What is the term for when project requirements expand beyond the original plan due to client requests?

The term that describes when project requirements expand beyond the original plan due to client requests is known as scope creep. This phenomenon occurs when additional features or changes are made to a project after it has begun, often without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, or resources. Scope creep can lead to challenges such as increased workload, potential delays, and budget overruns, as the project team must continuously adapt to the new requirements rather than adhering to the initial plan. It is important for interior designers to manage the scope of a project carefully, clearly communicate with clients about any changes, and document all requests to maintain project integrity and control.

Other terms listed, such as budget creep, feature inflation, and design expansion, while they may relate to financial concerns or specific design elements, do not specifically address the overall adjustments in project requirements that characterize scope creep. This understanding of scope creep is crucial for maintaining project management effectiveness in the field of interior design.