The document discusses the importance of gathering a thorough design brief from the client which outlines the scope, goals, and parameters of the project in order to properly understand the client's needs and begin concept development; it notes that the designer should have an open discussion with the client to help define the project and establish rapport; and that developing a letter of agreement which documents the scope of work and terms is essential to having a shared understanding between the client and designer and avoiding disputes.

1. VDIS10002 Residential Interiors
Lecture 2:
Design Brief
Ramona Solomon

2. A “brief” is a set of instructions from a client. It should outline the scope of work
requiring the problem-solving skills of a designer.
It is not possible for the designer to begin concept development until as much
information as possible relating to the brief has been gathered. A meeting should
be set up between the client and the designer, on-site if possible, to discuss the
parameters of the project.
While it is the client who must tell the designer what work is envisaged, the
designer very often has an active role in helping the client define what is called for.
Clients often have only a vague - or even mistaken - idea of what a project calls for
and what possibilities actually exist.
Open discussion involving questions, answers and some brainstorming will help
form a basis on which the designer can build.
It is important to note that this type of discussion can only occur successfully
where some form of rapport has been established between the client and the
designer.
Gathering a brief

3. Deciphering the
needs,
wants, &
goals
of the project.

4. When we visit a client for the first time,
We listen.
We take notes.
We take some pictures to help us remember the space.

5. • Space to be conceptualised
• Clients likes and dislikes
• Function of the space/s
• Furniture, fittings and finishes required
• Furniture, fittings and finishes to remain or be retained
• Number of people to use the space
• Scope of budget
• Lifestyle information e.g.:- pets, hobbies, pastimes
• contact numbers for the client - phone, mobile, fax, email
• Address and site address where different
• Atmosphere to be created
• Special requirements for storage, security, hobbies, handicaps
• Project time frame - (long or short term, deadlines)
• Any council regulations, covenant stipulation or heritage listing
requirements applicable to the property
• Temperature variations - daily and seasonally
Information to be gathered

6. The questions can go on and on….
Sometimes clients are ready with answers to all these
questions and more. Sometimes clients need more time
to come up with answers. Sometimes some of these
items contradict each other - like the list of must-
haves and budget.

7. The letter of agreement is a contract that is written up between the designer
and the client. After initial consultation with the client the designer sets forth
the scope of work to be covered and the terms on which work will be billed.
The client is to make an acceptance in writing prior to any work commencing.
Strict verbal agreements can be valid contracts, however since terms are not
recorded, they can readily become subject to dispute. Experience suggests that
some agreement in writing is essential. For larger projects a review of
contractual documents by a lawyer familiar with the field is generally
advisable.
Letter of Agreement

8. After all the agreements are signed, budgets and fees are
discussed, and we're ready to start the project, we make
a list from those notes of the clients defined goals.

9. Then, once everything is hashed out, we basically have the
our parameters of the project. With these items figured
out, we can begin to wrap ourselves around your project
and develop a design that takes into consideration all of
these parameters and builds a solution.

10. After a brief analysis has been completed, it should be used to form a research plan.
Initial investigation should obtain any council regulation documents or OH&S
pertaining to the job at hand.
Some suggestions:
a) develop lists of prospective sources from the Yellow pages;
b) use the telephone, internet, fax and email to establish possibilities;
c) work from your own professional library to source products and finishes that
have application potential;
d) begin an “ideas file” from magazines, and photocopies of pictures in library and
reference books. (Some clients may already have developed such a file which they
would be happy to lend to you).
e) some research may need to be done regarding the “decorative style” the client is
wishing to implement in the design/decor of their home/property. This is
particularly vital when renovating period style houses where modifications to
historically listed properties is restricted to retain the authenticity and original
charm of its day.
Research for a Simple Brief

11. Mini TASK 1 – Week 1
Research interior design typologies; apartments, beach houses, town
houses. Select a site, somewhere familiar and accessible for measuring
With your site selected, review the space and identify OHS issues that may
be a cause for concern.
Identify legislative requirements that will need to be considered for new
design work, eg Body Corporate, local by-law and National Building Codes.
When you have read through the ‘Macleay Regis Brief’ (in the resource file);
prepare a clients’ brief showing your understanding of the clients
requirements for the project
This brief should be in point form between 750 – 1000 words.

12. Mini TASK 2 – Week 2
Research and assemble,
10 -20 images of existing residential interior environments to
communicate your design intent, or, direction for the style of the interior
you intend to propose for the ‘Macleay Regis Brief’.
Present as,
a ‘power point’ for the approval of your client.