Why interiors pays more
- A decided client. They already bought the property, now they want to fit it out.
- High perceived value. It touches daily life.
- Short cycle. Designed and executed in 4–8 months.
- Multiple streams. Design + millwork + management.
A specific methodology
Interiors has 3 revenue sources:
- Interior design project (R$/m²).
- Markup on millwork (10–20% over the quoted value).
- Construction management (8–15% over the construction/installation value).
Whoever charges only the 1st leaves a lot of money on the table. The 3 together make interiors the most profitable niche in architecture.
R$/m² interiors table 2026
| Standard | R$/m² |
|---|---|
| Mid | R$ 200–280 |
| Mid-high | R$ 280–380 |
| High | R$ 380–500+ |
Includes: survey, preliminary design, construction documents, specifications, memorandum. Does not include exterior render or construction follow-up (both charged separately).
Charging for millwork
The client will spend R$ 80–250 thousand on millwork in a mid-high apartment. You design everything, quote it with 2–3 suppliers and charge a markup of 10–20% over the value contracted. This pays for the detailing work, management of the execution and measurement visits. In an apartment with R$ 150 thousand of millwork, that is R$ 15–30 thousand in this stream alone.
3 revenue streams in a single proposal
Limify combines design, millwork markup and management in the same proposal. The client sees the 3 items clearly and the firm stops "forgetting" the 2 most profitable ones.
Try it freeInterior construction management
The client wants you to follow the construction. Charge 8–15% over the construction value (including millwork, installations, painting, finishing). On a R$ 250 thousand job, that is R$ 20–37 thousand, almost an entire project.
Define the management scope: weekly visits? coordination of the suppliers? material approval? Without scope, management turns into an endless WhatsApp nightmare.