How to Prepare a Brief Before Hiring a Designer?

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Hiring a designer is often seen as the starting point of a project.

In reality, the brief is.

A well-prepared brief doesn’t just help a designer understand what you want — it shapes timelines, budgets, decisions, and ultimately how successful the space becomes. Most projects that feel “confusing”, “over budget”, or “not quite right” usually trace back to one thing: an unclear brief.

The good news? A good brief doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be honest, thoughtful, and intentional.

Here’s how to prepare one that actually works.

1. Start with why, not Pinterest

Before layouts, colours, or inspiration images, ask yourself one simple question:

Why are you doing this project?

Is it:

• To support growth?

• To improve how people work?

• To reflect a brand shift?

• To create comfort, focus, or energy?

Design decisions become much clearer when the purpose is clear.A space designed for focus will look very different from one designed for collaboration — even if both are “modern offices”.

Pinterest images can come later. Purpose comes first.

2. Be clear about how the space will actually be used

Design works best when it’s grounded in reality, not assumptions.

Instead of saying:

“We want a collaborative space”

Try answering:

• Who uses the space daily?

• How many people work here now?

• How might that change in 1–3 years?

• What activities happen most often?

• What activities don’t work well in the current space?

These details help designers plan circulation, zoning, acoustics, and furniture layouts that feel natural — not forced.

Good design supports behaviour.It doesn’t fight it.

3. Share constraints early (they’re not a problem)

Budgets, timelines, approvals, and site limitations are often treated as things to “figure out later”. In reality, they should be part of the brief from day one.

Being upfront about:

• Budget range

• Expected timelines

• Phasing requirements

• Approval processes

• Site restrictions

doesn’t limit creativity — it focuses it.

A designer who understands constraints early can design intelligently within them, instead of redesigning repeatedly later.

Clarity at the start saves time, money, and frustration down the line.

4. Talk about what you don’t like (this is underrated)

Most briefs focus heavily on preferences — colours you like, styles you admire, spaces you love.

Equally important:

• What hasn’t worked for you before?

• What do you want to avoid?

• What feels uncomfortable, impractical, or overdone?

Sharing dislikes helps a designer eliminate wrong directions quickly and arrive at the right one faster.

Sometimes knowing what not to do is the biggest shortcut.

5. Define the level of involvement you expect

Not all clients want the same kind of process.

Some prefer:

• Frequent check-ins and collaborative decisions

Others prefer:

• Clear milestones and minimal involvement

There’s no right or wrong — but it’s important to state expectations early.

Clarifying roles helps set the tone for communication, approvals, and decision-making throughout the project.

Good design relationships are built on aligned expectations, not assumptions.

6. Remember: a brief is a living document

A brief doesn’t have to be perfect on day one.

It’s okay if some answers evolve as the project progresses. What matters is starting with a shared understanding — a foundation that both client and designer can return to when decisions feel unclear.

Think of the brief as a compass, not a rulebook.

In closing

A well-prepared brief doesn’t guarantee a good project — but no good project exists without one.

Taking the time to reflect on purpose, usage, constraints, and expectations sets the stage for a smoother process and a space that truly works for you.

Good design isn’t about guessing what looks good.It’s about understanding what matters — and building from there.