An interior design enquiry that says "I want my flat redone, how much will it cost?" tells you very little. You don't know the city, the size of the space, what needs changing or what the client can spend. Answering it well takes at least two long conversations, which is a poor use of time for both sides.
A well-designed enquiry form, or a short WhatsApp template, can gather the important details before the first call. This guide explains which questions to ask and how to phrase them.
The city and the property
Start with the city and the locality. Cost, timelines and the availability of trades all vary by location, so a designer needs this first. Then ask for the property type: a flat, a villa, a shop or an office, and whether it's new or existing.
Ask for the approximate size in square feet if the client knows it. If they don't, a rough number of bedrooms or the number of rooms is enough for a first look.
The rooms and the scope
Ask which rooms the client wants to work on. A single kitchen, a full home and a bedroom refit need very different planning. Ask whether the work includes furniture, lighting and decor, or only the structure and finishes, because those choices change the scope significantly.
The budget range
Clients often avoid stating a budget, usually because they worry it will be used against them. Explain that the range helps you suggest a scope and a team that fits, and that it isn't a commitment. Offer a few ranges to choose from, rather than an open box, so the question feels easier to answer.
Some clients won't share a range at the start. That's acceptable. Ask for the other details and leave the budget for the first conversation.
Timing and decisions
Ask when the client would like the work to start and when they'd like it finished, and whether the property is occupied during the work. Ask who makes the decisions, because a project with two decision-makers takes longer than one with a single point of contact.
Keep the form short and explain why
Limit the form to the questions that change the first conversation. Add a one-line reason for each question, such as "this helps us plan the team and the time". Clients who understand the reason are far more likely to finish the form.
Quick checklist
- Ask for the city and locality first, then the type of property.
- Ask for the approximate size, or the number of rooms if the size is unknown.
- Ask which rooms are in scope, and whether furniture and decor are included.
- Offer budget ranges to choose from, and say that a range is not a commitment.
- Ask for the start and finish dates, and whether the property is occupied.
- Ask who makes the decisions on the project.
What to do next
The interior designer websites page shows how the enquiry section usually sits alongside the portfolio. A business website is the right base for your interior design practice, and the business websites page explains how one is laid out. Write the enquiry questions first, in the order a designer needs them, then add the form around them.