The verdict in three sentences
A sensitive corporate redesign is de-risked with four phases: discovery, design system, build, QA and SEO. Each phase has a validation gate and a signed-off deliverable before moving on, with weekly reviews and a dedicated project manager. Plan 16 weeks and an envelope around 185,000 EUR for a mid-size group in Amsterdam.
The four-phase breakdown
A group's leadership wants to de-risk a high-stakes brand redesign. The 2026 breakdown (EUR) and deliverables per phase:
| Phase | Duration | Deliverables | 2026 budget (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | 3 wks | Workshops, IA, specs, KPIs | 19,000 |
| Design system | 4 wks | Mockups, tokens, components | 44,000 |
| Build | 6 wks | Front, CMS, integrations | 98,000 |
| QA + SEO | 3 wks | Tests, redirects, JSON-LD | 24,000 |
| Total | 16 wks | Site live | 185,000 |
Each phase ends with a sign-off gate: without gate approval, the next phase does not start. This is what prevents costly late-stage back-and-forth.
Governance and project rhythm
A successful corporate project rests on rhythm and roles, not just code. The typical setup:
| Ceremony | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint review | Weekly | Validate progress |
| Steering committee | Bi-weekly | Trade-offs, budget |
| PM check-in | 2x/week | Unblock |
| Client acceptance | End of phase | Gate validation |
| Retrospective | End of sprint | Improve rhythm |
The dedicated project manager is the single point of contact on the agency side. They own the schedule, surface risks and drive the 4 sprints. Without one, a 185,000 EUR project scatters.
Mini case study
Mark, communications director of an agri-industrial group in Amsterdam, launches a redesign ahead of the AGM. He signs off the breakdown: discovery 19,000 EUR, design system 44,000, build 98,000, QA+SEO 24,000, i.e. 185,000 EUR over 16 weeks. By enforcing a signed gate per phase, he blocks two out-of-scope last-minute requests (estimated at 32,000 EUR) that would have pushed go-live back 5 weeks. Result: delivery on the AGM date, budget held, zero surprises in the steering committee.
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FAQ
Why split into four phases instead of one lot?
Because each validated gate freezes a decision and prevents rework. A single-lot project concentrates all risk at the end, where fixes cost 3 to 5 times more.
Is a dedicated project manager really essential?
Yes for a budget above 100,000 EUR. They own the schedule, arbitrate and surface risks. Without a single point of contact, decisions drag and the timeline slips.
What if a phase runs late?
The steering committee decides: either shift the date or reduce the next phase's scope. The signed gate lets you measure the gap precisely and decide fast.
Can some phases run in parallel?
Content production and translations run alongside the build. That can save 2 to 3 weeks out of 16, provided you plan it from the discovery phase.
How do you guarantee quality before go-live?
The QA phase (3 weeks) covers functional tests, 301 redirects, accessibility and JSON-LD. No site ships to production without client-signed acceptance.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your group size, the number of languages and your integrations: we build a phased breakdown with gates and budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
