This Design Agreement for Interior Design Services is by and between “The Client” and Stanford Design Consulting, Inc. referred to as “The Design Firm” and we, in this document.  

The Design Firm is engaged in the business of providing services and products relating to interior design. The Design Firm shall prepare interior plans including floor plans, mood boards, elevations, and design/build project management. Develop design direction for overall look of the project including architectural finishes and color schemes for furniture, millwork, etc. Selection of fabrics, furnishings, finishes, hardware, plumbing, appliances, lighting, flooring, accessories, artwork, and architectural and window treatments and The Client is hiring such services of the Designer.  

The Client hereby engages the services of The Design Firm, and The Design Firm hereby accepts the engagement to design and to do the work hereinafter specified by The Client in connection with the project and detailed in the Design Package.  

1.      DESIGN PACKAGE

The Design Firm will provide Design Consultation Services to The Client for the address listed and the Design Package chosen. Additions and change orders must be provided in writing and necessary design fees will be provided for payment   .

2.      TERMS OF AGREEMENT & TIMELINE

The work specified by this agreement will commence (insert date here) and be complete no later than (insert completion date), barring unforeseen changes, incontrollable product delays, discovery of additional interior work required, and Force Majeure.  

3.      DESIGN FEES

A fixed design fee is required prior to starting Design Services.

4.      METHOD OF PAYMENT

The Design Firm accepts checks and bank transfer for all payments. Credit cards are accepted with the addition of the merchant service fees, 3-4% typical.  

5.      REIMBURSABLES

The Client agrees to reimburse The Design Firm for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by The Design Firm in relation to the project, including but not limited to, renderings, drafting services, postage and handling, freight, delivery, and storage costs. The Client shall reimburse The Design Firm for all travel, lodging, and meal expenses incurred by The Design Firm (where necessary) in connection with the project. The Design Firm will provide The Client with at itemized invoice monthly for reimbursement.  

6.      CHANGE ORDERS

Change orders will be required in writing with the signature of both The Client and The Design Firm to include, but not limited to, the following: a) change in scope of project, b) change in timeline of project completion, c) change in design when previously approved by client, d) change in materials selections when previously approved by client. Many changes incur additional design fees that will be billed immediately upon change order creation. If changes incur no additional fees, billing remains as originally agreed.  

7.      DRAWINGS & INTERIOR DESIGN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Design Firm’s drawings are conceptual in nature and are intended to set forth design intent; they are not to be used for architectural or engineering purposes. The Design Firm shall be held harmless for relying on the accuracy of information provided by the Client. Project drawings and documents cannot be used by The Client for any purpose other than completion of Project by The Design Firm as detailed in this agreement.  

The drawings and concepts presented belong solely to The Design Firm and may not by copied, distributed, or otherwise used by The Client. They are to be used only by The Design Firm for The Client to deliver the project as detailed in this agreement.  

8.      CONTRACTORS & CONSULTANTS

The Design Firm is not a general contractor and does not provide contractor services. The Design Firm may provide a list of qualified subcontractors who specialize in renovation and remodeling work. All trades that are referred will be licensed and insured. The Client will enter in a contract directly with each contractor. We are pleased to work with a client’s own sub trades; however, The Design Firm will not be responsible for the work performed, the timing of work or any portion of the work performed. The Design Firm provides no warranty, guarantee, certification, or responsibility for the performance, quality, or timely completion of any work performed or materials installed by Contractors, nor their agents or employees. The Design Firm shall cooperate with and observe Contractors for the purpose of general conformity of the design plan.  

9.      PERMITS

Client or contractor is responsible for permitting and or all approvals and compliance required by any governmental agency.  

10.  CANCELED APPOINTMENTS

With everyone’s schedules it is important to honor appointments made. In the event of a change in scheduling (beyond an emergency), The Design Firm requires a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. If proper notice is not provided, The Client will be invoiced for a minimum of $250. We guarantee to be on time, or we will call in the event of any delay.  

11.  PHOTOGRAPHY/PORTFOLIO USE

The Design Firm reserves the right to photograph, describe, sketch, draw and/or publish anything in relation to this design project, but will not publish your name or address without your prior written consent.  

12.  TESTIMONIAL & DESIGNER SERVICES REVIEW

With satisfactory design services and products provided, The Design Firm looks forward to requesting a testimonial of their work from you, The Client. This will be done either directly or through The Design Firm’s PR Specialist. The testimonial will be used both online as well as offline in marketing materials.  

13.  CONFIDENTIALITY

The Design Firm and its employees, agents, or representatives will not at any time or in any manner, disclose or communicate any information that is proprietary to The Client. This includes maintaining the privacy of the client’s address beyond those immediately involved with the project and maintaining complete confidentiality about design details and project investment.  

14.  INDEMNIFICATION

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The Design Firm from all claims, losses, expenses, fees, including attorney fees, costs, and judgements that may be made against The Client that result from the acts or omissions of The Design Firm and/or its employees, agents, or representatives.  

15.  WARRANTY

The Design Firm shall provide its services and meet its obligations under this agreement in a timely and workmanlike manner, using expert knowledge for performing the services which meet the generally accepted standards of excellence for interior design in the State of Virginia.  

16.  FORCE MAJEURE

If performance of this agreement or any obligation under this agreement is prevented restricted or interfered with by causes beyond either party’s reasonable control (Force Majeure), and if the party unable to carry out its obligations gives the other party prompt written notice of such even, then the obligations of the party invoking this provision shall be suspended as necessary by such event.   The term Force Majeure shall include, without limitation, acts of God, fire, explosion, vandalism, storm, riots, wars, strikes, national emergencies, or other similar occurrences. The excused party shall use reasonable efforts under the circumstances to proceed and perform whenever such causes are removed or ceased.  

17.  DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

Any disputes arising from this agreement will be resolved by binding arbitration in accordant with the most current Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The parties shall select a mutually acceptable arbitrator knowledgeable about issues relating to the subject matter of this agreement.  

The arbitration shall take place in a location that is reasonably centrally located between the parties, or otherwise mutually agreed upon. All documents, materials, and information in possession of each party that is relevant to the dispute shall be made available to the other party for review and copying no later than 30 days after the notice of arbitration is served.  

The arbitrator(s) shall not have the authority to modify any provision of this agreement or to award punitive damages. The arbitrator(s) has the power to issued mandatory orders and restraint orders in connection with the arbitration. The decision rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on the parties.  

During the continuance of any arbitration proceeding, the parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this agreement.  

18.  GOVERING LAW PROVISION

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the state of Virginia applicable to agreements made and to be performed in such state.  

19.  COMMUNICATION PROTOCAL

The Design Firm seeks to treat The Client with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and respect always and humbly requests the same in return. In keeping with this code of conduct, we request that you contact us with any questions, feedback, ideas, or concerns via text or email. We will reply within four hours when between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.  

When it is outside of business hours, nights, or weekends, we’ll reply by the following business day. Complete, clear, and prompt communication is essential to the success of your project. And for time efficiency and to stay on deadline, we group our replies to occur at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm.  

If there is something of a more urgent nature, please contact Julie Shaheen at 571-291-5071 immediately. Design can be a stressful process and our goal is to answer all questions, resolve challenges, and keep your project always moving forward with our standard of excellence.  

We will keep you updated with established milestones and provide celebrations along the way. We look forward to being your design guide, partner, translator, muse, and magician.  

20.  LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION

When there are significant delays in the supply chain and unprecedented challenges with logistics, The Design Firm will do all it can to ensure full disclosure of delays and logistics challenges, it bears no responsibility for these acts beyond its control.  

21.  CANCELLATION POLICY

This agreement may be cancelled at with 30-day written notice by either party. Said notice must be provided in writing and takes effect upon receipt (overnight with signature required upon receipt must be used.) Any monies due The Design Firm at that time, must be paid immediately, including, but not limited to monies for product and contract work already in process. Any retainer monies on hand and unused from the client will be reimbursed.