Preventing Scope Creep: Tips for Managing Interior Design Projects Effectively
Have you ever started a project for a living room styling? It then expanded to a complete home renovation- including full bathrooms and kitchens? First of all - well done! Your client likes what you do and how you do it. But, has it ever left you feeling that you are doing work that was not covered by the agreement?
As an interior designer, it's common to experience scope creep on a project. Scope creep is when the project's scope expands beyond its initial boundaries. It results in more work, time, and resources than planned.
Scope creep can lead to missed deadlines. It leads to budget overruns, and frustration for the designer and the client.
Here are some tips on how to stop scope creep on an interior design project:
Define the scope of work: The first step to avoiding scope creep is to have a defined scope of work. This includes a detailed list of what is and isn't included in the project. This should in the client agreement/contract and be as detailed as possible.
Have a change request process: If a client requests a change, have a change request process in place. This could include a form that outlines:
the requested change
the reason for it
the impact on the project timeline and budget
a space for approval signatures.
If you don’t want a formal process, inform your client about the changes. Send them a new agreement. Ensure that you get a sign-off on these new features.
3. Communicate every week:
Sometimes, scope creep is beyond the control of the client and you as the designer. Regular communication with the client is crucial to managing scope creep. I recommend a weekly roundup email. This email keeps the client updated on:
progress
any changes to the scope
any delays or issues that arise.
This will help you catch any potential scope creep before it becomes a bigger problem. Be as open as possible and keep the client in the loop.
4. Set boundaries:
Clients sometimes think that an extra task is small. They don't understand that it may take hours of work. They believe that there is no significant impact so you should be willing to do it for free.
Set boundaries with your client from the start. Be clear about what you are and aren't willing to do and what your limitations are.
If a client asks for something outside the scope of work:
remind them of the agreed upon tasks
the impact the change may have on the project
Inform them of this as soon as possible.
5. Track time and expenses:
Tracking your time and expenses is a great way to stay on top of the project's scope. Use a time tracking tool to track your spending on each task and compare it to the project timeline.
This will help you identify any tasks that are taking longer than expected and adjust . I love using Harvest time tracker, but even the timer on your phone will do. You can watch a video on how to use Harvest below ☟
6. Keep documentation:
Keep a detailed record of all communication, changes, and approvals. This will help you stay organised and keep track of any changes to the project's scope. I like to keep this in a Notion database, which means I can access the notes and any documentation .
Halting scope creep is crucial to completing a successful interior design project. By implementing a scope process which includes :
a clear scope of work
a change request process
regular communication
setting boundaries
tracking time and expenses
keeping documentation
By completing these steps, you can avoid scope creep and ensure the project stays on track.
Hi 👋🏽 I’m Joanne!
I’m an interior designer, educator and business coach. After studying Economics and Education at uni, the design world beckoned, drawing me to Christie’s in London, where I completed post-grad studies in art & design and then to Hong Kong, where I founded Eclectic Cool, a design firm and design store. . Eclectic Cool represented international brands such as Gubi, &tradition, HAY, Armadillo Rugs & Dinosaur Designs to name a few. My work and store have been featured in Monocle, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle Decor, Expat Living, Cathay Pacific inflight magazines, South China Morning Post and the ABC (Australia) network and more. I live on the south coast of Australia on a country property between the beautiful Australian bush and the Pacific Ocean with my husband and cavoodle. I’m the mum of three adult children.
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