FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before starting a project, it’s natural to have questions about how the process works and what you can expect along the way. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I receive about the commercial interior design process. If there’s something more specific you’d like to know, I’m always happy to discuss your individual project needs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Design Process & Working Together
What's the first step in starting a commercial interior design project?
The first step is always a conversation. We’ll start with a free, no-obligation call to discuss your project vision, goals, budget, and timeline. This helps me understand your needs and allows us both to decide whether my focused, one-on-one approach is the right fit for you and your business.
How are you different from working with a large interior design firm?
When you work with SV Dezign, you work directly with me, Sonia Zuvela, for the entire project. There’s no revolving door of designers or account managers. This means you get consistent, direct communication, personal accountability, and a design process that is entirely focused on your vision and your business goals. You get senior-level expertise with a single point of contact.
What is your design process?
My process is built on clarity and collaboration, and it unfolds in four key stages:
- The Design Brief: We dive deep into your needs, conduct a site survey, and establish a clear, written plan.
- Concept Design: I develop spatial plans and mood boards to bring the vision to life for your approval.
- Documentation: I create the detailed technical drawings and specifications needed for builder tendering and approvals.
- Construction Support: I remain involved to support you and your builder, answering questions and ensuring the design is executed perfectly.
Do you handle both design and construction?
I focus exclusively on design services, ensuring every detail is well planned, documented, and compliant before your build begins. I’ll liaise directly with your chosen builder, trades, and consultants throughout the construction process to ensure your design is executed accurately. My role is to provide the comprehensive documentation your builder needs, and I am available to coordinate with them, review progress, and help resolve any on-site questions to ensure the final build matches the design intent. This protects your investment and ensures a smooth process.
Scope & Services
What services does SV Dezign provide?
I specialise in commercial interior design services across a wide range of industries, including offices, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, and gaming. Whether you’re planning a full fit-out, a refurbishment, or a spatial reconfiguration, I deliver design solutions tailored to your business needs.
What geographic areas do you service?
I am based on the Gold Coast and proudly service all of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. I’ve also completed projects along the full length of Australia’s east coast, so if your project is further afield, I’m happy to discuss how I can assist. Remote consultations and site visits are absolutely possible.
What types of businesses do you work with?
I’ve partnered with organisations of all sizes, from small business owners to large corporations, across sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, retail, and corporate offices. Each project is approached with the same level of care, detail, and professionalism.
My project has unique requirements. Can you still help?
Absolutely. Many projects don’t fit neatly into a standardized approach. The strength of my tailored approach is that I can handle hybrid or unique projects with ease. We’ll focus on your specific business goals to create a cohesive and functional design solution, no matter how complex the requirements.
How involved will I be in the design process?
I believe the best outcomes come from collaboration. You’ll work directly with me through every stage of the project, from the initial consultation and concept design through to final documentation and handover.
Design Investment
How do you charge for your design services?
My services are billed at an hourly rate, allowing me to be completely focused on your project’s success without the constraints of a fixed package. This allows for complete flexibility and transparency and means you only pay for the time and expertise your specific project requires. The extent of your design services are perfectly customised to your project’s unique requirements, whether you need a full suite of services or specific expertise for a particular stage.
How it works in practice:
- We define the scope: After our initial chat, I’ll outline what your project needs.
- I provide an estimate: Based on that scope, I’ll give you a projected number of hours and a corresponding cost estimate.
- You have full transparency: You’ll receive detailed invoices that track time against key project milestones, so you always know how your investment is being used to move your project forward.
What is typically included in your design fee?
My fee is tailored specifically to your individual project needs. For an end-to-end service offering my fee would typically cover strategic space planning, concept development, all necessary CAD drawings, specifications for finishes and furnishings, and my ongoing support during the construction phase. The goal is to deliver a complete, build-ready design package and a seamless experience.
Construction & Approvals
We already have a builder. Can we still work with you?
Of course. I frequently collaborate with clients who have existing builder relationships. I often collaborate with design and construct builders, project managers, and facility teams. I can provide your builder with the detailed design and documentation they need to deliver a precise and high-quality result. My involvement ensures the design vision is clearly communicated and faithfully executed. My documentation and communication processes are designed to integrate seamlessly with external project partners.
Do you handle the council approval and certification process?
While I do prepare the comprehensive documentation and drawings required for Council Applications and Building Certifier approvals, your builder will remain responsible for submitting council approvals and managing the certification process. Ensuring building code compliance, including accessibility (AS1428.1), fire safety, and DDA requirements, is central to my process, and every project is designed with compliance integrated from the start; saving you time, cost, and potential risk later. I’ll liaise directly with your builder at every stage to ensure all documentation needed for successful council submissions and final certification of your project is provided.
Getting Started
What do I need to prepare before our first meeting?
If possible, bring along your existing floor plan, any photos of the space, and a list of your goals, must-haves, or challenges. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start, that’s what I’m here for. The first meeting is about understanding your vision and helping you define a clear design brief.
Do you offer site visits?
Yes. Site visits are an important part of understanding existing conditions, confirming measurements, and ensuring design accuracy. I’ll also visit the site during construction if needed to review progress and maintain design integrity.
How long does a typical project take?
Timelines depend on the project’s size, complexity, and approval requirements. A small interior refurbishment might take a few weeks from concept to documentation, while a larger commercial fit-out could take several months. I’ll provide a clear project schedule upfront, so you know what to expect at every stage.
How do I get started?
Simply book a free phone consultation or send me an enquiry through the contact page. From there, we’ll discuss your goals, budget, and timeline, and outline the next steps to bring your project to life.