A commercial interior design proposal should set out the understood brief, scope and deliverables by stage, the fee and how it is structured, assumptions and exclusions, programme, the team, and terms. Clear scope and exclusions are what let you compare proposals fairly rather than on headline price.
Key takeaways
- Compare proposals on scope and exclusions, not just the fee.
- A good proposal restates the brief so you know it was understood.
- Deliverables should be listed by stage, with clear decision points.
- Assumptions and exclusions prevent later disputes and surprise costs.
- Check what is NOT included: submissions, furniture, audio-visual, site attendance.
Understood brief and scope
A strong proposal begins by restating your brief in the designer's words. This confirms they understood the goals, headcount, site and constraints. The scope then defines exactly what the designer will do, ideally broken into stages so you can approve progress and cost along the way.
Deliverables and fee structure
Deliverables should be listed per stage: test fits, concept, developed design, documentation, and construction support. The fee should state how it is structured, whether a fixed fee, a percentage of construction value, or a rate per area, and what each stage costs. This lets you see value, not just a single number.
Assumptions and exclusions
This is the section that protects both sides. Assumptions record what the fee is based on, for example a warm-shell base build or a given area. Exclusions name what is not included: authority submissions, furniture procurement, audio-visual design, signage, surveys or construction-stage attendance. Reading exclusions carefully is how you avoid surprise costs.
Programme, team and terms
Finally, the proposal should give an indicative programme, the people who will do the work, and commercial terms such as payment stages and what happens if scope changes. A proposal that is clear here signals a firm that manages projects well. To discuss a proposal for your space, contact our team.
Frequently asked questions
What should a commercial interior design proposal include?
It should include the understood brief, scope and deliverables by stage, the fee and its structure, assumptions and exclusions, an indicative programme, the project team and commercial terms. Clear scope and exclusions let you compare proposals fairly.
How do I compare two design proposals?
Compare scope and exclusions first, then fee. A lower fee that excludes submissions, furniture or site attendance may cost more overall. Line up what each proposal actually delivers at each stage before looking at price.
What are common exclusions in a design proposal?
Authority submissions, furniture procurement, audio-visual and security design, signage, measured surveys, specialist consultants and construction-stage attendance are often excluded or priced separately. Always confirm which of these you will need and who provides them.
Should a proposal include a fixed fee?
A fixed fee suits a clear, well-defined scope. For larger or less-defined projects a percentage of construction value or a rate per area may be used. What matters most is that the structure and inclusions are clear, not the structure itself.
What does a good proposal tell me about the firm?
A proposal that restates your brief accurately, stages deliverables, and is explicit about assumptions and exclusions signals a firm that manages projects carefully. Vague scope and missing exclusions are warning signs of surprises later.
