Behind the Process: A Closer Look at How We Work
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
At MR MITCHELL, management of your project starts long before construction and continues well beyond handover.
Contrary to common belief, managing a project actually starts from the very first interaction with you, our clients (through listening and understanding your needs), and ends well beyond the final handover (through actively following up to seek feedback and address any defects).
“Management” of a project involves much more than the obvious services required during the construction period and are carefully factored in when considering the processes needed to adequately set and meet the ongoing expectations of you at every step along the way.
To do so, we need to first understand your needs. Gathering this information starts during onboarding, where critical details about the nature of the project are obtained — including the scope, budget and timeframe. At the briefing stage, we listen carefully to your functional and aesthetic preferences so that we can understand how you want to use the space and how you want to feel in it.
“Every decision we make is grounded in how the client wants to live.
It’s not just about a look, it’s about the feeling.”
Andrew Mitchell
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
Considering that larger projects can continue for two to three years or more, having systems and processes to effectively manage your expectations through every stage is essential. Clearly documented steps enable consistent communication and provide a roadmap for both you and our design team.
For those who engage us for end-to-end service, we prefer to manage the implementation of the design right through to final handover. Depending on the individual project and the nature of the team, this will involve a range of responsibilities — from regular site meetings to the provision of procurement services. For residential projects, our design management services are typically an adjunct to the formal project or contract management services provided by your appointed builder or contractor.
“We’ve got really good systems in place to track things like budget, timeline, product ordering, delivery dates — all of the things that could potentially derail a project.”
Andrew Mitchell
When considering the factors of budget and timeframe, we don’t like to promise a project will be completed “on time” or “on budget”, despite how attractive that sounds at the time. We’ve learnt that there are simply too many influences beyond our control (including you changing your mind) that make this difficult to guarantee. What we do commit to, however, is to keep track of changes to the design, budget and timeline, and to communicate the implications of those changes to you regularly and clearly.
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
How We Keep Your Project on Track
Delivering an outstanding result requires more than just great design. To meet your brief and exceed expectations, we focus just as much on managing your budget, your timeframe and your experience of the process. These are the principles we follow to keep your project running smoothly and your experience feeling clear, supported and considered.
#1: We take control (in the right way)
Now this may be a bit controversial, but we believe that our clients are coming to us because they want us to be in control.
“Our clients are busy people.
They want to trust that we’ve got it all under control, and we take that seriously.”
Andrew Mitchell
You’ve come to us to perform a professional service to help achieve a specific outcome, and the best way to do so is to operate with a clearly defined, staged process.
Successful outcomes rely on delivering more than just well-executed designs. To effectively meet your brief, we also actively assist in managing the budget and timeframe. A well-designed process provides key touch points to keep these important aspects in check.
#2: We create a detailed Scope of Work
A project scope becomes the reference point for all parties involved: clients, collaborating design professionals and trades. It helps to define the key responsibilities we’re committing to delivering — and provides transparency on what’s included (and not).
When paired with a detailed set of Terms and Conditions, the scope of work forms the backbone of our agreement with you.
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
#3: WE SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES
Our Terms and Conditions are there to support open and transparent boundaries. They’re used to communicate important information about responsibilities (ours and yours), inclusions and exclusions, payment terms and potential additional charges.
More than just a legal document, they’re used to set clear boundaries from the outset — creating space for healthy discussion around what’s acceptable, and what happens if either party steps outside the agreed terms.
Once your project is underway, we stick to the rules — and revisit key terms at critical stages. For example, before construction begins, we’ll walk you through our procurement terms again before any invoicing or ordering takes place.
#4: We document everything thoroughly
Whether it’s 2D/3D documentation used to communicate design intent, schedules for accurate quoting and ordering, or meeting notes allocating follow-up tasks and dates to individual stakeholders — documenting everything in detail provides clarity and protects everyone involved.
“There’s a rhythm to the way we work.
It’s not rushed, but it’s always progressing.”
Andrew Mitchell
We streamline documentation using a project management platform, where our team can access up-to-date project information in one easy-to-manage location. Cloud-based systems help avoid version conflict and keep the process seamless from quote to invoice to purchase order.
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
#5: We’re clear on OUR limits
During the Construction Stage, we offer what we call “Design Management.” It’s our way of staying closely involved during construction, without stepping into the role of a licensed project manager. This means we oversee the implementation of the design, liaise with contractors and suppliers, and maintain the integrity of the original vision — while formal contracts remain between you and the builder or trades.
Architects and Project Managers are trained to deal with contracts and manage the scheduling of multiple trades. Most importantly, they are required to have insurance that covers this level of risk.
“We’re not just there to make your project look good.
We’re there to help manage the implementation and bring your vision to life.”
Andrew Mitchell
#6: We communicate regularly
Breakdowns between clients and designers most often happen when changes to design, budget or timeframe aren’t communicated quickly and clearly. On larger projects, such changes aren’t just possible — they’re inevitable.
When clients feel disconnected from progress, trust can quickly erode. We establish regular and structured paths of communication, where information is shared openly and honestly (and in a timely manner), so you can relax into the process and feel confident that everything’s under control.
“Sometimes managing a project is just about making sure people feel heard.
That’s where trust is built.”
Andrew Mitchell
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Ashburton Project” (Image Nicole England)
#7: We address issues as soon as they arise
Before we begin implementation, we let clients know: not everything will go exactly to plan. Delays happen. Scope can shift. Budgets may evolve.
“It was such a relief knowing that Andrew was across everything.
I didn’t have to worry about any of the details.”
Sally, Client (Ashburton Project)
Ideally, we stay ahead of these changes through regular communication. But when something slips — and it does, from time to time — we act quickly. That might mean a phone call or a face-to-face meeting. What matters is getting back on track and ensuring you feel heard and supported.
#8: We see it through
To round out a complete management service, we follow up in the months after handover. This gives us an opportunity to make sure all defects are addressed and check in to see how you’re enjoying your space.
How we handle this final stage — no matter how small the issue — often defines how you remember the experience. This is also the perfect time to gather formal feedback and continue the relationship beyond the project.
Watch our video featuring the Ashburton Project, outlining Our Process. Click on the image to find out more about how we work.
At MR MITCHELL, we approach project management as a long-term partnership. From the first conversation to the final follow-up, our process is designed to deliver more than beautiful spaces — it’s built to give you clarity, confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.
Curious about how this process could support your next project?
We’d love to hear about it!
Book a Design Vision Review or simply reach out for a chat by booking a Discovery Call.
