My Interior Design Letter of Agreement

Maybe not the MOST interesting read, but it’s nice to see a sample of what my Letter of Agreement looks like. When I work with a client, it is very important to be clear from the get go of what the scope of the project is and where certain responsibilities lie. Take a look below at my Letter of Agreement for a fictional client, and contact me to schedule a consultation for your upcoming home or office design projects!

Dear Krista,

Thank you for your interest in my design services for your second home, which I am lovingly naming “Krista's Floating Fantasea”! I am so excited to be a part of making your dream of having a vacation home a reality. It is my goal to provide you with personalized planning and convenient, on-site service. I offer quality products (both for-trade only custom options along with vintage finds), design planning and guidance, procurement of furnishings, furniture placement, and accessorizing for a unified, finished look. My job is to assist you in your selections while working within your time frame and budget. Most importantly, it is my mission to embrace your personal style and design ideas and then translate the into visual form. This Letter of Agreement serves to set forth the scope of services I shall provide as well as outline the terms and conditions of this project.

Overview:

We will determine the requirements of the project and in the design of your newly constructed floating home. The first phase will include: altering the original floor plan to suit your lifestyle; specifying for contractor the cable-system for heated floors, flooring, wall-covering, paint color, kitchen counters/pulls/cabinets, fireplace treatment, shower stall, toilet, vanity; making lighting, furniture, furnishings and some accessories selections. The purchase of above-mentioned items will happen only after your approval. I will also coordinate installation and delivery of the project.

Purchases:

I will professionally prepare and submit to you written confirmation orders on all items to be purchased on your behalf. Purchase orders will only be issued upon returning to me a signed copy of the quotes together with the required full payment.

All prices quoted are good for 30 days unless otherwise stated in writing to you. I will gladly provide you with several suggestions for contracted outside services, but will not be responsible for the performance or the workmanship of any contractors, workrooms and trade sources that you select or whom you contract.

Documents:

As my client, you have responsibilities to ensure the design process goes smoothly. I will ask that you provide full information regarding your requirements for the project. I will ask that you examine submitted documents and make prompt decisions to avoid unreasonable delay in the progress of the project. The drawings, specifications, information, surveys and reports pertaining to your home will be furnished at your approval and expense and I will be entitled to rely upon their accuracy and completeness. You shall contact contractors directly in connection with the constructions and/or building alteration phases of this project.

Changes or Revisions:

Revisions and changes happen from time to time and may be made during the study stage of the work. Changes that must be made by me, regulating from revised ideas, structural or mechanical, after my work has been completed and accepted, will be billed to you at my regular hourly rate ($100/hr) plus any other specific costs incurred. Such changes and revisions will be made only upon receipt of your written order.

If you observe or otherwise become aware of any fault or defect in the project or nonconformance with the contract documents, you will let me know promptly and in writing. I will ask that you furnish information as expeditiously as necessary for the orderly progress of the work.

Fee Structure:

Based on the size of the project, we will incorporate a fee structure combining my hourly rate and a fee based on purchases. Design time will be billed at the rate of $100/hr for all design services rendered including the development of the design concept outlined in the overview section of this letter. The max number of billable hours will be 70 hours. Purchases made on your behalf will be billed to you at a retail price less 20%. All products that are included in the design plan will be purchased through my resources, unless otherwise recommended by me. Based on an estimated budget of $70,000, the retainer fee is $7,000.

Retainer:

A retainer is requested prior to implementation of the design project. The retainer is determined by research and design time necessary to prepare and develop the design plan. A retainer of 10% if the total budget is customary and is required upon signing the letter of agreement. The retainer is non-refundable and is applied toward designtime at the final billing of the planned project. The retainer may be applied toward final merchandise purchases after final design fees have been paid.

If you need to terminate or delay the planned project for any reason before completion, the retainer will be used as compensation for time and expenses. In the event that the charges for these services are greater than the retainer, you shall be responsible to pay the compensation based upon my time log and the expense records, If the design time and expenses are less than the retainer, the balance will be gladly applied toward the original plan's final billing, once it is reinstated.

Ownership of Design:

The designs, drawing presentations, and renderings I provide as instruments of my service to you are my own creation and will remain my property whether the project for with they were made is executed or not. They are only to be used by you on other projects or extensions to this project with my agreement and with reasonable compensation.

Other Pertinent Information:

If you would like me to perform any work in areas not specified in this agreement, I shall be happy to do so if I am able. I will ask that you authorize these requests in writing so we understand clearly what those new tasks are. I will ask that you pay for these services at the regular hourly fee.

I would like to be permitted to take photographs or other reproductions of your project and to have permission to publicly display your project in magazines, newspapers, or other media. With your permission and prearrangement, I will ask to enter your home for the purposes of taking such photographs or other reproductions.

I will do my part to act on your behalf to resolve changes that arise. Each manufacturer provides assurances or guarantees of varying degrees. These guarantees are for replacement of manufacturing errors, defective materials, parts, etc. at no charge to you. These guarantees do not include additional trips made by the installer and do not apply to merchandise subjected to abuse, misuse, neglect, alteration or damage caused directly or indirectly by you, family members, or guests in your house. Any additional charges will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with ever effort to give you fair and timely client services. I cannot guarantee any fabric, material or article against wearing, fading or latent defect. However, to the extent permitted by law, you will have the benefit at your expense in the assertion of all guarantees and warranties possessed by me against suppliers and manufacturers. Your satisfaction is my mission.

Delivery time varies with each vendor and is based on the vendor's internal manufacturing schedules. Occasionally a delay may occur that is out of my control.

As I promise to do my part to the best of my ability, I am not responsible for the failure of others to meet expected commitments that may delay delivery or installation. I will always keep you informed and give you the most accurate information I have of the status of your project.

Sometimes supplier prices change without notice. If the supplier's price changes before an order is placed, I will inform you in writing and complete the specific order for you with your approval and agreement to pay the new stated price. Also, you are responsible for sales tax, freight, delivery and installation charges, where applicable. Balances for merchandise and/or service is always due upon delivery or installation.

Cancellation:

You have an option to cancel this agreement at any time prior to midnight of the third business dat after the date of this signing. Orders for merchandise canceled after 3 business days are subject to an additional 25% cancellation charge. Once custom manufacturing has begun for you, your order cannot be cancelled.

Acceptance:

Kista Smith, please kindly sign and return this original letter of agreement along with your check for the retainer of $7000. You may, if you wish, pay more toward your retainer and the overage will be put towards merchandise. Please feel free to keep one copy for your records.

Designing your space is exciting, fun and rewarding! I am here to work hard for you, to listen carefully to your wants and needs, to translate your desires into real choices, and to see our project through to your utmost satisfaction. I offer my time, talent, experience, and access to unique design resources. I look forward to helping you realize your dreams of a beautiful, custom designed home that is tailored just for you!

Client__________________________________________________ Date:___________

Interior Designer_______________________________________ Date­___________