5 Reasons Why Every Interior Designer Needs a Project Manager in 2023

The need for having a project manager involved in the design process seems to grow as the role of an interior designer continues to evolve. Today’s designers are involved in a wide spectrum of tasks, from space planning and design to budgeting, procurement, and installation. Designers and their teams work closely with architects, contractors, and other trade professionals to ensure that their designs are not only beautiful but also functional and practical. This increased complexity has made project management essential for interior designers.

Project management is a critical process that ensures the successful completion of a project from start to finish. This process involves coordinating a wide range of tasks, including design, planning, budgeting, procurement, installation, and more. Managing multiple projects, communicating with clients and contractors, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly can be incredibly stressful. Bringing on a project manager can help alleviate some of this stress and give a designer the peace of mind knowing that someone else is handling the details. Ultimately, this leads to a better work-life balance and a more enjoyable work environment for designers and their teams.

The Evolution of Interior Design

Gone are the days when interior design was all about picking out pretty furniture and fabrics. In today’s world, interior designers are multi-tasking magicians creating stunning designs and juggling everything from space planning and budgeting to procurement and installation.

As the interior design industry continues to evolve and interior design services become more in demand, the need for project management has never been greater. With so much on their plates, it’s no wonder that interior designers are turning to a project manager to help them keep it all together.

The Role of Project Management in Interior Design

Project management involves coordinating an extensive range of tasks to ensure the successful completion of a project. In the field of interior design, project management involves overseeing the entire design process, from initial concept development to final installation. A project manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the project, including design, planning, budgeting, procurement, installation, and more. They work closely with the interior designer and design team, architect, contractor, and other professionals to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.

Why Interior Designers Need a Project Manager in 2023

Let’s dig deeper into the 5 reasons why we think interior designers need a project manager in 2023 and why project management should be considered an essential aspect of the interior design process.

1. Efficiency

One of the key benefits of project management is increased efficiency. By having a dedicated project manager overseeing the entire design process, the project can be completed more quickly and in an efficient manner. The project manager can identify potential problems early on and work to resolve them before they become major issues. They can also coordinate all aspects of the project, from design to installation, to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

2. Budgeting

Another important aspect of project management is budgeting. Interior design projects can be costly, and it’s important to stay within the client’s budget. A project manager can work closely with the interior designer to develop a realistic budget and ensure that the project stays within that budget. They can also track expenses throughout the project to ensure that everything is on track financially.

3. Communication

Communication is critical in any project, and interior design projects, no matter what the scale, are no exception. A project manager can serve as a liaison between the interior designer and trade professionals involved in the project. They can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication flows smoothly. They also provide regular updates to the client to keep them informed about the project’s progress.

4. Managing Project Timelines

Interior design projects can be complex and involve a wide range of risks. A project manager can help identify potential risks early on and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. They can also develop contingency plans in case unexpected issues arise during the project. 

5. Quality Control

A project manager can ensure that the project meets the highest quality standards. They will oversee the installation process to ensure that everything is done correctly and to the client’s (and the designer’s) satisfaction. Throughout a design project it’s inevitable that there will be products received that are damaged or not up to quality standards. Having a project manager to identify these issues, assess the damage and determine the best possible solution and stay on top of replacement or repair is crucial.

Added Benefits of Having a Project Manager on Your Team

With someone else handling the project management tasks, interior designers can focus on what they do best – designing and creating relationships with their clients. This will also give designers more time to take on new projects and grow their business.

A project manager can help manage workload and ensure that there is time and resources to take on new projects as they arise.

As the scope of design projects has grown it has become essential for a designer, whether working alone or with a team, to include a project manager as part of their interior design process. It is more important than ever for designers to have a dedicated project manager overseeing the entire process, one that keeps a close eye on the details of the project and keeps in close communication with the design team.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of work it takes to complete the design process for a client, maybe it’s time to consider bringing on a project manager. Jess has been working with designers to help manage their workloads for several years now. If you’ve been considering outsourcing project management, 2023 is the year!

Need help keeping it all together? – book a call here to get the ball rolling.

Whether you’re ready to make the move or even just start the conversation, Boho Creative Co. is here to support you.