Design Review is a formal checkpoint in the construction or remodeling process. Clients and design professionals evaluate the proposed plans, layouts, materials, and finishes before moving forward to finalization or construction. It ensures that the design aligns with the project goals, meets functional and aesthetic expectations, and adheres to budget and code requirements.
Design reviews are essential for catching inconsistencies, confirming decisions, and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned before making significant time and cost commitments.
When Does a Design Review Take Place?
Design reviews typically occur at multiple stages during a project:
- Concept Review: Evaluates initial floor plans, inspiration boards, and rough layouts.
- Schematic Review: Checks room flow, spatial relationships, and preliminary aesthetics.
- Design Development Review: Focuses on selected materials, finishes, fixtures, and 3D renderings.
- Pre-Construction Review: Confirms final construction drawings, engineering details, and permitting documents.
Key Components of a Design Review
- Floor Plan & Layout Verification: Reviewing room dimensions, flow, and usability.
- Material & Finish Selections: Confirming choices for flooring, tile, cabinetry, paint, and more.
- Style & Aesthetic Alignment: Ensuring design matches the agreed-upon visual direction.
- Functional Checkpoints: Verifying that storage, lighting, appliance placement, and accessibility meet client needs.
- Code & Permit Compliance: Reviewing designs against zoning rules and building codes.
- Budget Confirmation: Ensuring selections are in line with the approved budget.
Why Design Reviews Matter
- Catch Issues Early: Avoid costly changes during construction.
- Enhance Communication: Aligns expectations between clients, designers, and builders.
- Support Decision-Making: Offers clarity and confidence in moving forward.
- Maintain Project Momentum: Keeps the project on schedule by reducing back-and-forth.
- Improve Outcome Quality: Leads to better-integrated, cohesive, and well-executed designs.
Design Review vs. Design Consultation
| Feature | Design Review | Design Consultation |
| Timing | Mid-project or pre-construction | Early planning phase |
| Purpose | Evaluate and approve existing designs | Explore ideas and define goals |
| Focus | Accuracy, alignment, refinements | Vision, preferences, project scope |
| Deliverables | Markups, approvals, and change requests | Conceptual direction and inspiration |
Tips for a Successful Design Review
- Come prepared with questions and feedback
- Bring all decision-makers to the meeting
- Reference earlier discussions or visuals for consistency
- Speak up about concerns—this is the time to pivot if needed
- Confirm any changes in writing to avoid confusion later
At Jackson Carter Design Build, our design reviews are structured, thorough, and client-focused. We guide you through every detail—floor plan to finish—ensuring the final design reflects your vision, fits your lifestyle, and sets the stage for a smooth build.
Book your 15-minute consultation to learn how our design review process keeps your project on track and stress-free.