Design Supervision: What It Is and Why You Need It

Design supervision means the author of a project checking that what is being built matches the design decisions taken during the project and recorded in the drawings. Put simply, I make sure the renovation is carried out the way the design project intended, and not "the way the builders are used to doing it".

Design supervision guarantees that a project is realised exactly as it was designed, changed or extended by its author, in other words by the person who holds the whole solution and all its details in their head. For the client it is insurance against the usual renovation mistakes, the ones that are expensive to undo later.

Technical drawings for the builders

What design supervision includes

• a scheduled site visit (as a rule once a week, no longer than 3 hours);
• supervision of the correct realisation of the agreed design project;
• checking that the construction work matches the drawings of the project;
• any necessary corrections and additions to the working drawings;
• replacement of finishing and decorative materials where needed;
• selection of finishing and decorative materials (by agreement);
• unplanned works (by agreement);
• checking that the agreed colour scheme is executed as chosen;
• checking that finishing materials match the approved samples;
• resolving unplanned situations in the way that best serves the project;
• amendments and additions to the design documentation where needed;
• oversight of the textile order (fabric delivery, curtain making, upholstery);
• placing decorative pieces in the interior (artwork, vases, mirrors and so on);
• advising the building crew on sketches and drawings;
• advising the client on everything related to realising the project;
• telephone consultation on weekdays from 11:00 to 18:00;
• consultation by email (not by messaging apps).

The cost of design supervision and how it is paid

Design supervision is not included in the price of the design project and is paid for separately. It can be paid monthly in advance, and the price depends on the floor area, the complexity of the property and how far it is from the city. A single site visit for a consultation is possible, including within design supervision. Any increase in price for a distant or unusually complex property is agreed separately.

Ask about prices and terms

Remote design supervision

Remote design supervision (by email) means advising on the realisation of the project without site visits, and its price depends on the volume of work. It is a sensible option when the property is a long way from Tyumen but you still want the author of the project keeping an eye on it.

What design supervision does NOT include

• oversight of the engineering side of the project (drainage runs, electrical wiring, ventilation shafts and so on). I check that sockets are in the right places, but I am not responsible for how the building services perform, that is the site manager's job;
• teaching builders how to build, paint, plaster and so on. I am always ready to talk the site manager through the drawings, but the builders must be qualified and able to read a drawing;
• supervising the builders themselves. I make sure the design project is followed, but replacing the site manager is not part of my job;
• delivery and acceptance of materials. Arranging transport and taking delivery of materials is possible under a separate "construction management" service, which is a different level of responsibility;
• responsibility and guarantees for work carried out by third parties. I do my best to help in difficult situations and I recommend suppliers I trust, but I cannot answer for other people's actions.

To see how design supervision fits into the wider process, look at the stages of a design project and at why running a renovation in parallel with the design work is a bad idea.

Frequently asked questions about design supervision

Why do I need design supervision if I already have a site manager?

The site manager is responsible for the quality of the building work and the services. Design supervision makes sure the renovation matches the design project. These are two different areas of responsibility: the author of the project sees the whole intention and makes sure the details are not lost on site.

How often does the designer visit the site?

As a rule there is one scheduled visit a week, lasting no more than 3 hours. Unplanned situations are dealt with by agreement.

Is design supervision included in the price of the design project?

No, design supervision is paid for separately. The price depends on the floor area, the complexity of the property and its distance from the city, and payment is usually made monthly in advance.

Can I book design supervision if the property is far from Tyumen?

Yes. For distant properties there is remote design supervision by email, which means advice on realising the project without site visits. Its price depends on the volume of work.