Show Homes: Interior Design Framework
Framework Description
Plumlife Homes, part of Great Places Housing Group, has set up an interior design framework for creating and refreshing its show homes across the North West of England. It has two lots: one for design concepts, room-by-room styling plans and FF&E selections, and one for full project management of show home design and installation. Providers have been appointed, and the framework runs until 31 July 2030.
Context & Use Case
Plumlife calls on the framework when a new development launches or an existing show home needs a refresh. Its sales and marketing teams rely on well-styled show homes to help buyers picture living there, so designers work to Plumlife's brand standards and approved specifications. Lot 2 providers also coordinate decorators and specialist installers on site, so Plumlife can hand over the whole job.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: design concepts, room-by-room styling plans and FF&E selections Lot 2: full project management of show home design and installation Sourcing FF&E to Plumlife's approved specifications Managing subcontracted decorators and specialist installers On-site coordination and quality checks
Lots
Lot 1 Design concepts, room-by-room styling plans and FF&E selections; Lot 2 Full project management of Show Home Design & Installation
Who Can Apply
Suits interior design studios and show home specialists, including small practices and sole practitioners, with residential styling and FF&E experience. Applications for this framework are closed; firms not appointed will need to wait for Plumlife's next procurement, likely around the 2030 end date.
Buyer Benefits
Plumlife gets consistent styling across its developments without briefing a new designer each time. Appointed providers already know its brand standards and specifications, which speeds up turnaround before launches, and the project management lot lets one provider take responsibility for budget, programme and trades.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should agree a launch calendar with Plumlife's sales team so they can plan design and installation ahead of each release. Others should keep building a residential show home portfolio with budgets and turnaround times, and look out for Plumlife or Great Places procurements in the North West. The original tender is listed on Bidstats.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed designers, Athena can sharpen the proposal for each show home brief, with concept narratives and furnishing budgets that show value, through our bid writing and editing service.
For studios that missed this round, our search for suitable frameworks can find other design opportunities with housebuilders and housing associations, and our public sector bid consultancy helps you plan a stronger, well-priced entry for Plumlife's next tender, with a portfolio and case studies built around what Plumlife values.
