Module 10: Working With Clients

This module teaches you how to navigate professional interior design projects by working effectively with clients from project inception to completion. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the procedures, tools, and thought processes that transform creative ideas into practical, real-world solutions while meeting client expectations and project requirements.

You will develop skills in client consultation and communication, learning how to interpret briefs, negotiate requirements, and build strong professional relationships. The module also covers project planning, including timelines, resource management, and coordinating with contractors and suppliers, ensuring your designs are delivered on schedule and within budget.

Additionally, you’ll explore budgeting, cost estimation, and the preparation of quotations and contracts, giving you the confidence to manage the financial and administrative aspects of projects professionally. You’ll also refine your ability to present concepts and solutions to clients through visual boards, documentation, and persuasive presentations, ensuring your design ideas are clearly communicated and aligned with client goals.

Through practical exercises, scenario-based tasks, and real-world project simulations, you’ll learn to integrate creativity with professional practice, producing cohesive, functional, and stylish interiors that meet client needs. By the end of this module, you will have the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills required to manage interior design projects from concept to completion successfully.

This module is part of the Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) at IDI and is designed to equip you with industry-relevant expertise for professional practice, ensuring your ability to deliver high-quality, client-focused design solutions.

Module 10 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

Working with clients is at the heart of professional interior design. In Module 10, you’ll:

Learn essential steps in the interior design process from discovery to completion.
Understand how to build strong relationships with clients and manage expectations.
Gain practical skills for quotations, agreements, cost scheduling, and client communication.
Develop confidence in presenting professional proposals and design concepts.
Experience the satisfaction of delivering a project that meets style, budget, and functionality requirements.

What You’ll Learn

Client Engagement & Communication
Build relationships, conduct discovery calls, and understand client needs.
Project Management & Organisation
Learn budgeting, scheduling, agreements, and professional documentation.
Design Process Steps
Organise your workflow from consultation to project completion.
Professional Documentation & Proposals
Use visual tools like mood boards and sample boards to communicate effectively.

What You’ll Do

Conduct A Client Discovery Call
Engage a real or simulated client to gather project requirements.
Develop Mood Boards & Sample Boards
Visualise design ideas and communicate your vision clearly to clients.
Prepare Cost Schedules & Quotations
Calculate budgets, schedule costs, and prepare professional quotes.
Create Professional Client Proposals
Draft letters of acceptance and formal proposals for project delivery.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

MSFID5021 – Evaluate Site Structure and Services for Interior Design Briefs: You’ll learn how to assess existing site conditions, structural elements, and services to inform accurate and functional interior design solutions.
MSFID4022 – Prepare Quotation and Contract Documentation for Design Projects: You’ll gain practical skills in preparing professional quotations, contracts, and project documentation to ensure clarity and compliance in client projects.
MSFID5025 – Develop Residential Interior Design Project Documentation: You’ll learn to produce detailed, professional design documentation including plans, schedules, and specifications for residential interiors, supporting effective project delivery.
MSFID5018 – Provide Interior Styling Service: You’ll explore the practical application of styling techniques, learning to create cohesive, visually compelling interiors by selecting and arranging furniture, art, accessories, and soft furnishings.

These units are delivered through a combination of research, practical exercises, design challenges, and visual analysis, ensuring you develop strong conceptual thinking, professional practice skills, and the ability to deliver comprehensive, client-focused interior design projects.

Module Topics

In Module 10, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

The Home Is Where The Heart Is
Reasons For Using An Interior Designer
Building Relationships With Clients
Fee Structures
Talking About Money
Furniture Directory
Pricing Guideline
Paperwork
File Organisation

Quotations
Agreements
Useful Programs
The Design Process
How To Approach A Design Project
Phase 1 - Discover
Phase 2 - Plan
Phase 3 - Implement
Project Review & Next Steps

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 10, you will:

Be confident working with clients and managing design projects.
Understand the full interior design process from start to finish.
Prepare professional documentation, proposals, and cost schedules.
Apply client communication skills to deliver design solutions on time and on budget.
Develop confidence and professionalism for real-world interior design practice.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors will support you throughout Module 10. They provide guidance on client engagement, design process management, budgeting, and professional presentation. Receive tips to maintain professionalism, meet deadlines, and deliver a polished, client-ready interior design project.