What’s Included in a Design Brief? Here’s Your Checklist
Every great project begins with a clear plan — and in architecture, that plan starts with a design brief. It’s the foundation that guides your architect and interior designer toward the right solution for your space, style, and lifestyle.
A well-prepared brief saves time, minimises revisions, and ensures your investment goes where it matters most. But what exactly should it include?
This guide walks you through what makes a great design brief, why it’s essential, and how to prepare one like a pro.
And if you’re ready to begin your journey, you can download our free “Design Brief Checklist” to make your first meeting with your architect effortless.
What Is a Design Brief?
A design brief is your project roadmap — it outlines your goals, needs, and vision for your renovation, extension, or new build. It communicates what you want to achieve and provides your design team with the key information they need to create a tailored concept.
It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about clearly describing what matters to you.
Think of it as your way of saying:
“This is how I live.”
“This is what I want my space to feel like.”
“These are my priorities.”
When your brief reflects how you live, your architect can design a space that feels effortlessly you.
Why the Design Brief Matters
A strong design brief lays the groundwork for a successful project. It allows your design team to:
Save time and costs by reducing back-and-forths.
Clarify your goals so your project aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
Spot potential challenges early, before they become expensive mistakes.
Enhance collaboration between your architect, interior designer, and builder.
When the brief is clear, the design outcome will be too.
Key Elements to Include in Your Design Brief
a. Project Overview
Describe what you’re planning to do — renovate, extend, or build new.
Example: “We’re planning to add a second storey to create two new bedrooms and a study.”
b. Lifestyle & Use
How do you live in your home? Who uses each space, and how?
Example: “We love entertaining, so we’d like an open-plan kitchen and dining area that opens to the backyard.”
c. Design Style & Aesthetic
Gather inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or design magazines. Identify what you’re drawn to — materials, light, and tone.
Example: “We’re drawn to warm minimalism — natural timbers, white tones, and lots of natural light.”
d. Budget Range
Be transparent about your budget early — it helps your architect guide you to realistic options.
💡 Tip: Provide a range rather than a fixed figure (for example, $1.5M–$1.8M build cost).
e. Timeline
Outline your desired start and completion dates. Include any important milestones, such as school holidays, lease expiries, or a planned move-in date.
f. Site Information
Provide property details such as address, measurements, photos, and any existing floor plans or surveys. These details help your design team understand site constraints and opportunities.
g. Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Prioritise your wish list:
Must-haves: Bigger kitchen, additional bedroom, improved natural light
Nice-to-haves: Skylight, walk-in pantry, wine cellar
h. Sustainability & Accessibility Goals
If energy efficiency, passive design, or accessibility are priorities, include them in your brief.
Example: “We’d love to integrate solar panels, cross-ventilation, and natural materials.”
i. Potential Challenges
Be upfront about known site or planning limitations — such as heritage overlays, sloping terrain, or small footprints. Identifying these early helps your architect design strategically from day one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not defining your goals clearly. Without clarity, scope creep and confusion can follow.
Avoiding budget discussions. Your budget defines what’s possible — transparency here saves time.
Overloading with inspiration. Curate what truly resonates with your style; more isn’t always better.
Forgetting functionality. Beautiful design should always serve how you live day to day.
How Formery Helps You Create the Perfect Brief
At Formery, we simplify the discovery phase. Our collaborative approach combines architecture and interiors, ensuring every element — from structure to finishes — works together seamlessly.
We guide you through every step:
Clarifying your goals and lifestyle needs
Setting a realistic timeline and budget
Translating your ideas into visual concepts
Preparing your project for approvals and construction
You don’t need to have everything figured out — that’s our job. We’ll help you turn your ideas into a cohesive, considered design that feels calm, timeless, and uniquely yours.
Ready to Start Your Project?
If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new build, now is the perfect time to put your ideas on paper.
💬 Book a Discovery Call with Formery to discuss your vision and get expert guidance on next steps.
A strong design brief is the foundation for a successful project. It gives your architect and interior designer the clarity they need to create something that feels truly yours — beautiful, functional, and lasting.
Start today by downloading our checklist and setting your project up for success.
📞 Book a Consultation with Formery →
Let’s bring your ideas to life — beautifully and strategically.