Interior design process: from concept to 2D/3D approval

A professional interior design process splits into two clear phases: initial consultation (capturing needs, developing concepts with the architect) and detailed design (site survey, contract signing, 2D/3D drawings, approval). Understanding the sequence helps owners know when to make decisions and avoid costly back-and-forth revisions. This article describes each step in real working order.

Phase 1: Initial consultation

Step 1 — Capture the brief. The sales team logs the initial request through the contact channels, provides preliminary advice and schedules a meeting at the actual location.

Step 2 — Develop concepts with the architect. The architect or design specialist discusses the floor plate, ideas, style, space optimisation, and material and furniture choices that fit the budget. Both sides then agree a date for the on-site survey.

Phase 2: Detailed design

Step 1 — Survey and measure the existing conditions. The architect visits the site to record:

• Total area to be designed.
• Intended use and functional needs.
• Style, colour and material requirements.
• The allowable budget.
• Photos of existing conditions and detailed measurements.

Step 2 — Sign the design contract. The contract states each party’s details, terms, obligations and timeline. By convention, the client pays part of the design fee up front; the timeline follows the commitment, usually excluding Sundays and holidays.

Step 3 — Produce 2D/3D drawings. From survey data the architect draws the furniture layout plan, then detailed 3D renders of each space (living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom…) so the client can picture the real result.

Step 4 — Approve the scheme. The client gives feedback and the architect revises until the scheme meets the needs and function.

Step 5 — Hand over the file and liquidate. The complete design package is handed over as the basis for construction.

Reference design fees

Market design fees are usually charged per m² and vary by style:

Item	Reference level
Architectural design	~350,000 VND/m²
Modern-style interior	~250,000 VND/m²
Classic / neo-classic interior	~350,000 VND/m²

These are market references; the final rate depends on scale, level of detail and number of revisions.

Sign the design contract before 3D

An important note: sign the design contract before producing detailed 3D. This protects both sides — the client gets a committed timeline and revision count, and the design firm has its early-stage effort recognised from the concept phase.

AIC follows a single-point design-build model: one team is accountable from design to construction, so drawings are produced with a “buildable for real” mindset, avoiding beautiful 3D that cannot actually be built.

Frequently asked questions

How long does interior design take?

It depends on the level of detail required and how clearly the scheme is locked. Reference is around 10–15 days for an apartment interior. More elaborate requirements or repeated revisions extend it. Adding the build phase, see the full design-and-fit-out timeline.

Is the design fee deducted from construction cost?

It depends on each firm’s policy and each project. In many cases the design fee is negotiated separately or partly credited when the client signs the construction contract — clarify this in the contract from the start.

Why is an on-site survey needed?

Drawings are only accurate when based on real measurements of the floor plate, columns, beams, service ducts and power/water points. The survey prevents mismatches between design and reality during construction.