Interior Design Process in Dhaka: 5 Clear Steps, 6-Month Guarantee, Transparent Pricing

At Unique Interior & Design, we believe in clarity from day one. Transforming your space isn’t just about arranging furniture—it’s about translating your vision into reality with expert guidance, honest communication, and measurable results. Our 5-step process has guided 350+ successful projects across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors in Dhaka and beyond. We’re BICA licensed (#19004), award-winning, and deeply committed to making your journey from concept to handover seamless, rewarding, and stress-free.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Award Winner

We have achieved the winners of the South Asian Business Excellence Awards 2025.

10+ Years of Experience

We have come up with 10+ years of deep industry expertise and BICA membership.

Engineering-Grade Execution

BOQ-documented, signed contracts, zero surprises

Projects Across Bangladesh
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Your Top 3 Questions About Our Process — Answered

How Much Will It Cost?

Transparent pricing, no surprises. Our detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) breaks down every material, labor cost, and specification before you sign. Interior design fees range from BDT 70,000–200,000+ depending on project scale, plus execution costs of BDT 1,500–4,000 per square foot.

How Long Will It Take?

6–14 weeks from concept to handover. Residential projects typically take 6–10 weeks; commercial projects, 8–14 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline at the planning stage. Delays are rare, and when they occur, we update you transparently and adjust the schedule with your input.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Our 6-month warranty covers you. Every project is backed by our written 6-month workmanship and materials warranty. Our on-site supervisor visits daily and flags issues early. If defects arise, we inspect and repair at no extra charge. You have a direct line to your project manager 24/7 via WhatsApp, phone, or email.

THE 5-STEP INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS

Free Consultation

The consultation is where your journey begins—and it's about far more than just a conversation. We want to understand not just your space, but your lifestyle, personality, budget, and vision. This initial meeting (conducted in-person at your site or virtually, your choice) is guided by our senior designers and project managers, who bring both expertise and genuine empathy to the table.

DESIGN

This is where your vision takes tangible form. Our design phase is deeply collaborative, iterative, and tailored to your personal style—whether you love classic elegance, urban minimalism, eclectic maximalism, or something entirely unique to you. We use industry-leading design software to create photorealistic renderings, so you see exactly what you're getting before a single wall is touched.

PLANNING

Once you've approved the design, we shift into planning mode—the critical bridge between vision and reality. Here, every detail is mapped out with precision to ensure flawless execution, cost control, and zero ambiguity. This is where our 350+ projects of experience shine: we've learned exactly what can go wrong, and we plan to prevent it.

EXECUTION

This is where the real transformation happens—where vision becomes reality. Our execution phase is hands-on, supervised, and transparent. We don't just check in; our project manager is on-site overseeing every detail, every day. Quality, safety, and communication are our pillars during this phase.

STYLING

Styling is the finishing flourish—where your space truly becomes yours. This is about thoughtful curation, emotional resonance, and those "wow" moments that make a house feel like home. Styling transforms a finished room into a lived-in, beautiful, personal space.

STEP 1: CONSULTATION

What Happens

The consultation is where your journey begins—and it’s about far more than just a conversation. We want to understand not just your space, but your lifestyle, personality, budget, and vision. This initial meeting (conducted in-person at your site or virtually, your choice) is guided by our senior designers and project managers, who bring both expertise and genuine empathy to the table.

What Our Team Does:

  • Listen & Discover: We ask targeted questions about your daily life, design preferences, color affinities, and must-haves. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a genuine conversation about what will make your space work for you.
  • Measure & Document: We physically measure your space, photograph existing conditions from multiple angles, note natural lighting, assess structural features, and identify any challenges (low ceilings, awkward corners, plumbing, electrical constraints, etc.).
  • Discuss Practicalities: We align on your budget range, timeline expectations, functional requirements, and any special needs (accessibility, durability for high-traffic areas, pet-friendly finishes, etc.).
  • Share Our Track Record: We walk through our portfolio of completed projects—apartments, offices, restaurants, hotels, showrooms—showing you the range of styles we’ve executed. This builds confidence and helps you envision possibilities.
  • Set Expectations: We explain the full process, your involvement at each stage, and the deliverables you’ll receive. No surprises.

Why This Step Matters

A thorough consultation prevents costly surprises, false starts, and revisions. In our experience with 350+ projects, clients who invest time in this stage see fewer design iterations down the line, budgets are more accurate, and the final project aligns beautifully with their vision. This is where trust is built.

Deliverables at End of Step 1

✓ Site Analysis Report – Detailed notes on space dimensions, lighting, structural features, and constraints
✓ Initial Mood Boards – 2–3 style concepts based on your preferences (color palettes, material samples, design direction)
✓ Project Brief – A one-page summary of your goals, style direction, budget range, and estimated timeline
✓ Next Steps Document – Clear outline of what happens next and when

Real-World Example: Gulshan Apartment

A young family arrived at the consultation with Pinterest boards, a 6-month timeline, and a tight budget of BDT 2.2 million. During the initial meeting, we learned they wanted a modern, open-plan layout but were worried about staying on budget. Our team prioritized their functional needs (family gatherings, working from home spaces) over trendy elements. We proposed value-driven material choices and smart storage solutions that stretched their budget further. Result: The project finished on time at BDT 2.2 million, the family got a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle, and they became referral clients.

STEP 2: DESIGN

What Happens

This is where your vision takes tangible form. Our design phase is deeply collaborative, iterative, and tailored to your personal style—whether you love classic elegance, urban minimalism, eclectic maximalism, or something entirely unique to you. We use industry-leading design software to create photorealistic renderings, so you see exactly what you’re getting before a single wall is touched.

What Our Team Does:

  • Develop Mood Boards & Color Palettes: We create detailed mood boards that capture your aesthetic direction. These include finish samples (paints, tiles, wood stains, fabrics, hardware), inspirational photography, and color harmony studies. Mood boards are printed or digital—your choice.
  • Create Space Plans & Furniture Layouts: Using your site measurements, we draft 2D floor plans showing furniture placement, traffic flow, and spatial organization. Every layout is intentional—we consider how you move through the space, where natural light lands, and how the room functions in real life.
  • Present 2–3 Concept Options: We don’t force a single direction on you. We present 2–3 distinct design concepts (e.g., Contemporary + Warm, Classic + Minimal, Eclectic Collected), each with sketches, mood boards, and a brief explaining the design philosophy. This gives you choices and helps clarify your true preferences.
  • Create 3D Renders & Virtual Walkthroughs: Using SketchUp and rendering software, we create photorealistic 3D visualizations of each room. You can see lighting effects, how colors work together, furniture scale and proportion, and how different design elements interact. Many clients say these renders are the “aha moment”—they can finally visualize the finished space.
  • Incorporate Your Feedback: We refine the design based on your input. Minor tweaks? We integrate them immediately. Major direction changes? We discuss options and iterations transparently. Most projects go through 2–3 feedback rounds at this stage.

Why This Step Matters

Good design is never one-size-fits-all. This stage translates your personal style and lifestyle needs into a workable, beautiful plan. We ensure every piece of furniture fits the space, every color choice makes sense, every material will perform in your climate and usage pattern, and everything works together cohesively. A well-designed plan prevents buyer’s remorse and costly changes during execution.

Deliverables at End of Step 2

✓ Detailed Mood Boards – 2–3 concepts with color palettes, material samples, and inspirational references
✓ 2D Space Plans – Floor plans showing furniture layout, dimensions, traffic flow, and spatial zones
✓ 3D Renderings & Virtual Walkthroughs – Photorealistic visualizations of each room from multiple angles
✓ Material & Finish Schedule – List of all proposed materials, brands, colors, and finishes
✓ Preliminary Bill of Quantities (BOQ) – First-pass cost estimates for budgeting and discussion
✓ Design Presentation Document – 10–15 page PDF summarizing the concept, design rationale, and next steps

Real-World Example: Banani Office Transformation

A tech startup needed a collaborative workspace that would energize their team but look professional for client meetings. During the design phase, we created two concepts: one open and airy (long communal tables, soft pastels, abundant greenery) and one structured (modular desks, navy + gold accents, glass partitions). The 3D renders helped the team visualize how natural light moved through the space at different times of day, and they could “walk through” the office virtually before committing. They chose a hybrid approach—we adjusted the design accordingly. The visualization confidence meant they approved the design in just one round of feedback.

STEP 3: PLANNING

What Happens

Once you’ve approved the design, we shift into planning mode—the critical bridge between vision and reality. Here, every detail is mapped out with precision to ensure flawless execution, cost control, and zero ambiguity. This is where our 350+ projects of experience shine: we’ve learned exactly what can go wrong, and we plan to prevent it.

What Our Team Does:

  • Prepare Detailed Working Drawings: We create comprehensive construction drawings—civil (wall demolition, new partitions, structural details), electrical (outlet placement, lighting, switchboard), plumbing (if applicable), carpentry (custom cabinetry, built-in details), and finish schedules. Every dimension, specification, and detail is documented.
  • Finalize the Bill of Quantities (BOQ): Our BOQ isn’t just a price list—it’s a line-item breakdown of every material, every rate, every specification. You’ll see:
    • Material descriptions (e.g., “Asian Paints Matt Emulsion, Off White, 20L”)
    • Quantity required
    • Unit rate (in BDT)
    • Total cost per item
    • Subtotals by category (paint, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc.)
    • Contingency allowance (typically 5–10% for unforeseen site conditions)
    • Grand total
    This removes any guesswork and gives you complete transparency.
  • Create a Master Project Timeline: We map out the entire project sequence:
    • Week 1: Site mobilization, material procurement, any structural work
    • Week 2–3: Civil work, carpentry rough-ins
    • Week 4: Electrical & plumbing installations
    • Week 5: Flooring, wall finishes, paint
    • Week 6: Carpentry finishing, fixtures, hardware installation
    • Week 7+: Styling, final touch-ups, walkthrough
    Every milestone is sequenced to avoid conflicts (you can’t paint before electrical is complete, for example). We build in buffer time for weather delays or material shortages.
  • Coordinate With Suppliers, Artisans & Contractors: We finalize agreements with our network of trusted suppliers and specialized contractors (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, masons, etc.). We confirm material delivery dates, labor schedules, and quality standards. All vendors are contractually bound to our timelines and quality benchmarks.
  • Obtain Necessary Permits & Approvals: Depending on the scope (Is structural work involved? Are you altering the building facade?), we handle any required permits from Dhaka’s building authority, obtain no-objection certificates from neighbors (if needed), and ensure the project is legally compliant.

Why This Step Matters

Meticulous planning eliminates ambiguity, controls costs, and dramatically reduces delays. When suppliers know exact delivery dates, contractors understand the sequence, and materials are sourced in advance, projects run smoothly. Our clients often tell us this step provides immense peace of mind—they know “nothing falls through the cracks,” because everything is documented.

Deliverables at End of Step 3

✓ Full Set of Working Drawings – Civil, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and finish schedules (10–30 pages depending on complexity)
✓ Final Bill of Quantities – Detailed, line-item BOQ with all materials, rates, and costs
✓ Master Project Timeline – Week-by-week schedule with all milestones and dependencies
✓ Supplier & Contractor Roster – List of all vendors, contacts, confirmation of materials, delivery dates, and labor schedules
✓ Site Mobilization Checklist – Everything needed to start work (permits, insurance, material orders, labor briefing)

Real-World Example: Corporate Office, Dhanmondi

A corporate client had three office branches and needed to refit all three within their fiscal year—but they couldn’t afford concurrent disruptions. During the planning phase, we created a phased timeline: Branch A (Weeks 1–5), Branch B (Weeks 6–10), Branch C (Weeks 11–15). We coordinated with the client’s building management at each location, staggered contractor teams, and ensured material deliveries didn’t overlap. The master timeline was so detailed that the project finished exactly on schedule, within budget, and each branch was fully functional before moving to the next. The client’s feedback: “Your planning was so thorough that execution felt almost effortless.”

STEP 4: EXECUTION

What Happens

This is where the real transformation happens—where vision becomes reality. Our execution phase is hands-on, supervised, and transparent. We don’t just check in; our project manager is on-site overseeing every detail, every day. Quality, safety, and communication are our pillars during this phase.

What Our Team Does:

  • Mobilize & Supervise Skilled Workers: We bring in our team of trained carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, and painters. A dedicated on-site supervisor oversees every activity—checking workmanship quality in real time, ensuring safety standards, and keeping the site organized. The supervisor is your daily point of contact.
  • Procure Materials Transparently: Materials are sourced exactly as specified in the BOQ. You’re welcome to review material samples before installation. We never substitute materials without your written approval—this protects both your vision and our reputation.
  • Monitor Quality, Safety & Adherence to Design: Every day, the supervisor:
    • Inspects completed work against drawings and specifications
    • Ensures OSHA-equivalent safety standards (proper scaffolding, electrical safety, PPE for workers)
    • Takes photos of progress and documents any deviations
    • Flags issues immediately and proposes solutions
  • Provide Weekly Progress Reports: Every Friday, you receive:
    • 5–10 site photos showing that week’s progress
    • A brief written update (what was completed, what’s coming next, any notes)
    • A short video walkthrough (optional, on request)
    You’re never in the dark about your project.
  • Address Unforeseen Challenges Promptly & Transparently: Despite perfect planning, site surprises happen (hidden plumbing, structural cracks, material delays, weather). When they do:
    • Our supervisor identifies the issue immediately
    • We present options to you (cost, timeline, quality implications of each)
    • We get your approval before proceeding
    • We document the change and adjust timelines/costs accordingly
    • We keep you updated every step of the way

Why This Step Matters

Execution is where many projects falter—delays stretch weeks into months, costs balloon, workmanship suffers, and frustration builds. We’ve completed 350+ projects because we’ve invested in systems that prevent this. Our on-site supervision, quality checks, and transparent communication keep things on track.

Deliverables at End of Step 4

✓ Completed Civil Work – All structural, partition, and architectural elements installed
✓ Completed Electrical Installation – All outlets, switches, lighting, and wiring to code
✓ Completed Plumbing – All fixtures, drainage, and water supply installed (if applicable)
✓ Completed Carpentry – All custom cabinetry, built-ins, doors, and woodwork finished
✓ Completed Finishes – Paint, flooring, tile work, wall coverings applied
✓ Snagging List & Quality Assurance Report – Detailed checklist of any minor touch-ups or adjustments needed before handover
✓ Handover Checklist – Signed-off document confirming all work is complete and defect-free

Real-World Example: Dhanmondi Home Renovation

Mid-way through a large home renovation, the on-site supervisor discovered that a section of underground plumbing (not shown on original building plans) was rusted and leaking into the foundation. A lesser contractor might have hidden this or blamed the homeowner. We immediately called the homeowner, explained the issue, and presented three options: (1) Replace just the affected section (higher cost, lower risk), (2) Replace the entire line (highest cost, best long-term solution), (3) Work around it (lowest cost, temporary fix). The homeowner chose option 2. We coordinated the repair, adjusted the timeline by 3 days, and completed the project just 4 days behind the original schedule—a minor delay for a major problem solved proactively. The homeowner’s feedback: “Your transparency and problem-solving made all the difference. We trusted you completely.”

STEP 5: STYLING

What Happens

Styling is the finishing flourish—where your space truly becomes yours. This is about thoughtful curation, emotional resonance, and those “wow” moments that make a house feel like home. Styling transforms a finished room into a lived-in, beautiful, personal space.

What Our Team Does:

  • Curate & Place Furniture & Accessories: Our styling experts arrange every piece of furniture for optimal function and aesthetics. Sofas are angled to encourage conversation and maximize sightlines. Dining tables are positioned for both daily use and entertaining. Coffee tables, side tables, and storage pieces are placed to create visual balance and clear traffic flow.
  • Layer Soft Furnishings & Textiles: Cushions, throws, area rugs, and curtains are carefully selected (or purchased from our trusted network) to add warmth, texture, and personality. Rug placement anchors furniture groupings. Throw pillows add color and comfort. Curtains frame windows and control light. Everything is coordinated but not matchy-matchy.
  • Curate Art, Accessories & Décor: Wall art (paintings, prints, photographs) is selected and hung at the correct height and spacing. Shelves are styled with a mix of books, objects, and negative space. Plants are positioned to add greenery and liveliness. Mirrors are placed to reflect light and expand the sense of space. Lighting fixtures are dimmed or brightened to set mood and function.
  • Adjust Lighting for Ambiance: We layer lighting—ambient (overhead), task (desk, reading), and accent (spotlights, string lights)—to create different moods. We show you how to adjust lighting for different times of day and occasions (morning brightness, evening coziness, dinner-party ambiance).
  • Final Walkthrough & Tweaks: We walk through the space with you, make any last-minute adjustments together, and answer your questions about styling maintenance, cleaning, and living in the space.

Why This Step Matters

Styling elevates a project from “finished” to “fabulous.” It’s also your chance to see everything come together holistically and make any small adjustments before we formally hand over. A well-styled space feels curated, lived-in, and personal—not cold or sterile.

Deliverables at End of Step 5

✓ Fully Styled, Move-In-Ready Space – Every room is furnished, accessorized, and ready for you to enjoy
✓ Professional Photography – 20–30 high-quality photos of completed spaces (on request; additional cost applies)
✓ 6-Month Post-Handover Warranty Document – Written warranty covering workmanship and materials
✓ Styling Guide – Brief notes on how to maintain the space, care for materials, and rearrange if desired
✓ Contact Card for Future Needs – Your project manager remains your point of contact for any questions or adjustments post-handover

Real-World Example: Bashundhara Residence

A Bangladeshi expatriate family wanted their new apartment to feel like home—a blend of Dhaka warmth and contemporary international style. During the styling phase, we incorporated local textiles (hand-embroidered cushions from Jamdani artisans), traditional artwork, and vintage pieces alongside modern furnishings. We created vignettes that told the family’s story: shelves styled with family photographs and travel mementos, artwork from their favorite artists, and plants that thrived in Dhaka’s climate. When the family walked in for the first time, the mother said, “It finally feels like home.” That moment—seeing a space transformed from blueprint to lived-in reality—is why we love what we do.

Your Project Timeline at a Glance

Every project is unique, but here’s a realistic timeline for interior design projects in Dhaka with Unique Interior & Design. These timelines assume a standard scope (no major structural changes, no export material delays, cooperative weather in Dhaka).

Timeline Chart Table:

StepResidential ProjectsCommercial ProjectsKey Deliverables
1. Consultation1–3 days1–3 daysSite brief, mood boards, project summary
2. Design7–10 days10–14 days3D renders, space plans, material palette
3. Planning4–5 days5–7 daysWorking drawings, BOQ, project timeline
4. Execution4–6 weeks6–8 weeksCompleted construction, site reports
5. Styling1–2 days1–2 daysFully styled space, final walkthrough
TOTAL6–10 weeks8–14 weeksMove-in ready

Chart Notes:

  • Smaller projects (single rooms, kitchen upgrades) may move faster (4–6 weeks total)
  • Large commercial interiors with custom elements, phased rollouts, or complex coordination can take 14–16 weeks
  • Material delays (if importing finishes, for example) can add 1–2 weeks
  • Weather in Dhaka (monsoon, extreme heat) occasionally causes minor delays
  • Your feedback speed influences timeline—faster decisions = faster completion

Pro Tip Box:

“We always provide a detailed, project-specific timeline before work begins. Your project manager will share weekly updates to keep you informed. If delays occur, we adjust the plan transparently with your input.”

Interior Design Investment in Dhaka: What Does It Cost?

We believe in transparent pricing. Below is an indicative investment table for interior design projects with Unique Interior & Design. Your exact cost will depend on project size, finish quality, material choices, and customization level. All prices are in BDT.

Investment Table:

Project TypeArea (Sq. Ft.)Design Fee (BDT)Execution Cost per Sq. Ft. (BDT)Total Estimated Cost (BDT)What’s Included
Apartment (Standard)1,200–2,00070,000–120,0001,500–2,0001.9–2.4 MFull design (mood boards, renders, BOQ), material selection, contractor coordination, on-site supervision, basic styling
Apartment (Premium)2,000–3,500120,000–200,0002,200–2,8004.5–9.8 MAll above + premium imported finishes, luxury fixtures, custom cabinetry, professional photography, styling by our design team
Apartment (Luxury)2,500–4,000+200,000–350,0002,800–3,8007–15+ MAll above + bespoke custom furniture, rare materials, high-end imported fixtures, art curation, project management luxury service
Office / Commercial1,000–5,000100,000–400,0001,500–3,0001.5–15+ MSpace planning, branding integration, furniture specification, flooring & finishes, lighting design, fire safety compliance
Retail / Restaurant500–3,00080,000–250,0002,200–4,0001.2–12+ MCustom décor, specialized lighting, kitchen/bar setup (if applicable), branding elements, customer flow optimization
Hotel / HospitalityCustom scopeCustom quote2,500–5,000CustomComplete room design, lobby concept, common area styling, guest experience focus, branded finishes

Table Notes & Explanations:

Design Fee Includes:

  • Site consultation & measurements
  • Mood boards & concept development
  • Space plans & 3D renderings
  • Material research & sourcing
  • Preliminary & final BOQs
  • Client presentation & revision rounds
  • Project brief & handover documentation

Execution Cost Includes:

  • All materials per BOQ (paint, tiles, wood, fixtures, hardware, etc.)
  • Labor (skilled carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, painters)
  • On-site supervision (daily site visits & progress reports)
  • Quality assurance & defect rectification
  • 6-month warranty coverage

Execution Cost Does NOT Include:

  • Major structural changes (wall demolition, foundation work—quoted separately)
  • High-end imported materials beyond the selected palette (upgrades available at additional cost)
  • Furniture procurement beyond styling setup
  • Professional photography (available for +BDT 15,000–25,000)

Pricing Transparency Section:

Why Does Design Fee Vary by Project Size? Larger projects require more detailed drawings, more supplier coordination, and more time investment. Our design fee scales accordingly. A small apartment design takes 40 hours; a luxury 4,000 sq. ft. apartment takes 80+ hours.

Why Does Execution Cost Per Sq. Ft. Vary? Finish quality drives cost. Standard execution uses quality Indian tiles, paint, and fixtures. Premium uses imported European fixtures, high-grade finishes, and custom cabinetry. Luxury incorporates bespoke materials and rare finishes. Your budget determines which tier—we never push clients beyond their comfort zone.

Can I Upgrade Finishes Mid-Project? Yes—up to the start of execution. If you want to upgrade from standard to premium tiles mid-project, we source them and adjust the cost. Changes after execution starts may affect timeline and budget.

What About Payment Terms? We break projects into clear payment milestones:

  1. Booking Fee (25%) – Upon agreement, before design work begins
  2. Design Approval (25%) – Upon approval of final designs & BOQ
  3. Pre-Execution (25%) – One week before construction starts (secures materials & labor)
  4. Handover (25%) – Upon completion & walkthrough

Each invoice is tied to a deliverable. You only pay for progress made.

Real Project Example: How Costs Break Down

Project: Gulshan 3-Bedroom, 2,000 sq. ft. Apartment Timeline: 8 weeks Total Budget: BDT 3.5 Million

Cost Breakdown:

  • Design Fee: BDT 100,000 (2.9% of total)
  • Paint & Wall Finishes: BDT 280,000 (8%)
  • Flooring (Tile & Wood): BDT 600,000 (17%)
  • Carpentry & Built-ins: BDT 900,000 (26%)
  • Electrical & Lighting: BDT 350,000 (10%)
  • Plumbing & Fixtures: BDT 180,000 (5%)
  • Labor & Supervision: BDT 450,000 (13%)
  • Styling & Finishing: BDT 200,000 (6%)
  • Contingency (5%): BDT 175,000 (5%)
  • Project Management & Warranty: BDT 265,000 (7.6%)

Result: A fully transformed apartment, move-in ready, 6-month warranty included, delivered on time and within budget.