Most clients will come to you with a general idea of the design they're looking for in a new bathroom or kitchen.

But they're likely to be rather vague on the details.

This is generally because they don't have the technical understanding required to simply hand you a set of specifications for the project.

They may also not be aware of the full range of possibilities available until you present the various options to them.

The best place to carry out a design presentation is at the showroom.

This could either be at your own workplace or at a building advisory centre or manufacturer's showroom.

Depending on the size of the project, you may need more than one meeting to fine tune the details required to draw up the document called the design brief.

The design brief is the document that describes the client's objectives and sets out the requirements and final design.

There are three basic stages in preparing the brief, as shown below.

1. Develop a preliminary design

Below are the typical steps involved in your first meeting with the client to establish a suitable design and the scope of the project.

1. Show the client computer generated 3-D drawings of the different designs available.
   
   
2. Identify the product options for the various components of the project.
   
   
3. Discuss the budget and tailor the design accordingly.
   
   
4. Agree on the preliminary design, project scope and budget.

2. Develop a final design

The final design stage is where you collect all the detailed information you'll need to prepare the design brief. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Finalise the product selection on the items to be included, such as:

• cabinets, bench tops and appliances
  
  
• windows, doors and hardware
  
  
• plumbing fixtures, taps and accessories
  
  
• electrical fittings and lighting
  
  
• wall and ceiling finishes
  
  
• flooring (which may include tiles, timber, laminates, vinyl or carpet).

2. Review the final design plans and incorporate any changes.

3. Review the project specifications.

4. Review the budget based on final design and selections.

5. Organise temporary services, such as a portable bathroom or temporary kitchen.

3. Prepare the design brief

A well prepared design brief can be used as a reference document throughout the course of the project to make sure the work being done is in keeping with everyone's expectations. It should also form a central part of the contract between the client and the contractor.

The design brief is likely to contain the following elements:

• client's needs and objectives
• requirements and design features
• timeline for the project, showing milestones for particular stages
• budget
• standards that apply, including criteria that will be used to evaluate the finished project
• consultation arrangements.