One is for personal comfort, the other for public performance—here’s how their pricing structures set them apart.
Introduction
Whether you’re designing a dream home or a high-traffic café, the role of an interior designer is crucial. But their approach—and pricing—can vary significantly depending on whether the project is residential or commercial. Let’s break down the cost differences, why they exist, and how you can budget wisely for either type.
1. Project Objectives and Priorities
Residential design focuses on comfort, emotion, and personal aesthetics. Commercial design focuses on branding, functionality, and crowd management. These goals influence pricing models.
- Residential: Customised, one-on-one service with focus on livability
- Commercial: Business-driven outcomes requiring scalability and compliance
2. Fee Structure Differences
Most interior designers use a mix of the following models depending on project type:
- Residential Projects: ₹75–₹250 per sq. ft. or fixed packages for specific rooms
- Commercial Projects: ₹150–₹600 per sq. ft., often with additional charges for branding, approvals, and project management
- Hourly Rates: More common in commercial consultancy (₹1,000–₹5,000/hr in India)
3. Scope and Complexity
Commercial spaces usually require:
- Code compliance (fire exits, disability access, etc.)
- Coordination with engineers, MEP consultants, and local authorities
- Custom signage, branding, and technical lighting design
This translates to higher designer workload and cost.
4. Material Specifications
Commercial interiors often demand durable, high-performance, and certified materials (fire-retardant fabrics, anti-slip flooring, acoustic panels). These raise both the material and sourcing cost.
Residential interiors use more personal and comfort-focused materials, often with flexibility in product selection.
5. Timelines and Workload
Residential projects may be more flexible in delivery, often spanning 2–6 months depending on scale. Commercial projects operate under tight deadlines due to launch schedules, rentals, and investor timelines. Designers often charge premiums for fast-track execution.
6. Stakeholder Involvement
Residential designs usually involve homeowners and family members, while commercial projects require input from corporate stakeholders, brand teams, and often legal or compliance professionals. More coordination = more billable hours.
7. Post-Design Support
Commercial spaces may need ongoing design consultancy for seasonal rebranding or franchise replication, for which retainer-based pricing is common. Residential projects rarely demand such extended engagements.
Conclusion: Pricing Mirrors Purpose
Interior design rates reflect the intent and scale of the space being created. Residential projects are personal and aesthetic, priced with flexibility. Commercial projects are strategic and technical, priced for performance and precision. Understanding these differences ensures smarter hiring and realistic budgeting for both home and business environments.