Interior Designers Victoria

Why hire an interior designer?

Whether you are planning a sleek new office fit-out in Melbourne or giving a heritage terrace in Ballarat a modern twist, a qualified interior designer brings specialist spatial planning, product knowledge and project management skills to the table. They balance aesthetics with building-code compliance, ergonomics, sustainability and your budget so you avoid costly rework.

Services you can expect

• Concept development and 3D visualisations
• Space planning and joinery drawings
• Lighting, power and data layouts
• Material & colour specification
• Furniture, fixtures & equipment procurement
• Site coordination with trades and certifiers

Finding the right professional in Victoria

Use ArchiPro’s filters to narrow your search by region, style, project size and specialisation. Browse portfolios to see completed work from Brunswick, Geelong, Bendigo and beyond. Look for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), registration as a building practitioner where required, and current professional indemnity insurance.

Questions to ask before you commit

• What is your design process and timeline?
• Have you delivered projects with a similar scope and budget?
• Which consultants and trades do you regularly collaborate with?
• How are fees structured—fixed, hourly or percentage of build cost?
• What documentation will I receive for council permits or builders?

Budgeting & fee structures

For typical residential work in Victoria, interior design fees range from 8–15% of the total fit-out cost, or $100–$300 per hour for consultation-based services. Commercial projects are often priced as a percentage of construction cost plus a procurement margin. Always request a detailed scope of services and clarify whether site visits, travel and revision rounds are included.

The design journey, step by step

1. Brief & site measure – define goals, budget, timeframes.
2. Concept design – mood boards, plans and initial material palettes.
3. Design development – detailed drawings, joinery, lighting and finishes.
4. Documentation – construction-ready plans and schedules for tender.
5. Tender & procurement – compare builder quotes, order FF&E.
6. Contract administration – site visits, quality checks, variation approvals.
7. Styling & handover – furniture placement, art, accessories and defect list.

Collaborating across disciplines

Great interiors rarely happen in isolation. Your designer will often work alongside architects, architectural designers and building designers at the early planning stage. Later, they may engage lighting designers, colour consultants and architectural technicians to finesse the details. Professional photography from skilled architectural photographers can capture your finished space, while architectural visualisers provide lifelike renders during concept stages. If you prefer a single point of contact, full-service design & build companies handle both design and construction. For kitchens and bathrooms, specialist kitchen and bathroom designers may be brought on board, and interior decorators can add the finishing touches.

Regulations & permits in Victoria

While interior designers are not legally required to hold registration in Victoria, any structural work, changes to exits or fire services must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and local council regulations. Your designer should liaise with a registered building surveyor and submit documentation for building permits where necessary.

Why source through ArchiPro

ArchiPro’s Architecture & Design hub hosts a rigorously vetted list of Victorian interior design studios. You can view high-resolution images, 3D tours, client ratings and key project data, then contact designers directly from the platform. Save mood boards, request multiple quotes, and keep all communication in one place—making your design journey streamlined, transparent and inspiring.