A BCD Designer's Perspective - Our Interior Design Services - Ed. 1: Process Overview
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
What’s Included in Interior Design Packages: From Reflected Ceiling Plans to Finishes, Fixtures, and Specifications
When clients begin an interior design project, one of the most common questions is:
“What exactly is included in your Interior Design Services?”
At Begin Creative Designs Inc., our interior design process goes far beyond selecting paint colours and furniture. We provide a comprehensive package of design drawings, finish selections, fixture specifications, and technical documentation that helps transform ideas into a buildable, coordinated design.
In this first edition of A BCD Designer’s Perspective – Our Interior Design Services, we break down what is typically included in a full-service interior design package—from the reflected ceiling plan (RCP) to finish and fixture selections and detailed specifications.
Why Interior Design Documentation Matters
Interior design documentation is the bridge between vision and execution.
It ensures that:
Contractors know exactly what to build.
Suppliers understand what products to provide.
Clients can clearly visualize the final design.
Budgets are aligned with material selections.
Construction proceeds with fewer errors and change orders.
A complete design package reduces uncertainty and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved
1. Space Planning & Layout Design
Every Successful Interior Begins With Thoughtful Planning
Typical Drawings Include:
Existing conditions plan
Demolition plan
Proposed floor plan
Furniture layout plan
Equipment and appliance plan
What This Covers:
Room Dimensions and Proportions
Built-Ins and Furniture Placement
Traffic Flow and Circulation
Accessibility Considerations
Functional Zoning
Space Planning Establishes The Foundation For Every Design Decision That Follows
2. Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
The Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) is a technical drawing showing everything located on or within the ceiling.
Included in an RCP:
Ceiling heights
Bulkheads and soffits
Coffered or feature ceilings
Pot lights and recessed fixtures
Decorative light fixtures
HVAC diffusers and grilles
Smoke detectors
Speakers
Sprinkler heads
Access panels
Why It Matters
The RCP coordinates architecture, electrical, HVAC, and life safety systems to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.
3. Lighting Design & Fixture Selection
Lighting shapes the atmosphere and usability of a space.
Lighting Design Services Include:
Layered lighting concepts
Fixture placement
Switching layouts
Dimming recommendations
Colour temperature selection
Fixture scheduling
Lighting Fixture Types:
Recessed lighting
Pendants
Chandeliers
Wall sconces
Under-cabinet lighting
Cove lighting
Exterior lighting
Fixture Specifications Include:
Manufacturer and model
Finish
Wattage
Colour temperature
Beam spread
Installation requirements
4. Electrical & Power Planning
To support modern living and working, we coordinate practical electrical layouts.
Documentation May Include:
Receptacle Locations
Dedicated Appliance Circuits
USB and Specialty Outlets
Floor Boxes
Data And Communication Points
Smart Home Devices
This planning ensures convenience, safety, and future flexibility.
5. Interior Elevations
Elevations show vertical surfaces in detail.
Common Elevations:
Kitchen Walls
Bathroom Vanities
Fireplace Features
Built-Ins
Millwork Walls
Reception Desks
Information Included:
Dimensions
Materials
Lighting Integration
Cabinet Layouts
Mounting Heights
Elevations help contractors understand exactly how each feature should be constructed.
6. Millwork Design & Cabinetry Detailing
Custom millwork often defines the character and functionality of a space.
Drawings and Details Include:
Kitchen Cabinetry
Bathroom Vanities
Built-In Shelving
Closets
Mudrooms
Office Storage
Feature Walls
Specifications Include:
Cabinet Materials
Door Styles
Hardware
Interior Accessories
Countertops
Edge Profiles
7. Finish Selections
Finishes determine the tactile and visual quality of the interior.
Typical Finish Categories:
Flooring
Tile
Paint
Wall Coverings
Countertops
Cabinet Finishes
Trim
Ceiling Finishes
Selection Criteria:
Durability
Maintenance
Cost
Sustainability
Colour and Texture
8. Plumbing Fixture Selection
In kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces, plumbing fixtures play both functional and aesthetic roles.
Fixtures Include:
Faucets
Sinks
Toilets
Bathtubs
Shower Systems
Floor Drains
Specifications Include:
Manufacturer and Model
Finish
Rough-In Requirements
Water Efficiency Ratings
9. Hardware & Accessory Selection
The finishing touches significantly impact usability and visual cohesion.
Selections May Include:
Door Hardware
Cabinet Pulls
Towel Bars
Mirrors
Shower Accessories
Specialty Storage Inserts
10. Finish & Fixture Schedules
Schedules organize product selections into a concise, easy-to-reference format.
Typical Schedules:
Door Schedule
Hardware Schedule
Lighting Schedule
Plumbing Fixture Schedule
Finish Schedule
Appliance Schedule
Schedule Information:
Item Code
Manufacturer
Model Number
Colour/Finish
Quantity
Notes
11. Specifications
Specifications provide written requirements that support the drawings.
What Specifications Cover:
Product Requirements
Installation Standards
Performance Criteria
Approved Substitutions
Warranty Expectations
Specifications reduce ambiguity and help ensure quality.
12. 3D Renderings & Visualizations
Renderings help clients see the design before construction begins.
Visualization Options:
Photorealistic Renderings
3D Walkthroughs
Material Boards
Concept Presentations
These tools improve confidence and decision-making.
13. Procurement Support
We can assist with sourcing and ordering.
Procurement Services May Include:
Product Research
Price Comparisons
Quotations
Ordering
Delivery Coordination
Tracking
14. Construction Administration
During construction, we help ensure the design is implemented correctly.
Services Include:
Site Reviews
Contractor Coordination
Shop Drawing Reviews
RFIs
Deficiency Lists
Residential and Commercial Design Services
At Begin Creative Designs Inc., we provide design services for:
Residential
Custom Homes
Renovations
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Basements
Home Offices
Commercial
Offices
Retail Stores
Restaurants and Cafés
Medical Clinics
Hospitality Spaces
What Clients Receive
Depending on project scope, clients may receive:
PDF drawing set
Finish and Fixture Schedules
Specification Documents
Product Links and Sample Boards
+ Renderings
+ Budget Guidance and Understanding
Benefits of a Comprehensive Design Package
A coordinated design package:
Saves time during construction
Reduces costly mistakes
Clarifies decisions
Improves pricing accuracy
Creates a cohesive final result
Our Design Philosophy
At Begin Creative Designs Inc., we believe that great design balances beauty, function, and technical precision.
Whether we are designing a custom residence, a boutique café, or a commercial workspace, our goal is to create interiors that are:
Thoughtfully planned
Technically coordinated
Tailored to your needs
Built to last
Ready to Start Your Project?
If you are planning a renovation, new build, or commercial interior, a professional design package provides the clarity needed to move from concept to construction with confidence.
Begin Creative Designs Inc. offers full-service interior design, drafting, finish and fixture selections, specifications, and project coordination throughout Canada.
Contact us to discuss your project and discover how thoughtful design documentation can transform your space.
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