Design Services Agreement

Designer: [Name/Firm] · Client: [Name] · Project: [Description] · Date: [Date]

1. Scope of Services

Designer will provide design services for [Project Description], including [phases — e.g. concept development, design development, final specifications], per the scope in Exhibit A.

2. Fee Structure

[ ] Flat project fee of [Amount], payable per milestone. [ ] Hourly rate of [Amount], with an estimated not-to-exceed budget of [Amount] absent Client's written approval to exceed it. [ ] Percentage of project cost/procurement of [%].

3. Deliverables

[List specific deliverables — e.g. floor plans, mood boards, specifications, renderings — and delivery dates for each phase.]

4. Revisions

[Number] rounds of revisions per phase are included; additional revisions billed at [Rate].

5. Ownership of Design Work

Upon full payment, Client owns the specific design deliverables for use on this project. Designer retains ownership of their design concepts, methodology, and the right to use images of the completed project in their portfolio, unless Client requests confidentiality in writing.

6. Vendor/Contractor Coordination

[State whether Designer will coordinate with contractors/vendors on Client's behalf, and whether Designer receives any compensation (referral fees, markup) from those vendors — this should be disclosed to Client if applicable.]

7. Client's Approval

Client will review and approve each phase before Designer proceeds to the next, and delays in Client's feedback may extend the project timeline accordingly.

Designer: ______________________ Date: ____________ Client: ______________________ Date: ____________

*This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Disclosing any compensation a designer receives from vendors or contractors (Section 6) — not just charging the client a flat fee — matters both ethically and, in some states, as a legal requirement for design professionals; a designer earning undisclosed kickbacks from recommended vendors is a real conflict of interest.*