Working to a budget

Working to a Budget

There is no escaping the fact that the budget is an enormous part of any project. It's essential to gain as much understanding as you can of where the budget is being allocated, and stay on top of it throughout.

Don't be afraid to push for transparency around the budget

As an interior designer and decorator, it can sometimes be that I'm not always privy to the full budget breakdown between builders and architects. However, I would argue that it's important to be a part of these discussions if you can, so that you're able to establish what is essential and what could be solved with a more cost-effective solution. Often the interior designer will have the best understanding of what the client wants, and can be an invaluable liaison between the client and contractors.

Get the help of a project manager

I would always recommend enlisting the help of a project manager, and I would even go so far as to turn down a job if there wasn't a project manager on board. I find it really important to have boundaries, and will outline clearly from the outset where my job begins and ends, and I will not take on the responsibility of project management.

While the cost of a project manager might look expensive, they will pay for themselves through the savings you will make as a result of having them on board the project.