Which sequence correctly describes the typical interior design project documentation from start to finish?

• A. Schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding/negotiation, and construction administration.
• B. Schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction administration, bidding/negotiation.
• C. Concept design, approved design, permit drawings, bid set, and occupancy validation.
• D. Schematic design, design development, permit applications, construction documents, and project closeout.

Answer: (A)

Understanding the standard flow of interior design project documentation from concept to on-site administration helps you see why this sequence fits best. The process begins with Schematic Design to establish the basic space plan, layout, and overall concept. Next comes Design Development, where those ideas are refined into more concrete choices for layout, materials, and systems. Construction Documents then translate everything into detailed drawings and specifications needed for pricing, permits, and construction. After that, Bidding or Negotiation collects and compares contractor proposals, leading into Construction Administration, where the design is implemented on site, with coordination, approvals, and daily oversight to ensure the work matches the plans.

This order—Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding/Negotiation, Construction Administration—matches the typical interior design workflow precisely. The other sequences introduce mismatched stages (like doing construction administration before bidding, or using permit drawings and occupancy validation as separate phases) or reorder steps in ways that don’t align with how design documents are prepared, priced, and used for construction.