A well-developed project brief sets the foundation for a successful kitchen or bath project and creates a clear record of design intent from start to finish. For kitchen and bath professionals, a project brief can guide decisions during the design process and serve as a reflection tool once the project is complete.

Whether you’re planning a new project, reviewing work internally, or preparing a professional portfolio, a strong project brief helps articulate the thinking behind the design.

Here’s how to create a strong project brief:

Step 1 to Create a Project Brief: Create a Customer Overview (Define the Audience)

Every strong project begins with a clear understanding of the client. The customer overview defines who the space is for and how it needs to function in everyday life.

Consider:

• Who lives in the home and how they use the kitchen or bath
• Cooking, entertaining, or lifestyle habits
• Storage needs, accessibility considerations, or long-term plans
• Design preferences and overall expectations

Create a summary of the information you collect during your client consultation and keep it handy to reference as the project moves forward.

Step 2 to Create a Project Brief: Know Your Objectives

Project objectives clarify what success looks like. This is a must-have guide to your design decisions and helps prioritize what matters most.

Objectives may include:

• Improving layout efficiency or workflow
• Increasing storage and organization
• Updating the look while maintaining warmth and function
• Creating a space that supports daily life and special occasions

Clear objectives help designers evaluate choices throughout the project and reflect on outcomes afterward.

Step 3 to Create a Project Brief: Review Key Requirements (The Project Must-Haves)

This section outlines the essential elements that define the project. These are the non-negotiables that must be met for the design to succeed.

Key requirements may cover:

• Features: pantry solutions, integrated appliances, island seating, custom storage
• Style: modern, transitional, traditional, or layered contemporary
• Layout: existing footprint, reconfiguration, circulation, and clearances
• Cabinet materials: wood species, painted finishes, or mixed-material approaches

Documenting these requirements early helps maintain alignment from concept through installation.

Step 4 to Create a Project Brief: Develop a Design Statement

The design statement brings the project brief together. It communicates intent, problem-solving, and creative thinking in a clear, concise way.

Your design statement can be:

• A short written narrative
• A structured bulleted list
• Or a combination of both

Keep it under 1250 characters.

A strong design statement should:

• Introduce the client and their needs
• Outline the project objectives and design challenges
• Explain how the design addresses those needs
• Highlight creative solutions, styling choices, or innovative product usage
• Call out design elements that feel unique or memorable
• Reflect what you enjoyed about the project or how it helped you grow as a designer

This is especially valuable for professional portfolios, submissions, and internal reviews.

Step 5 to Create a Project Brief: Include Photos, Renders, and Project Notes

Visual and supporting materials strengthen the project brief and provide context for the design decisions.

Include:

• Finished photography or in-progress images
• Renders or drawings that explain layout and detailing
• Notes on constraints, revisions, or custom solutions

These materials help others fully understand the scope and execution of the project.

Step 6 to Create a Project Brief: Measuring Project Success

A project brief can also serve as a reflection tool after project completion. Reviewing the project through the lens of the original brief helps assess its success.

Ask:

• Did the final design meet the original objectives?
• Does the space function as intended for the client?
• Were challenges resolved effectively?
• Did the project align with the client’s expectations and budget?

This step supports growth, consistency, and confidence in future projects.

Tip for Award Submissions and Professional Portfolios

When preparing a project for awards or your professional portfolio, use your project brief as a reflection tool. Refine it into a clear customer overview, a focused set of objectives, and a concise design statement that explains not just what you designed, but why.

This context helps reviewers quickly understand your intent, problem-solving approach, and the decisions that shaped the final kitchen or bath design.