*A digital rendering of a Kentucky kitchen concept by Bethany Adams Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky.*

Every Designer's Process Looks Different — Here's Mine

Every interior design studio approaches the process differently, but the phases are typically the same. At Bethany Adams Interiors, we rely on a unique and effective process for guiding clients through the interior design process I’ve developed over 20 years in the industry. I call this the concept, refine, design cycle.

Phase 1: Discovery

The first step is Discovery. At Bethany Adams Interiors this includes an initial zoom call followed by an in home project scope review. After that we construct a detailed scope of work to include in the contract. When the contract is agreed to by all parties, we send a “Client Preferences Questionnaire” to learn more about you, your likes, your dislikes, and your ideas for your home. We also create a 3D scan of your home, create “as-built” floor plans and elevations, and take photos and measurements of any existing furniture pieces you’d like to include.

Phase 2: Concept Development

The next step is Concept Development. This is where I let my imagination run wild—within the confines of your preferences, of course. I’ll look for imagery that I think will resonate with you, research materials, fixtures, and finishes that might convey the right mood for the project, and ultimately edit this into our first Concept meeting (phase 1 of the design cycle).

Phase 3: Design Development

After concepts are approved we move to Design Development. In BAI parlance this is achieved through two additional rounds of revisions: a revision after the concept meeting and a final revision after the refine meeting (phase 2 of design). Finally, we present a cohesive design for your approval (phase 3 of the design cycle). In between we revise our drawings, materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings to work within our agreed upon aesthetic and investment.

Phase 4: Implementation and Procurement

Once the design is fully approved, we move into implementation and procurement. For whole home design projects, implementation involves helping you to select the right contractor and working with them to make sure that the design intent is executed accurately. For projects that don’t include major construction, Bethany Adams Interiors will subcontract to trusted partners to execute painting, wall-covering, flooring installation etc. We will also quote, order, track, and coordinate shipment, receiving, and installation of every item we specify.

A modern kitchen concept board from a client presentation in Kentucky

The final phase: Turning Over Your Finished Home

When the design is fully executed, implemented, and installed we turn over your beautiful home to you to enjoy! While every home and client is unique, I’ve found that a straightforward, predictable process is the key to a successful project.

Why a Defined Design Process Matters

The result of following a design process is a home that feels effortless (even if it took dozens of people months to execute), elevated, and deeply personal — not because it happened quickly, but because every detail was handled with intention, care, and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the phases of Bethany Adams Interiors' design process?

The process follows a concept, refine, design cycle across four phases: Discovery, Concept Development, Design Development, and Implementation and Procurement — culminating in a fully executed, move-in-ready home.

What happens during the Discovery phase of an interior design project?

Discovery starts with an initial Zoom call and an in-home project scope review, followed by a detailed scope of work in the contract. Once the contract is signed, clients complete a Client Preferences Questionnaire, and the studio creates a 3D scan of the home, as-built floor plans and elevations, and photographs and measurements of any existing furniture the client wants to keep.

What is Concept Development, and how does it work?

Concept Development is where initial creative direction takes shape — researching imagery, materials, fixtures, and finishes that convey the right mood for the project, all within the client's stated preferences. It culminates in the first Concept meeting, which is phase one of the design cycle.

What is Design Development, and how is it different from Concept Development?

Design Development follows concept approval and involves two additional rounds of revisions — one after the concept meeting and a final one after the refine meeting — before presenting a cohesive design for client approval. This is where drawings, materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings are refined to fit the agreed-upon aesthetic and budget.

Who manages contractors and procurement during implementation?

For whole-home projects, Bethany Adams Interiors helps clients select the right contractor and works directly with them to ensure the design intent is executed accurately. For projects without major construction, the studio subcontracts trusted partners for painting, wallcovering, and flooring installation, and manages quoting, ordering, tracking, and coordinating shipment, receiving, and installation for every specified item.

Ready for a home designed with confidence from concept to completion?

Begin with Bethany Adams Interiors.

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