Interior designers send a proposal or estimate after an initial consultation and before any design work begins. Clients usually compare the fee structure, the deliverables, and how product costs are handled, not just the bottom line. A clear proposal also doubles as the basis for your agreement.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
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Naming each space prevents a client from assuming the hallway or adjoining room is part of a single-room price.
Concept boards, floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and shopping lists take different amounts of time, and clients should know which they receive.
Limits open-ended changes and gives you a basis to bill extra rounds.
A stated budget range sets expectations, and written approval before each order protects you from disputes over spending.
State whether you charge retail, cost plus, or a procurement fee so markup is never a surprise.
Lead times for custom furniture can run 12-20 weeks, and delays in client decisions should not become your liability.
Makes clear that construction, trades, and engineering are separate from design fees unless you are coordinating them.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | per hour | $100-250 |
| Design services (hourly) | per hour | $75-250 |
| E-design room package | flat fee per room | $300-1,500 |
| Full-service room design | flat fee per room | $2,000-8,000 |
| Space planning and layout | flat fee | $500-3,000 |
| Product sourcing and procurement | percent of product cost | 15-35% |
| Project management and install day | per hour | $60-150 |
| Assistant or junior designer time | per hour | $40-100 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
List every phase, estimate the hours for each, then multiply by your rate and add a buffer. This gives a flat fee that reflects the real work, including meetings, sourcing, and revisions.
Offer tiers such as e-design, design plus shopping list, and full-service with procurement and installation. Clients can choose their level of involvement, and you avoid being compared on price alone.
Furniture prices change and clients revise their taste. Quote product as an allowance or range and finalize costs through approved purchase orders.
Pricing from vendors and your own availability change. Stating that the proposal is valid for 14-30 days encourages a decision and keeps you from honoring outdated terms.
Many designers do, often $100-250 per hour or a flat fee that is credited toward the project if the client signs. A paid consultation filters out people who are not ready to hire and values your time.
You can, but only if the scope and number of rooms are well defined. Many designers quote the design fee as fixed and keep product and project management as separate, estimated or hourly items.
Your proposal should say that work outside the stated scope is billed hourly or through a written change order. Raise it as soon as you notice, and get approval in writing before doing the additional work.
It depends on how it is written and your state. A signed proposal that includes terms and acceptance generally works as a contract, while a rough estimate may not. Use language that says whether the figures are fixed or estimated, and have a lawyer review your template.
Use the Interior Designer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Interior Designer invoice template