A design proposal is a service offer made by a consultant to assist a client with their plans, drawings, as well as other functions or aesthetics of a project. It is usually charged hourly ($/hr) with an estimated number (#) of hours the designer thinks it will take to complete. If agreed upon, then the client should sign the proposal or convert it to a design contract, with a retainer payment credited to the hours estimated to be completed.
By Type (10)
1. Design Proposal Title Page
Compose a proposal title page that displays items such as the designer or design agency’s name and contact material. Additionally, give the proposal an appropriate title, then present this with the proposal date and author.
Title, Your Company Name/Logo, Client’s Name/Logo
Project Overview, Your Contact Information
Client’s Contact Information, Visual Elements
Table Of Contents, Additional Information
Confidentiality Statement, Date
2. Executive Summary
Open the proposal with a professional but enthusiastic greeting, then continue to summarize its main points section by section. Showcase all material related to the potential client’s project because this area must entice the client to read.
Project Title, Client’s Information, Project Objectives
Project Timeline, Budget, Client Responsibilities
Scope Of Work, Creative Approach
Approval Process, Design Concepts, Design Specifications
Communication, Legal Documentation, Appendices
3. Design Project Description
Discuss the design project’s objectives as well as the client’s current status. Spell out how the project will improve the client’s situation after completion in detail.
Project Title, Project Background, Project Objectives
Scope Of Work, Creative Approach, Design Specifications
Design Concepts, Revisions, Project Timeline
Budget, Client Responsibilities, Approval Process
Communication, Legal Considerations
4. Design Objectives
Now, spell out the designer’s project goals and address topics such as how challenges will be handled. At the same time, keep the client invested by putting this section’s content in a positive light.
Project Title, Project Background, Client Goals
Specific Objectives (SMART), Prioritization
User Considerations, Timeline, Goals
Functional Goals, User Experience (UX) Goals
Measurement, Evaluation, Brand Identity Ailignment
5. Design Methodology
Engage in a discussion about the design team’s philosophy as well as its approach to the project. Especially discuss the tools that will be used (i.e., software, modeling tools) and the process for presenting prototypes and mock-ups.
Project Discovery, Needs Assessment, Creative Concept
Development, Design Prototyping, Review
Feedback, Design Refinement, Quality Assurance
Testing, Client Collaboration, Project Timeline
Delivery, Deployment, Post-Project Support
6. Design Project Scope
Lay out all activities, tasks, communication, and sourcing required for the project while highlighting the design client’s responsibilities. In fact, give a step-by-step guide to how the project will progress.
Project Title, Project Objectives, Scope Statement
Inclusions, Exclusions, Project Scale, Design Concepts
Design Variations, Content, Assets, Constraints/Challenges
Timeline, Technical Considerations, Quality Assurance
Client Responsibilities, Ownership And Rights
7. Timeline And Scheduling
Deliver a detailed timeline for the design project together with its schedules. Also, assure the client of the contingency measures to keep the timeline integrity intact.
Project Benchmarks, Task Descriptions, Start/End Dates
Duration, Dependencies, Client Deliverables
Feedback Time, Final Delivery Date
Payment Milestones, Client Review Points
Buffer Time, Communication, Revisions
8. Design Project Deliverables
Describe every design product, material, and service as it will be received together with its intended client receipt date. For example, a 3D rendering of the project, documentation or contracts, and samples are all considered deliverables.
Design Concepts, Revisions, Files
Branding Materials, Documentation
Delivery Schedule, Quantities, Presentations
Client Review, Feedback, Approval
Exclusion, Owership Rights, Final Design
9. Design Project Budget
Present the entire budget for the design project, itemizing all materials, services, and other relevant costs (i.e., taxes, third-party fees). Also, estimate the total amount billed to the client for the design project.
Project Cost, Payment Structure, Payment Methods
Cost Breakdown, Additional Costs, Client Responsibilities
Late Payment Penalties, Currency
Refund Policy, Terms And Conditions
Client Confirmation, Signature Line
10. Design Team Expertise
Report the name and credentials of every design team member for the purpose of familiarizing the client. Also, display case studies and portfolios of each team member as a demonstration of the team’s track record.
Team Roster, Roles, Member Profiles
Industry Reputation, Continued Education
Qualifications, Technical Proficiencies/Specialties
Third Parties, Subcontractors, Vendors, Partners
Past Experience, Collaborations
11. Client Obligations And Role
Inform the design client of their responsibilities, such as allowing the designers access to information and the site. Similarly, ensure the client knows their obligation to communicate and remain consistent with the project objectives.
Commitment, Communication, Availability
Firm/Prompt Decision Making, Feedback
Access To Site/Information, Meetings, Confidentiality
Adherence To Schedule, Cooperation
Appropriate Notice For Changes
12. Design Project Terms
Provide a complete collection of the agreements as well as the notices required to continue with the project. In fact, consider ensuring the receipt of these legal documents a top priority.
Proposal Acknowledgement, Scope, Deliverables
Payment Terms, Additional Costs, Cancellation Policy
Intellectual Property Rights, Licensing, Usage Rights
Revisions, Approvals, Timeline, Delays, Quality Assurance
Dispute Resolution, Liability, Governing Law, Signatures
13. References And Portfolio
Deliver an impressive presentation of the designer or design agency’s references to emphasize the company’s expertise. Additionally, discuss the industry recognition earned by the design team since this section must carry an impressive impact.
Portfolio Samples, Project Descriptions
Testimonials, Client References, Case Studies
Awards, Publications, Recognitions
Visual Presentations, Prototypes, Media
Recognitions, Project Diversity
14. Conclusion
Review the above proposal, then highlight its attractive features to the client. Also, invite the client to initiate contact and move on to the next step.
Summary, Benefits, Alignment
Client-Centered Approach, Enthusiasm
Invitation To Proceed, Contact Information
Intellectual Property Rights, Client Responsibilities
Gratitude, Signature
15. Appendices
Attach all documents and media for the above sections because this proposal must be a complete package. Therefore, gather all such remaining material in this section.
Portfolio Samples, Project Descriptions
Budget Spreadsheets, Samples
Images, 3D Renderings, Models
Agreements, Legal Paperwork
Schedules, Gannt Chart, Timelines
16. Signature Acknowledgement
Sign this proposal on behalf of the design agency since this will add weight to the proposal and assure the client that it is valid for the time mentioned in the timeline. Similarly, the client should accept the design proposal by signature, so a signature area should be left available for them.
Signature Line
Printed Name
Title/Position
Signature Date
Client Signature Block
Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word
OpenDocument