Is an electronic signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures meet the ESIGN Act test (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are satisfied.

When is a notary required?

Usually not for private design contracts. Notarization may be required for related documents (deeds, some POAs) or to create a self‑proving record in certain states.

Witness requirements vary by state and document type; most interior design agreements do not require witnesses, but deeds or power of attorney related to a project might.

How do I amend the agreement?

Create a written change order or amendment signed by both parties; include a clear reference to the original agreement and the effective date of the amendment.

Who can sign the agreement?

An authorized representative of the client (owner, corporate officer, property manager) and the designer must sign; confirm signing authority to avoid disputes.

How long should I keep records?

Retain executed agreements for the contract term plus at least three years; follow IRS rules (IRC §6501(a)) and industry standards such as HIPAA six‑year retention when applicable.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Interior Design Agreement

Interior Design Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

INTERIOR DESIGN AGREEMENT

Parties

This Interior Design Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Designer and Client effective as of the Effective Date set forth below.

Designer Name Designer Contact (Address, Phone, Email) Client Name Client Contact (Address, Phone, Email)

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

Scope of Services

Designer shall provide professional interior design services for the Property including space planning, selection and procurement of furniture, finishes and fixtures, preparation of construction or installation drawings as required, project management of installation, and coordination with third-party contractors (collectively, "Services"). Specific deliverables and milestones are set forth below.

Detailed Scope / Deliverables Project Start Date Estimated Completion Date

Fees, Payment & Budget

Client agrees to pay Designer the fees described below. Unless otherwise stated, fees are due upon invoice in accordance with the payment schedule.

Contract Sum (Design Fee) Design Deposit (Retainer) Deposit Due Date Payment Schedule / Milestones Late Payment Fee Allowances (If any)

Change Orders & Additional Work

Any change in scope, materials or schedule shall be documented by a written change order signed by both parties. Additional services requested by Client will be billed at Designer’s standard rates or as otherwise agreed.

Change Order Procedure / Hourly Rates

Third Parties, Contractors & Purchases

Designer may engage third-party contractors or suppliers. Designer is not responsible for acts or omissions of third-party contractors except when acting under direct instruction and control of Designer. Client authorizes Designer to obtain proposals, contract for labor, and place orders on Client's behalf when authorized in writing.

Procurement Services (check applicable) Designer to procure furniture/fixtures
Client to procure items directly

Permits, Inspections & Compliance

The parties shall identify whether permits or approvals are required. Responsibility for obtaining permits will be allocated in writing prior to commencement of work. Designer will advise on compliance with applicable codes but Client remains responsible for approvals and final sign-offs.

Responsibility for Permits

Insurance, Indemnity & Liability

Designer shall maintain general liability insurance sufficient to cover Designer’s operations and shall provide certificates upon request. Designer’s liability to Client for any claim arising out of this Agreement shall be limited to the total fees paid to Designer under this Agreement. Client shall indemnify and hold Designer harmless from claims arising from Client-supplied information or acts of third parties retained by Client.

Insurance Requirements / Limits

Warranties & Disclaimer

Designer warrants that Services will be performed in a professional manner in accordance with industry standards. Except as expressly stated, Designer makes no other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Disclosures

Client represents that Client has disclosed all known conditions affecting the Property which might impact design or installation, including the presence of hazardous materials or prior damage.

Lead Paint Present? Yes No

Mold or Water Damage Known? Yes No

Prior Structural or Material Damage? Yes No

Default, Termination & Remedies

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other if the breach is not cured within fourteen (14) days after written notice. Upon termination, Client shall pay Designer for all Services performed and expenses incurred to the date of termination. Designer may suspend performance for nonpayment after seven (7) days' written notice.

Cure Period for Breach

Ownership of Documents

All design documents, drawings and specifications prepared by Designer are instruments of service and remain Designer’s property. Client is granted a limited license to use the documents for the Project. Reuse without Designer’s written permission shall be at Client’s sole risk.

Confidentiality

The parties shall keep confidential all non-public information obtained from the other party in connection with the Services, except as required by law or as necessary to perform the Services.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Property is located without regard to conflict of law principles. This Agreement, including any attachments or exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to its subject matter.

Governing Jurisdiction (State)

Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth in this Agreement or as updated in writing by either party.

Designer Notice Address Client Notice Address

Acknowledgment

By signing below, Client and Designer acknowledge that they have read and understand this Agreement, that they have the authority to enter into this Agreement, and that they accept the terms set forth herein.

Designer (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Client (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

What the Interior Design Agreement Covers

An Interior Design Agreement is a written contract that defines the relationship between a client and a design professional for residential or commercial interior projects. It sets the project scope, deliverables, budget and payment terms, schedule and milestones, design ownership and licensing, change order procedures, termination rights, and liability limits. The agreement clarifies responsibilities for procurement, installation, subcontractors, and third‑party vendors, and it anchors dispute resolution and governing law. Using a clear agreement reduces ambiguity and helps manage expectations for both parties throughout the design process.

Why a Written Agreement Matters for Design Projects

A formal Interior Design Agreement protects both parties by documenting scope, costs, timelines, and acceptance criteria. It reduces disputes, clarifies payment triggers, and establishes legal remedies if performance or payment issues arise.

Who Typically Uses an Interior Design Agreement

Common users include independent designers, design firms, homeowners, and commercial property owners who need a clear contract for services.

Independent interior designers working on single or multiple projects with private clients.
Design firms contracting with corporate clients for office, retail, or hospitality fit-outs.
Homeowners, landlords, and real estate developers commissioning design or renovation services.

The agreement is also used by contractors, vendors, and property managers who participate in procurement and installation phases.

Primary signatories and their roles

Alex Rivera, Principal Designer

A licensed or credentialed design professional who prepares plans, specifies materials, and coordinates vendors; responsible for timely delivery of design documents and adherence to agreed scope and budget.

Jordan Lee, Homeowner

The client who authorizes work, approves designs, and pays fees; responsible for providing site access, timely decisions, and accurate property information to avoid delays or extra charges.

Core Clauses to Include in the Agreement

A professional Interior Design Agreement bundles operational, payment, and legal terms so both parties can manage the project confidently and reduce downstream disputes.

Scope of Work

Define services precisely: schematic designs, construction documents, procurement, site supervision, and any exclusions such as structural engineering or permits to avoid scope creep.

Payment Terms

Specify fees, deposit amounts, milestone payments, late fees, and whether costs include third‑party vendor invoices, shipping, and taxes.

Schedule & Milestones

List key dates for deliverables, installation windows, and client review periods; include remedies for delays and procedures for communicating schedule changes.

Change Orders

Describe how changes are proposed, approved, and priced; require written change orders for any material deviation from the agreed scope.

Intellectual Property

Clarify ownership of drawings, renderings, and specifications; state whether the client receives a license or full ownership upon payment.

Liability & Insurance

Limit professional liability where permitted, require adequate insurance, and allocate responsibility for contractor performance, site damage, and code compliance.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow a consistent sequence to avoid missing clauses and to create a reliable record for administration and enforcement.

01

Gather details: Collect client IDs, property data, and budget figures before drafting.
02

Draft scope: Write a clear scope with measurable deliverables and exclusions.
03

Set fees: Enter deposit, milestones, and payment methods.
04

Sign and retain: Obtain signatures and store the executed copy securely.

Configuring a Digital Signing Workflow

Design a simple signer flow: assign roles, authentication, field types, and storage so the final signed contract is auditable and retrievable.

Field	Configuration
Authentication method	Email link or SMS code
Signer order	Sequential or parallel signing
Field types	Signature, initials, date, text
Storage location	Encrypted cloud repository

How Electronic Signing Works for This Agreement

A typical e‑signing workflow captures intent, attribution, and an audit trail so the executed agreement meets ESIGN and UETA tests for enforceability.

Upload: Prepare PDF or Word contract for signing.
Place fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields.
Send: Email or link is delivered to signers.
Complete: Signers authenticate and execute the document.

Technical Options for Sharing and Signing

Choose a platform that supports required formats and integrates with your document systems for secure delivery and tracking.

File formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
Security standards: TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest

Common Timing Items to Track in the Agreement

Record explicit deadlines for deliverables, payments, and acceptance reviews to avoid disputes and trigger remedies automatically when missed.

Effective Date:

Start date for obligations and warranties

Design Deliverables:

Dates for schematic, final, and procurement lists

Payment Milestones:

Deposit and progress payment due dates

Installation Window:

Scheduled dates for on-site installation

Warranty Period:

Duration of contractor or product warranties

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

Using vague scope language that leaves responsibilities undefined, which often leads to disputes over additional costs and timelines.
Omitting change‑order procedures so variations are performed without formal approval or agreed pricing, creating billing disagreements.
Failing to identify who handles permitting and code compliance, which may delay installation and increase costs unexpectedly.
Neglecting to require proof of contractor insurance, exposing the client or designer to potential liability for on‑site incidents.

Risks and Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Agreement

Payment disputes: Delayed invoicing

Scope gaps: Unpaid extra work

Liability exposure: Increased legal risk

Warranty lapses: Voided manufacturer claims

Contract unenforceable: Ambiguous terms

Regulatory fines: Permit violations possible

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare entry pricing and key capabilities when choosing an eSignature provider; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison requirements.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial, no credit card	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

How Agreements Work in Real Projects

Two brief examples show how clear agreements reduce delays and define payment triggers on real design projects.

Residential Renovation

A homeowner hires a designer to remodel a kitchen, budget set at $75,000 with phased payments

Change orders require written approval, protecting both parties
The contract’s milestone payments and inspection acceptance criteria prevented a month‑long payment dispute and kept the installation on schedule.

Retail Fit‑Out

A retail tenant signs a design and procurement agreement for store fixtures and FF&E

The contract assigns procurement responsibility and delivery windows
Clear delivery acceptance criteria and liquidated damages language ensured timely build‑out and minimal revenue loss for the tenant.

Essential Data Elements to Collect and Protect

Client Information: Full legal name, address, contact phone

Project Address: Street, city, state, ZIP code

Payment Details: Billing name, payment method, tax ID

Scope Summary: Clear scope with exclusions listed

Signature Records: Signed name, timestamp, authentication method

Insurance Proof: Contractor insurance certificates

Frequently Asked Questions about Interior Design Agreements

Answers to common questions about enforceability, signing, notarization, amendments, and recordkeeping for Interior Design Agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures meet the ESIGN Act test (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are satisfied.
When is a notary required?
Usually not for private design contracts. Notarization may be required for related documents (deeds, some POAs) or to create a self‑proving record in certain states.
Do I need witnesses?
Witness requirements vary by state and document type; most interior design agreements do not require witnesses, but deeds or power of attorney related to a project might.
How do I amend the agreement?
Create a written change order or amendment signed by both parties; include a clear reference to the original agreement and the effective date of the amendment.
Who can sign the agreement?
An authorized representative of the client (owner, corporate officer, property manager) and the designer must sign; confirm signing authority to avoid disputes.
How long should I keep records?
Retain executed agreements for the contract term plus at least three years; follow IRS rules (IRC §6501(a)) and industry standards such as HIPAA six‑year retention when applicable.

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