review: Participate in the projects’ in-house design review presentations
Lighting Design: Collaborate with the lighting designer to develop lighting concepts and initial fixture selection
Discipline Coordination: Coordinate work with other disciplines
Team Supervision: Supervise less experienced designers in the above tasks
Detail Development: Collaborate with the design team in articulating design principles that help govern the detailing phase of the project
Construction Documentation: Execute and enhance the design intent while preparing the construction documents

10. Interior Designer Tasks

Design Coordination: Work with architecture and the engineering disciplines to ensure a consistent development of the project towards the design concepts established in earlier phases
Specification Development: Develop project and furniture specifications and other technical requirements of projects
Submittal Review: Prepare submittal responses, shop drawing review and construction site visits
Punch List: Prepare interiors and furniture punch lists
Construction Directives: Work with the technical team in preparing construction phase design directives
Team Mentorship: Supervise and mentor less experienced designers in the above tasks
Design Support: Assist market segment leaders and the marketing department in the preparation of design documents and presentation materials
Fee Development: Assist in the development of fees for proposals
Project Interview: Participate in interviews for potential project work
Standard Maintenance: Assist in the development and maintenance of presentation and documentation standards
Quality Assurance: Participate in the quality assurance process for documentation

11. Interior Designer Roles

Project Documentation: Develop project documents (e.g., construction drawings, furniture and finish specifications, etc.) to client, regulatory, and industry standards
Design Presentation: Develop finished schemes and presentation materials
Resource Management: Maintain Finish Resource Library by meeting with Manufacturer’s Reps to update samples and learn about new applications and solutions
Team Coordination: Coordinate with other disciplines and other internal and external team members (e.g., vendors, clients, and contractors)
Material Research: Research materials and methods
Proposal Support: Assist with proposal preparation within the architectural discipline
Client Assessment: Work with the Lead Architect/Interior Designer and clients to assess needs and develop an associated project program
Concept Development: Develop conceptual designs and coordinate with the design team at the direction of the Lead Architect and Interior Designer
BIM Modeling: Develop the BIM model for design concepts and coordinate with the VDC Regional Manager and all other internal and external project team members
Project Communication: Participate in discipline-related internal and external project communication and coordination

12. Interior Designer Additional Details

Project Management: Manage healthcare project types with support staff assistance
Client Meetings: Meet with clients and attend planning and construction meetings
Consultant Coordination: Coordination with consultants and maintaining project budgets
Space Planning: Responsible for furniture and space planning
Finish Selection: Oversee selection of finishes, furniture, artwork and/or signage
Board Production: Oversee production of finished boards for clients
Construction Documentation: Produce interior architectural construction documents and specifications
Shop Review: Review shop drawings and submittals for approval
Fee Proposal: Produce fee proposals and project schedules
Team Coordination: Coordinate with the Lead Interior Designer and the Architectural staff

13. Interior Designer Essential Functions

Design Critique: Design critique of Canderel and third-party sales and marketing arrangements
Interior Design: Interior design for sales offices, suites, common areas and amenity spaces
Sketch Production: Produce sketches and spatial programming layouts
Concept Research: Research information relating to project concepts and design direction
Project Oversight: Oversee all details of the project from concept and schematic design phases
Design Meetings: Participate in all design meetings and internal team meetings
Team Coordination: Coordination with the project team and consultants
Issue Resolution: Resolve design issues, questions, or concerns, including review of specifications, detailed and shop drawings
Project Management: Oversee multiple residential projects and maintain awareness of project budgets and timelines
FF&E Sourcing: Source furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) with consideration to the project vision and budget
Procurement Management: Coordinate and manage procurement services
Color Selection: Manage and facilitate the color selection process
Client Relations: Develop and maintain client relationships and nurture relationships with peers and external vendors

14. Interior Designer Role Purpose

Team Involvement: Proactive team involvement and willingness to participate in ideation at all levels
Space Planning: Develop and implement overall design and space planning concepts with the team
Problem Solving: Solve complex design problems through all design phases-concept, SD, DD, CD, and CA
Design Documentation: Document interior design including detailing of interior elements
Furniture Selection: Participate in furniture selection, furniture palettes, material presentations and specification generation
Graphic Presentation: Create beautiful presentation graphics
Material Selection: Research, select and specify materials and finishes
Project Management: Manage multiple projects and multiple deadlines
Revit Drafting: Use Revit to create plans, elevations, details, schedules, RCPs
Material Specification: Create specifications for materials
Client Presentation: Assist in creating presentation materials for clients, including renderings and videos
Product Sourcing: Research and source products, meet with reps, keep the samples library updated and organized
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with Architects and other team members
Site Support: Solve issues and answer questions on job sites

15. Junior Interior Designer General Responsibilities

Material Sourcing: Source tile, wallpaper, carpet, lighting and construction-related materials
Furnishing Sourcing: Source furnishings, textiles, art and accessories
Drawing Management: Manage project drawings and specifications
Contractor Coordination: Correspond with builders and/or contractors for project details and progress
Client Meetings: Attend client meetings both in the office and off-site
Budget Management: Create and manage budgets and schedules
Team Support: Provide team support in various other responsibilities, working collaboratively with individuals both in the immediate team and other departments
Project Proposals: Prepare client proposals, schedule deliveries, inspect and coordinate installations

16. Interior Designer Key Accountabilities

Project Assistance: Assisting the design manager and project lead with all projects
Luxury Design: Create bespoke and high-end luxury designs
Detailed Drawings: Detailed drawings and tender packages
Proposal Presentation: Proposal presentations and pitches to key stakeholders
Designer Mentorship: Assist junior designers with training and guidance
Workflow Feedback: Use in-house tools and systems and give workflow feedback
Space Delivery: Design and deliver high-end interior spaces across hospitality, food and beverage, and hotels
Project Independence: Work collaboratively and independently on projects
Client Liaison: Liaise with clients and stakeholders

17. Interior Designer Roles and Details

Concept Development: Introduce design components for the project concept, direction and rendering
Concept Collaboration: Collaborate with Owner on concepts and selections
Client Meetings: Plan for and implement client meetings, including boards, samples, specifications/quotes, etc.
File Management: Maintain organized and current project files, including project directory, proposals, billings, correspondence, and materials
Problem Resolution: Resolve design/production problems
Team Supervision: Supervise, manage and assign design tasks to junior design team members
Vendor Meetings: Attend regular off-site meetings with vendors and clients including progress checks at job sites
Furniture Selection: Review, select, specify and propose furniture, window coverings, fabric/trim, wall coverings, ceiling treatment, floor covering, lighting, hardware, accessories and plant/planters
Relationship Management: Maintain essential client, vendor, and consultant relationships through outstanding service
Installation Coordination: Plan, coordinate, and implement installations

18. Interior Designer Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Design Experience: Create an enjoyable design experience for home buyers
Client Guidance: Help homeowners with their interior design selections and colors
Client Communication: Professionally communicate with home buyers and answer their questions promptly
Paperwork Accuracy: Create accurate paperwork of design selections so that no errors are made at installation
Team Communication: Communicate regularly and clearly with Construction Managers, Drafters, Estimators, and internal operational teams to ensure a smooth in-house process
Option Maximization: Maximize the Design Center available option selections
Concept Creation: Create design concepts and schemes
Technical Drawings: Produce detailed visual and technical drawings
Specification Writing: Produce detailed specifications and schedules
Project Coordination: Coordinate with clients, suppliers, and project team members

19. Interior Designer Duties and Roles

Design Phases: Participating in many phases of the design process including schematic design, detailed CAD work, space planning and client meetings
Finish Planning: Generate finish plans, cost lists and visual compilations of selections and palettes
Stakeholder Communication: Communicate with clients, external consultants, contractors and product representatives in relation to different project needs
Technical Documentation: Generating technical documentation for manufacturers and artisans, reviewing shop drawings and sketches
Project Oversight: Managing and following up on the progress of work throughout all phases of design, fabrication, and construction
Client Experience: Responsible for enhancing client experience by providing customers with a personalized interior design service, which includes advising and guiding customers with selections to personalize their home
Client Consultation: Work with customers to gain an understanding of their lifestyle, design requirements and budget to assist them in making selections to best suit their wants and needs
Product Advising: Provide information and advice, along with product features and benefits
Selection Support: Support and document customers when making their selections including exterior materials, finishes and colors, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms, and other interior features, finishes and colors

20. Interior Designer Roles and Responsibilities

Drawing Markup: Work directly with nominated joiners to mark up shop drawings for final approval by the Design Director
AutoCAD Documentation: Creating all documentation for JDD projects in AutoCAD, from concept through to full construction documentation packages including site and internal plans, elevations, custom joinery, architectural details, and custom furniture design and materials schedules
Tender Packages: Prepare drawing packages for tender submissions and liaise with the builder to answer RFIs during the tender and construction process
Consultant Liaison: Liaising with external consultants including architects, town planners, structural engineers, landscape designers and others
3D Modeling: Creating 3D models in SketchUp or other visualisation software as approved by JDD to assist with the design development of the project and to create photo-realistic renders for client presentations
Documentation Management: Independently managing timely completions of documentation to ensure design projects remain on track with JDD’s project dates set out at the commencement of a project
Site Measurement: Independently managing property measure-ups and photographing properties for use in creating Construction Documentation, 3D renders, and as a design reference for existing architectural details
Design Collaboration: Work alongside the Design Director to develop designs
Architectural Background: Interior designer with a background in architecture and architectural design for high-end residential projects

Relevant Information

What Does An Interior Design Assistant Do?

What Does An Interior Design Project Manager Do?

What Does An Interior Design Manager Do?