WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?
And how do we add value to your project?
When clients think about interior design, they often imagine colour palettes, beautiful fabrics and carefully chosen furniture. While those elements are an essential part of what we do, they are only a small percentage of the process.
Many clients are surprised to learn that an architect isn’t always necessary for interior projects. Unless you’re planning a new build or major structural work, an interior designer can handle all documentation for your home renovation - at least we can anyway!
Hi, I’m Chloe (pictured right), and I am in my fifth year with the DVDS team. Our studio works collaboratively on every project which means as our client, you’ll work with all of us from start to finish, led by Danielle and her 25 years of experience in the industry as an Interior Designer.
My day to day focuses on creating detailed CAD (Computer- aided Design) drawing sets of floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, wall elevations and details that our builders and cabinetry makers use to price and build your project.
(from left) Danielle Bonello & Chloe Kupczyk photographed in our Mosman House Project
Skills and expertise
We both hold degrees in Interior Architecture from UNSW and UTS, with training that extends well beyond aesthetics into spatial planning, construction detailing, and architectural functionality. This allows us to engage deeply with the structural planning of your home, not just its finishes alone.
By refining your floor plan, we add the greatest value to both your asset and your everyday living.
These documents ensure every space functions correctly, meet BCA codes (The Building Code of Australia) and can be built from our drawings.
Areas of professional training:
Space planning and spatial flow
Lighting layouts and electrical planning (all your down lights, wall lights, switches, power points, underfloor heating, sensor lighting, etc)
Building regulations and compliance (knowing the right height for your vanity and tapware)
Construction methods and materials
Joinery design and detailing (kitchens, butlers pantry, bathrooms, laundries, mudrooms, gym rooms, wardrobes, living rooms and everything in-between)
Technical drawing and documentation
This means Danielle Victoria Design Studio are fully equipped to design and draft your home from a technical perspective not just suggest your products, colours and finishes selections.
What ‘Drafting’ means in Interior design?
Drafting is the process of producing accurate, scaled technical drawings that communicate our designs. These drawings are the bridge between design ideas and construction reality.
As an interior designer we produce professional construction documentation:
Entire House Floor plans showing layouts, dimensions, and circulation
Floor plans of individual rooms
Elevations of every room, showing wall treatments, cabinetry, finishes, and fixtures
Joinery drawings with all the inclusions- hanging rails, hampers, pull out ironing boards, paper towel dispensers, built in waste bins, etc.
Lighting and electrical plans
Material and finish documentation
We draw for your builders and cabinetmakers
One of the largest benefits of working with an interior designer is that all drawings are prepared specifically for builders and joiners to use on site.
Our plans and elevations are:
Fully dimensioned
Clearly annotated
Aligned with building standards
Coordinated across trades
Include the exact appliances and sanitaryware you select, drawn in to scale to ensure everything in the space fits.
Once finalised, they are signed off and issued to your builder, joiner and other trades along with a FF&E (Finishes, Fittings and Equipment) schedule giving them a clear roadmap of what needs to be built and how.
This level of documentation reduces errors, provides meticulous detail and avoids costly errors during construction.
Why does this matter?
Having professionally drafted drawings brings enormous value to your project. You can see exactly how your home will be laid out before anything is built.
Efficency and timelines
Builders and trades work faster and more accurately when they have clear drawings. This helps keep your project running smoothly and on schedule.
No nasty surprises
Builders and joiners use our detailed drawings to accurately price the project from the outset, ensuring clarity, transparency and fewer unexpected costs down the track. No one wants a build with constant variations!
For renovations, extensions, and new builds, the documentation is fundamental, it means fewer questions on site, fewer compromises, and a smoother overall experience for you as the client.
A home you have always imagined
An interior designer doesn’t just make your home look beautiful, we are here to bring you expertise, detailed technical drawings and confidence that every element of your home is thoughtfully considered and expertly managed.
We truly love what we do and feel so privileged to bring our clients’ homes to life through thoughtful design and detailed planning. If you’re looking for an interior designer to guide you through your project from concept to construction we would love to hear from you.
