5 Things to Discuss with Your Designer Before Starting a Project

Every project begins with a dream, but clarity is what turns it into a brief. Share not only what you want, but why you want it. Is this a forever home? A commercial space for growth? A childcare facility with a specific educational ethos? Understanding the purpose behind the project helps your designer make better decisions.

Talking openly about budget isn’t about limitations—it’s about aligning expectations. A good designer will maximise value within your range and help flag costs early. Be clear about your target spend and whether there’s any flexibility for key opportunities or unexpected site conditions.

For homes, this might mean how you live day to day—morning routines, entertaining habits, future family plans. For commercial or community buildings, it could be workflows, foot traffic, or staff requirements. These practical needs are critical inputs to how spaces are zoned, sized, and connected.

Your designer will likely perform a site analysis, but your local knowledge is just as valuable. Whether it’s a noisy road, flooding concern, scenic outlook, or neighbour issues, sharing what you know early gives the design a strategic head start.

Different types of projects involve different levels of approval. Council applications, bushfire assessments, or compliance with early learning regulations can all impact your timeline. Discuss key milestones and any time constraints upfront so your building designer can map a realistic schedule.

That’s okay—but providing a range gives your designer a framework to work within and helps guide decisions from the start.

Absolutely. Visual references help bridge the gap between abstract ideas and tangible outcomes.

Yes. Even if they’re years away, future-proofing early can save major renovation costs down the line.

The best results come from collaboration. Share your goals and preferences, then let the designer explore creative ways to bring them to life.

Reach out through our contact page to start the conversation. We’ll guide you through the early briefing process and what comes next.

A thoughtful briefing process sets the tone for a successful project. Whether you’re creating a dream home, a thriving business space, or a community facility, the more clearly you communicate with your designer, the more aligned—and rewarding—the journey will be.

Design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about outcomes. And those outcomes begin with five conversations that shape everything to come.