Woman looking at interior design samples and floor plan on a tablet and phone at a wooden table.

Directional Design

Design leadership rooted in clarity, judgment, and long-term decision-making.

Directional Design is the foundation of all work at Urbane Haus. It is a standalone engagement focused on defining the design position, spatial logic, and decision framework for a project before execution begins. This process removes ambiguity early, aligns all stakeholders, and ensures that every downstream decision is intentional rather than reactive.

All of our projects begin with Directional Design.

What Directional Design Is

This phase establishes the governing logic of a project before any execution begins. Directional Design is where clarity is created and decisions are owned.

It focuses on:

  • Defining the design position for the project

  • Resolving spatial logic, hierarchy, and flow

  • Establishing standards before selections are made

  • Aligning client, designer, and builder early-on

  • Creating clear boundaries for execution

What Directional Design Is NOT

Directional Design is intentionally narrow and decisive. It does not include:

  • Consultations or brainstorming sessions

  • Moodboards or styling exercises

  • Final selections or procurement

  • Installation or construction documents

  • Open-ended revisions or ongoing execution

Who This is For

Directional Design is well suited for:

  • Clients who want clarity before committing to execution

  • Projects where early decisions will have long-term impact

  • Homeowners planning for longevity and life-stage changes

  • Businesses seeking alignment between brand, space + function

  • Clients who value judgment over trend

Directional Design, Applied by Context

Directional Design is applied differently depending on context, scale, and complexity. We offer three distinct tiers.

A hand holding a fan deck of neutral paint color samples next to a modern table lamp with a concrete base and round white lampshade on a dark wooden surface.

  • Focused on how a home should function, feel, and endure over time.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Spatial organization + circulation

    • Lifestyle and life-stage planning

    • Privacy, hierarchy, and daily rhythm

    • High-level material and tonal direction

    For clients who wish to continue, this work may lead into Full-Service Residential Design.

  • Focused on establishing foundational design logic for residential new-builds before architectural and interior decisions are finalized.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Early layout + planning direction

    • Interior architectural logic

    • Material and finish boundaries

    • Builder and architect coordination

    For clients who wish to continue, this work may lead into New Construction Design.

  • Focused on aligning brand, experience, and operations within a physical environment.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Zoning + spatial hierarchy

    • Brand expression through environment

    • Customer and staff experience

    • Early contractor alignment

    For clients who wish to continue, this work may lead into Commercial Design.

Work With Us

Continuing Into Execution

Directional Design may stand alone, or it may continue into execution for clients who want Urbane Haus to carry the established design position through implementation.

Execution services are offered selectively and only after Directional Design is complete.

What’s Next?

To begin:

  1. Submit an inquiry.

  2. Schedule a discovery call.

  3. Begin Directional Design.

let's Get started

FAQs

  • Directional Design is a defined engagement with clear ownership of decisions. Unlike a consultation, it results in a resolved design position rather than general advice or recommendations.

  • Yes. Directional Design is often most valuable when working within existing conditions, where clarity around layout, hierarchy, and priorities is essential before changes are made.

  • Directional Design can evaluate existing materials for alignment and clarity. When plans exist, this phase is used to refine, correct, or reframe decisions before execution continues.

  • No. This phase establishes boundaries, standards, and direction rather than final selections. Specific products and finishes are addressed during execution, if pursued.

  • Timelines vary by tier and project complexity, but Directional Design is intentionally concise and focused. It is designed to move projects forward, not prolong them.

  • Yes. Directional Design is a complete engagement on its own and is often used by clients who plan to execute independently or with another team.

  • Urbane Haus owns the design direction and decision framework established during this phase. Clients retain control over how and when those decisions are executed.

  • Directional Design focuses on impact rather than size. It is appropriate whenever early decisions will influence the success, longevity, or cohesion of a space.