What to Expect in Your Designer Renovation Process
This post will include a summary of standard interior design and architectural phases, and include:
Schematic Design: The First Step in Your Renovation Process Schematic Design
Board Approval: Getting Your NYC Renovation Reviewed & Approved
Stay tuned for our post about managing construction.
If you’re planning a home or office remodel, understanding the interior design and building renovation process will help you feel confident and prepared at every stage. Whether you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, a designer-led renovation follows clear phases that guide you from early planning through construction.
Before you begin, it’s helpful to know what happens during a NYC interior design project from the initial consultation to space planning, DOB filings, and contractor coordination. Many New Yorkers completing a renovation will need approval from their co-op or condo board and must comply with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requirements.
The renovation design process begins with an initial consultation, where your designer learns about your lifestyle, goals, scope, and budget. This meeting is usually followed by a walk-through of your home. At this stage, it helps to have a good idea of the scope of your project.
Schematic Design: The First Step in Your Renovation Process Schematic Design
The schematic design phase establishes the groundwork on which the project will be built and defines the entire design process. Space plans and preliminary moodboards are developed, which serve as the starting point for the materials and furniture selection. The interior design studio or architecture firm then creates an initial plan with rough sketches, which it will review with you at the next meeting. Once you approve the schematic design, the base floor plan is considered frozen, and additional plans can be generated on top of this: electrical, ceiling, finish.
Once the floorplan is frozen, it is a good time to do a budget check-in for your project. Checking in costs regularly – at the end of each design phase – allows for budget controls for design projects, and keeps clients informed of the financial impact of their decisions on their project.
Once schematic design is complete: the floorplan is frozen, moodboards approved, and a project budget has been reviewed and approved, the project moves on to the next phase: design development. This phase lays the groundwork for designing a renovation that reflects your needs, preferences, and the functional requirements of the space.
Design Development and Coordination with Consultants
The next step is the design development process, during which the most important features of the interior space are decided. Collaboration among all team members, including you, the interior designer, architect, engineers, and craftspeople results in the selection of most of the interior design elements, including materials, furnishing, and finishes.
Typical consultants during design development may include:
HVAC Engineer
Structural Engineer
Acoustical Engineer
Coordination with specialty vendors such as milloworkers, metalworkers, etc
During the design development phase, the design becomes more detailed, with the floor plan showing the rooms to scale. A general budget review also occurs at the completion of this phase.
Materials are selected for the entirety of your project, and drawings are produced to reflec that. A complete design development set includes:
Floorplan (produced in the Schematic Design Phase
Electrical Plan
Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
Floor Finish Plan
Elevations of all walls being impacted
Specialty and millwork details
Renderings
You will also review and approve material finishes via physical samples for all of the finish materials selected for the project.
At this stage, your designer finalizes materials, layouts, and specifications in a Design Development package. Allowances for materials, and finish calculations become known and a budget check-in is done at the completion of this phase.
Board Approval: Getting Your NYC Renovation Reviewed & Approved
Most NYC apartment renovations, especially in co-ops and condos, require board approval. The regulatory phase begins with reviewing the alteration agreement which outlines what work is permitted. And submitting it along with a detailed set of plans to the building for review. You will also have to abide by the building's rules and alteration agreement, which is the contractual agreement between you and the board. You also may need to file with and receive permits from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
This phase starts with notifying the board and building management that you intend to renovate your apartment. They will provide you with the necessary paperwork and guidelines. Your interior architecture or design firm will write a letter laying out the proposed work, and submit the necessary documents, including the filled-in building's alteration agreement, the design plan, and copies of the contractor's insurance certificates and licenses. Often the board will have its own architect or engineers review the proposal before issuing an approval, and you may need to meet with board members and the building manager to discuss the plans. You can expect the approval to take a month or more.
Approval timelines vary, but most projects can expect several weeks for review, especially in buildings with strict renovation policies
Regulatory Considerations in NYC Home & Office Renovations
New York City's Department of Buildings (DOB) oversees the construction and renovation of all buildings located within its five boroughs. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of the construction by enforcing the City's regulations and construction codes.
A licensed architect will obtain the necessary permits for construction work. However, a permit from the DOB is not necessary for minor work, such as the installation of kitchen cabinets or replacing doors.
Designer Renovation FAQs
What is the importance of a design process in renovations?
A clear design process keeps your project aligned with your goals, budget, and timeline, reducing surprises during construction.
What should I expect during the initial consultation for a renovation project?
Expect a conversation about your goals, lifestyle, scope, and budget, followed by a walk-through to understand the space and constraints.
What should I expect during a home renovation in NYC?
Most NYC renovations follow a structured sequence, from schematic design and board approval to bidding and construction administration, so you always know the next step.
