The Design Timeline — From Consultation to Completion

“How long will it take?”It’s one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners across Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan, and the GTA who are planning a renovation or new build.

The truth? Every project is unique — but great design always takes time.

Designing a home isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how everything comes together, in the right order, at the right time. Whether you’re refreshing a few rooms or designing an entire home, each phase plays an important role in bringing your vision to life.

If you’ve read my previous posts — When to Hire an Interior Designer, Why Hiring a Designer Too Late Can Cost You More, and What to Expect When Working With an Interior Designer — this post completes the picture. Here’s what really happens after you say “yes” to design, and what you can expect at each stage of the process.

Phase One - I — Consultation & Discovery (2–3 weeks)

Every project begins with a conversation. During the consultation, we review your space, discuss your goals, and define your style and priorities. You’ll share inspiration images, and we’ll begin shaping the vision for your home.

This stage sets the foundation for the entire process — bringing clarity to your needs before any design work begins.

“A clear vision at the start keeps every step that follows aligned and intentional.”

Phase One - II — Design Development (4–8+ weeks)

Once your goals are defined, the design work begins. We create layouts, floor plans, and initial design concepts — refining them through collaboration and feedback until everything feels right.

This is where the creative direction takes shape and every detail begins to align.

“The design phase takes time because every decision supports the next — and precision here saves time later.”

Phase Two - I — Selections (4–12+ weeks)

With your design approved, we move into the detailed work of selecting every finish and furnishing that will bring it to life. Flooring, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, hardware, paint colours, and fabrics are carefully chosen to reflect the design vision.

Selections are presented in-studio, allowing you to see and feel materials together for a cohesive result. For larger projects, these meetings may be divided by area or category to ensure clarity and focus.

We source primarily from trade-only suppliers, ensuring access to high-quality materials, better value, and timeless results.

“Every selection supports the design vision — it’s where the details start to define the home.”

Phase Two - II — Construction Documents & Technical Drawings (3–6+ weeks)

Once all selections are confirmed, we move into the technical side of design — creating the detailed documents that ensure your project is built exactly as envisioned.

This phase is where creativity meets precision. We refine every layout and produce comprehensive technical drawings that guide your contractor and trades through construction with accuracy and clarity.

Our construction documents include:

• Refined interior layouts and final drawings

• Preliminary cost estimates and budget review

• Detailed millwork and feature wall elevations

• Flooring and tile layout plans

• Reflected ceiling and lighting plans

• Electrical layouts and specifications

• Final scope document outlining materials and details

These drawings are the backbone of a well-executed project. They remove guesswork, streamline communication between designer and builder, and ensure every dimension and finish is implemented correctly on site.

“Construction drawings turn ideas into instructions — they bridge the creative vision and the finished result.”

Phase Three - I — Implementation & Ordering (4–12+ weeks)

Once your design is approved, it’s time to bring it to life. Materials, furnishings, and fixtures are ordered, and timelines depend heavily on availability and shipping.

Some items — like custom furniture, cabinetry, or imported tiles — can have longer lead times.

The designer tracks every order, manages deliveries, and keeps things on schedule — so construction doesn’t stall.

Phase Three - II — Implementation & Construction (8–20+ weeks)

This is where design meets reality. We collaborate closely with contractors and trades to ensure the design intent is executed precisely as planned.

Depending on the scope, this phase may range from a few months to a year for large-scale renovations or new builds. Our team coordinates with trades, reviews layouts, and confirms that every detail aligns with the approved design.

“Design doesn’t end when construction starts — that’s when the details matter most.”

Phase Four — Styling & Finishing Touches (1–2 weeks)

Once construction is complete, the final layer begins — furniture, art, accessories, and styling that complete the space.

This stage moves quickly but makes the biggest impact, transforming your project from finished to truly complete.

“The finishing touches are where the magic happens — they turn a house into a home.”

The Typical Design Timeline at a Glance

Phase	Timeline	Focus
Phase I - I - Consultation & Discovery	2–3 weeks	Defining goals, scope, and style
Phase I - II - Design Development	4–12+ weeks	Layouts, concepts, and materials
Phase II - I- Sourcing and Selections	4-12+ weeks	Selections and details
Phase II - II - Construction Documents and Technical Drawings	1-2+ weeks	Final detailed drawings
Phase III - I - Ordering	12–16+ weeks	Procurement and scheduling
Phase III - II Implementation & Construction	8–12+ weeks	Coordination and site progress
Phase IV - Styling & Completion	2–3 weeks	Final setup and reveal

Every project moves at its own pace, but most renovations take 8+ months from consultation to completion — and longer for full-home or custom new builds.

Timelines vary based on scope, decision-making, and product availability, but a strong plan ensures every step flows smoothly from design to construction to styling.

“Design is a journey — and every phase builds confidence, creativity, and clarity along the way.”

Why Early Planning Matters (Especially in the GTA)

In the Greater Toronto Area, demand for quality trades and materials is high, and timelines can shift quickly. Getting started early ensures you can:

• Secure your preferred contractors and suppliers

• Plan and order materials without rush fees

• Transition from design to build seamlessly

A beautiful home doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and patience.The design process is a journey — and each stage adds another layer of confidence, creativity, and clarity.

If you’re planning a renovation or new build in Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan, Etobicoke, or anywhere in the GTA, reach out early. Let’s create a timeline that works for your project — and make every week of it worth the wait.

Thanks for reading!

Lenore 🤍