Whether you are new to the interior design world or an established business already, chances are you will need a formal contract agreement. One of the main reasons you need a well-detailed interior design agreement is pretty obvious – to protect your intellectual property rights as an interior designer.
By having a contract in place, you will set out clear and specific terms and conditions. This way, both parties can understand the nature of the project. A contract will not only protect your business. But it will serve as a guide for your residential clients to follow. This way, they are also prepared and know what to expect from their interior design project.
Is the current IP system in the UK working in favour of interior designers?
Many designers in the UK see shortfalls in the current IP (Intellectual Property) system. When registering a design, interior designers help protect their intellectual property rights. But the process is often slow and complex, affecting many start-ups who have to wait months to register a name and a logo, not to mention a shape or a design pattern.
A design registration lasts 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years (up to 25 years) to keep it protected. In search for faster options, many designers opt for IP lawyers. This may not be the most cost-effective solution. However, it brings more insights forward than waiting for an approvement form the IPO or searching for similar products yourself.
Many designers also suggest the lengthy and outdated process should be modernised. The latest technology and design processes, like AI comparison tools and image recognition could be of great help.
What should an interior design contract include?
The contract between an interior designer and his/her residential clients should include the following important clauses (but not limited to):
- Scope of work a detailed list of all the work that will be done.
- Pricing explain pricing fees (your rate, whether it’s fixed or per hour, deposit or milestones, and what is included in your design fees).
- Insurance
- Liability
- Termination decide the whats and hows of termination. What happens when one party terminates the contract. Typically, if the client terminates the contract, they will be responsible for all outstanding fees and charges.
- Marketing permission this clause allows you to take photos of your work to grow your portfolio.
- Intellectual property It is crucial that you retain your intellectual property rights as an interior designer. From concept, copyrights, plans, samples and any material used in the project, your contract should include these proprietary rights.
- Cancellation and refunds
- Customer’s obligations
The nature of your interior design project can call for more clauses to be added to the interior design contract agreement. So you shouldn’t limit yourself to the above-mentioned clauses only. If you are unsure what else to add, have a lawyer review it to ensure you’ve covered all your bases.
Final thoughts
As an interior designer, having a contract with your residential clients guarantees protection. If things don’t turn out as planned between your clients and yourself, you will not be held liable or accountable.
Because we know time is money in your line of work, we have created our interior design contract template for use with residential clients.
The template is created by lawyers and includes all the information you need to protect your interior design business when working on residential projects. It is a Microsoft Word document which means you can edit it as needed. You will also receive a guide with step-by-step instructions to help you complete the template. What’s more, you can book a 15 minute consultation with us to be sure you understand the contract and ask any questions.
The best part is that you only need to purchase it once, and it can then be used with all of your future clients.