Project Philosophy
Sophisticated Comfort Designs delivers a highly curated, full-service interior design experience
defined by thoughtful planning, refined aesthetics, and meticulous execution. Each project is
approached with a focus on creating cohesive, elevated interiors that balance beauty,
functionality, and lasting design integrity.
⸻
1. Design Fee
The design fee covers the professional interior design services provided by the Designer,
including development of the design concept, creative direction, sourcing and specification of
furnishings, materials, and finishes, procurement coordination, collaboration with vendors and
trades, and oversight related to the implementation and installation of the project.
This fee reflects the Designer’s professional expertise, design knowledge, creative direction, and
the time dedicated to managing and executing the project.
Design fees are non-refundable, as they compensate the Designer for professional services
rendered throughout the design process. In the unlikely event the Designer is unable to complete
the project due to unforeseen circumstances, any portion of the design fee associated with project
phases not yet performed will be refunded.
⸻
2. Design Options & Additional Design Services
The Designer will present a curated and thoughtfully selected range of design options aligned
with the agreed project scope, aesthetic direction, and functional goals. The design process is
intentionally streamlined to ensure clarity, efficiency, and a cohesive final result. As such, the
number of options presented will be limited to those determined by the Designer to best meet the
project objectives.
Requests for additional options, redesigns, sourcing outside the established design direction, or
revisions beyond the initial design presentation will be considered additional design services.
Additional services will be billed at a rate of $150 per hour, with a minimum billing increment of
four (4) hours per request. Work on additional design exploration will begin only after approval
of the associated billing.
⸻
3. Product Purchasing & Pricing
Pricing for furnishings, materials, and subcontracted services is subject to change based on
manufacturer, vendor, or subcontractor adjustments. While the Designer makes every effort to
confirm pricing at the time of specification, final costs may vary due to vendor price changes,
material fluctuations, or revised scope requirements.
Should pricing adjustments occur after client approval or payment, Sophisticated Comfort
Designs reserves the right to invoice the client for any resulting price differences required to
complete the purchase or service.
In the event a pricing discrepancy cannot be resolved, the client may elect to cancel the affected
item or service. Refunds will be issued for amounts paid toward that item or service, less any
applicable restocking fees, vendor penalties, shipping charges, or non-refundable deposits
required by manufacturers or subcontractors.
Such vendor requirements will be communicated to the client prior to placing orders whenever
possible.
Design fees remain non-refundable and may not be applied toward changes in product pricing,
vendor fees, or subcontractor adjustments.
⸻
4. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Designer’s liability for any claims, damages, or losses
arising out of services provided under this agreement shall be limited to the total amount of
design fees paid by the client.
The Designer shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but
not limited to delays, lost profits, or vendor performance issues.
The Designer is not responsible for delays or failures resulting from circumstances outside
reasonable control, including but not limited to manufacturer delays, shipping disruptions, labor
shortages, natural disasters, governmental actions, or other force majeure events.
The client acknowledges that availability, production timelines, and delivery schedules for
furnishings and materials are determined by manufacturers and suppliers and therefore cannot be
guaranteed by the Designer.
⸻
5. Cancellation
Either party may terminate this agreement with fourteen (14) days written notice.
In the event of termination, the client agrees to compensate the Designer for all services
performed and expenses incurred up to the effective date of termination. This includes design
time, procurement coordination, vendor communication, and any work completed on behalf of
the project.
Any outstanding invoices must be paid prior to the release of design documents, specifications,
or project materials.
Design fees and deposits previously paid are non-refundable, except where otherwise required by
law or explicitly agreed upon in writing.
⸻
6. Payment Terms
Project fees will typically be billed according to one of two standard payment structures,
determined by the scope and scale of the project; however, the designer reserves the right to
change this payment structure as deemed appropriate for the scope and scale of the particular
project.
For larger or more complex projects, fees will be invoiced according to a 10% / 40% / 40% /
10% schedule:
• 10% due upon execution of this agreement to initiate design services
• 40% due at the commencement of the design phase
• 40% due prior to procurement or project implementation
• 10% due upon substantial project completion
For smaller projects or limited-scope engagements, fees will be invoiced on a 50% / 50%
schedule:
• 50% due upon execution of the agreement to begin work
50% due prior to procurement, installation, or final delivery of services
All invoices are due upon receipt unless otherwise stated. Design work, procurement, vendor
coordination, and scheduling will not proceed until the required payment has been received.
The Designer reserves the right to pause services, delay procurement, or suspend project
scheduling if invoices remain unpaid.
Invoices outstanding for more than 15 days may be subject to a late fee of 5% per month on the
remaining balance.
Timely payment ensures vendor reservations, ordering schedules, and project timelines remain
on track.
⸻
7. Client-Supplied Items
The Designer is not responsible for the specification, quality, measurements, compatibility,
performance, or installation of any items purchased directly by the client or sourced outside of
Sophisticated Comfort Designs.
While the Designer may offer general guidance regarding client-supplied items as a courtesy, the
Designer assumes no liability for issues related to sizing, fit, finish, durability, delivery, or
installation of such items. Any time spent reviewing, coordinating, or incorporating client-
provided items into the project may be billed as additional design services.
Items sourced independently by the client may impact the overall design cohesion, project
schedule, or installation timeline, for which the Designer cannot be held responsible.
⸻
8. Client Decisions & Project Delays
Timely client decisions are essential to maintaining the project schedule and ensuring product
availability. The client agrees to provide approvals, selections, and necessary information within
a reasonable timeframe when requested by the Designer.
Delays in client decisions may impact product availability, vendor lead times, pricing, and
overall project scheduling. The Designer shall not be held responsible for any resulting delays,
price increases, or changes in product availability caused by delayed client approvals.
If the project is paused for more than 30 days due to client delays or inactivity, the Designer
reserves the right to invoice for additional time required to resume and re-coordinate the project.
⸻
9. Delivery, Storage & Installation
Sophisticated Comfort Designs may coordinate delivery and installation services through third-
party vendors. While the Designer makes every effort to work with reputable delivery and
installation partners, the Designer is not responsible for damages, delays, or errors caused by
third-party delivery companies, installers, or subcontractors.
If items must be stored due to construction delays, scheduling conflicts, or client availability,
storage fees, additional delivery charges, or re-delivery fees may apply and will be the
responsibility of the client.
The client agrees to ensure that the project site is reasonably prepared and accessible for
scheduled deliveries and installations.
⸻
10. Design Ownership & Intellectual Property
All design concepts, drawings, renderings, specifications, presentations, and other creative
materials produced by the Designer remain the intellectual property of Sophisticated Comfort
Designs.
These materials are created exclusively for the client’s project and may not be reproduced,
shared with third parties, or used for other projects without written consent from the Designer.
The Designer retains the right to photograph the completed project and use images of the project
for portfolio, website, social media, marketing, and publication purposes, unless otherwise
agreed upon in writing.
317-413-3928
Noblesville, IN 46062
[email protected]
www.sophisticatedcomfortdesigns.com