Can this be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures meet legal requirements under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states when intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented. Some narrow exceptions remain (for example, wills or certain court filings).

Is notarization required for this agreement?

Not usually required for a design services agreement. Notarization becomes necessary if the agreement includes real property conveyances or if a lender or recorder requests notarized acknowledgements; check local notary and RON rules.

Who is authorized to sign for an entity?

An officer or manager with delegated authority must sign using the legal entity name and indicate title. If authority is unclear, attach a corporate resolution or POA to avoid rejection by third parties.

How should amendments be documented?

Amendments must be in writing, reference the original agreement, detail changed terms, and be signed by the same authorized parties. Oral changes often create enforcement issues and lender or permit conflicts.

What if the project scope changes midwork?

Follow the contract's change-order process: written request, agreed cost and schedule adjustments, and signatures from both parties before commencing additional work to avoid disputed claims.

How long must I keep executed records?

Retain signed agreements and primary exhibits for the active term plus at least three years; follow longer retention where tax, title, or HIPAA rules apply and consult counsel for state-specific requirements.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Real Estate Project Designer Agreement

Real Estate Project Designer Agreement

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REAL ESTATE PROJECT DESIGNER AGREEMENT

Parties and Project

This Agreement is made between the Client and the Designer as of the Effective Date set forth below. The parties agree the Designer shall provide design services for the Project identified herein in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Client Name Client Contact Address

Phone:

Email:

Designer (Project Designer) Name and License Designer Contact Address

Phone:

Email:

Property Identification

Project Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description of Property

Scope of Services

The Designer shall perform professional design services for the Project as described below. Services will be provided in phases and shall include preparation of deliverables, coordination with authorities having jurisdiction, and limited construction phase services where specified.

Deliverables (select all that apply)

Conceptual design and massing studies Schematic design documents Design development drawings and outline specifications Construction documents suitable for permitting Permit application and agency coordination Bidding or proposal assistance Construction administration and site observation (limited)

Project Schedule and Milestones

The following dates and milestones are estimates. Designer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to meet the schedule. Any change in schedule shall be documented in a written change order.

Design Commencement Date:

Schematic Design Completion:

Design Development Completion:

Construction Documents Completion:

Compensation and Payment

Client shall pay Designer the fees set forth below in exchange for the services rendered. Fees shall be invoiced as described and are due according to the payment terms.

Total Design Fee Deposit / Retainer

Invoicing and Terms:

Late Payment Fee:

Change Orders and Additional Services

Any work outside the expressly described Scope of Services shall be performed only upon written authorization from Client and shall be billed as extra services at Designer’s standard rates or on a mutually agreed fixed-fee basis. Designer shall provide a written change order describing the work, schedule impact and fee adjustment.

Change Order Authorization Required?

Yes — written authorization required for additional services

Client Responsibilities

Client shall provide timely decisions, access to the property, existing surveys, records and other information necessary for Designer to perform the services. Failure to provide required information may result in schedule extension and additional fees.

Specific Client Obligations

Insurance, Indemnity and Liability

Designer shall maintain professional liability insurance and general liability insurance in amounts customarily carried for projects of similar scope. Designer’s liability for any claim arising out of this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages not to exceed the total design fee, except for claims arising from willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Insurance Coverage Summary

Intellectual Property

All documents prepared by Designer are instruments of service and Designer retains copyright in such documents. Upon full payment, Designer grants Client a non‑exclusive license to reproduce the documents for construction and operation of the Project. Use of documents on other projects or for future work is prohibited without Designer’s written permission.

Confidentiality

Each party shall keep confidential non-public technical and business information of the other party disclosed in connection with this Agreement, except to the extent disclosure is required by law, necessary for performance of the services, or agreed in writing by the disclosing party.

Permits, Approvals and Code Compliance

Designer will prepare documents required for permit applications as specified in the Scope of Services. Client is responsible for permit fees and for timely payment of fees and for securing required approvals unless otherwise agreed in writing. Designer does not guarantee issuance of permits.

Warranties; Standard of Care

Designer warrants that services will be performed in a manner consistent with the professional standard of care for similar projects. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION, DESIGNER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

Termination and Suspension

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach following written notice and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure. Upon termination, Client shall pay Designer for services performed and reimbursable expenses incurred to the termination date.

Notice Period for Termination:

Default and Remedies

Upon default by either party, the non-defaulting party may pursue all remedies available at law or equity. The parties agree that any award of consequential or incidental damages shall be limited to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Disclosures

The following condition disclosures relate to the Project property to the best knowledge of Client. Designer’s review of such conditions is limited to information provided by Client and to observations incidental to performance of design services.

Lead-based paint known or suspected Mold or water intrusion known or suspected Prior structural or fire damage known or suspected

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Project property is located without regard to its conflict of laws principles. This Agreement, together with executed change orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior agreements concerning the subject matter hereof.

Governing Law State:

Notices

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party may designate by written notice.

Client Notice Address Designer Notice Address

Miscellaneous Provisions

Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except to a successor by merger or acquisition. If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of subsequent breaches.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Designer Name:

By:

Date:

What the Real Estate Project Designer Agreement Is

A Real Estate Project Designer Agreement is a written contract between a property owner, developer, or sponsor and a designer or design firm that governs architectural, site, and related design services for a specific real property project. It defines scope, deliverables, schedule, compensation, change-order procedures, intellectual property, insurance, permitting responsibilities, termination rights, dispute resolution, and governing law. The agreement typically includes exhibits such as plans, specifications, and payment schedules. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA frameworks.

Why a Clear Designer Agreement Matters

A clear Real Estate Project Designer Agreement reduces ambiguity about work, timeline, and payment, limits dispute risk, and documents responsibilities for permits and approvals. It creates measurable milestones for payment and approvals, clarifies change-order procedures, and supports enforceability whether signed on paper or electronically under ESIGN and UETA frameworks.

Who Prepares and Signs This Agreement

Common parties include owners, developers, designers, contractors, and consultants who need a documented allocation of design responsibilities and payment terms.

Owners and developers hiring designers and approving budgets and schedules.
Architects and design firms contracted to produce plans, specifications, and construction documents.
General contractors and consultants relying on design deliverables for bidding and construction coordination.

Use this agreement when professional design services, permitting, phased delivery, or third-party approvals require formalized responsibilities and audit-ready records.

Core Clauses to Include for Practical Protection

Include clear, enforceable clauses that allocate duties, manage changes, and define compensation so design work proceeds predictably with reduced dispute risk.

Scope of Services

Precisely describe tasks, deliverables, milestones, permitted revisions, and excluded activities. Attach technical exhibits to avoid interpretation disputes and support permit submissions.

Deliverables

List deliverable types, formats, submission methods, review periods, and acceptance criteria. Specify digital file formats and hard-copy requirements for permitting authorities.

Compensation

Detail fee structure, billing intervals, retainers, reimbursable expenses, and late-payment terms. Include payment triggers tied to milestones and retain backup documentation for audits.

Change Orders

Define procedures for changes: written requests, cost estimates, time impacts, approval authority, and documentation to control scope creep and claims.

Intellectual Property

Allocate ownership or license of plans and drawings, state reuse rights, and address copyright assignment if desired; indicate third-party licensing obligations.

Termination & Remedies

Specify termination for convenience and for cause, notice periods, cure rights, and remedies including suspension, payment for work performed, and dispute resolution methods.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

A concise sequence helps ensure the agreement is complete, signed by authorized parties, and retained for permits and records.

01

Prepare Parties: List full legal names and contact details for each party.
02

Define Scope: Describe services, milestones, deliverables, and exclusions.
03

Specify Fees: State compensation, payment schedule, and invoicing requirements.
04

Sign and Archive: Execute signatures and store executed copy with exhibits.

Online Workflow Settings for Reliable Execution

Configure signing workflows to enforce signer order, authentication strength, reminders, and integration with your document systems.

Field	Configuration
Signers Order	Sequential signing recommended for approvals and lender review.
Authentication	Email link or SMS code; KBA for higher assurance where required.
Reminder Schedule	Automatic reminders at defined intervals to accelerate completion.
Template Reuse	Save as template with reusable fields and version control.

Typical Digital Signing Workflow

A standard online signing process captures intent, signer identity, and an auditable record that supports enforceability under U.S. e-signature law.

Upload Document: Upload final PDF or DOCX with all exhibits attached.
Place Fields: Insert signature, date, and checkbox fields where required.
Authenticate Signer: Use email, SMS code, or stronger authentication as needed.
Complete Audit: Save executed copy with timestamped audit trail.

Platform Capabilities to Match Document Needs

Digital completion requires support for PDFs, field placement, signer authentication, secure storage, and an auditable execution record.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and editable templates.
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace.
Security Standards: AES-256 at rest, TLS in transit.

Typical Timelines, Deadlines, and Processing Expectations

Set clear internal deadlines for approvals, deliverables, permit submissions, and payments to reduce delay risks and track contractor performance.

Proposal Acceptance Deadline:

Date by which owner approves scope to lock pricing and schedule.

Design Milestones:

Submission dates for schematic, design development, and construction documents.

Permit Submission Target:

Planned filing date for jurisdictional permits to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Final Delivery Date:

When final drawings and record documents are due to owner.

Payment Schedule:

Milestone-based payments tied to accepted deliverables and invoicing terms.

Required Core Fields at a Glance

Designer Name: Enter exact legal entity name.

Owner Name: Use registered owner or sponsor name.

Project Address: Full street address and parcel ID.

Scope Summary: One-line scope description.

Compensation Terms: Fee structure and payment timing.

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format required.

Penalties and Common Risks to Avoid

Late Payment: Interest, collection, suspension.

Incorrect Signature: Potential unenforceability risk.

Missing Notarization: May invalidate deeds or filings.

Scope Ambiguity: Leads to claims and disputes.

Tax Reporting: 1099/contractor issues if misclassified.

IP Dispute: Unclear ownership of plans.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Watch For

Vague scope language that omits critical tasks or exclusions, causing disagreement about deliverables and extra-charge claims.
Failing to attach or reference up-to-date exhibits (plans, specs, schedules) so parties later dispute which version controls.
Using incorrect legal entity names or lacking signatory authority documentation, which can delay payments or enforcement.
Not defining a written change-order process, allowing scope creep and disputes over entitlement and compensation.

eSignature Platform Pricing Comparison

Typical vendor pricing and feature differences for executing and managing Real Estate Project Designer Agreements; signNow appears first for comparison consistency.

	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 card	Varies by vendor and plan	Varies by vendor and plan	Varies by vendor and plan	Varies by vendor and plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

FAQs: Execution, Notarization, Amendment, and Storage

Answers to common questions about electronic signing, notarization, authority to sign, amendments, scope changes, and record retention for designer agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Can this be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures meet legal requirements under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states when intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented. Some narrow exceptions remain (for example, wills or certain court filings).
Is notarization required for this agreement?
Not usually required for a design services agreement. Notarization becomes necessary if the agreement includes real property conveyances or if a lender or recorder requests notarized acknowledgements; check local notary and RON rules.
Who is authorized to sign for an entity?
An officer or manager with delegated authority must sign using the legal entity name and indicate title. If authority is unclear, attach a corporate resolution or POA to avoid rejection by third parties.
How should amendments be documented?
Amendments must be in writing, reference the original agreement, detail changed terms, and be signed by the same authorized parties. Oral changes often create enforcement issues and lender or permit conflicts.
What if the project scope changes midwork?
Follow the contract's change-order process: written request, agreed cost and schedule adjustments, and signatures from both parties before commencing additional work to avoid disputed claims.
How long must I keep executed records?
Retain signed agreements and primary exhibits for the active term plus at least three years; follow longer retention where tax, title, or HIPAA rules apply and consult counsel for state-specific requirements.

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