What should an interior design agreement explain?

It should clearly describe the rooms, services, deliverables, decision milestones, fee structure, purchasing responsibilities, revision process, schedule assumptions, and how the work can end or change.

Does every interior designer have the same legal title or license?

No. Protected titles, registration, and practice requirements vary by jurisdiction and project. Check local rules and ask the designer to explain credentials relevant to the work.

What is procurement in an interior design project?

Procurement is the process of sourcing, ordering, tracking, receiving, and coordinating products or furnishings. Ask exactly which steps the designer handles and how related fees, deposits, delivery, and damage are managed.

How to Scope an Interior Design Project Before Hiring

October 3, 2026 · Design guide · 2 min read

“Interior design” can refer to a focused consultation, a furnishing plan, a renovation design, or a project that includes purchasing and installation. Before hiring, describe what decisions you need help with and ask each designer to define the work in deliverables you can review.

Define the rooms and the decisions

List the spaces, goals, occupants, constraints, existing items to keep, and decisions that feel difficult. Explain whether the project involves finishes only, furniture, built-ins, lighting, construction documents, or coordination with a contractor. Ask what information the designer needs from you and whether measured drawings or other professional assessments are required.

Ask what you will receive

Possible outputs include a concept presentation, layout options, finish and furniture schedules, specifications, drawings, a purchasing list, or site visits. Agree on the format, number of options, milestones, revision rounds, and approval points. If the design is meant to guide construction, ask who is responsible for technical drawings, engineering, and code review.

Understand fees and purchasing

Ask whether the fee is hourly, fixed, percentage-based, or a combination, and what triggers additional charges. If the designer purchases products, clarify who owns the orders, when deposits are due, how shipping and receiving are handled, and who manages returns, damage, delays, and substitutions. Ask how the designer's compensation relates to products recommended or purchased.

Check relevant credentials and local requirements

Ask about training, experience with similar projects, and credentials that apply in your location. Legal titles and requirements vary by jurisdiction and by whether work affects regulated building systems. The Council for Interior Design Qualification explains its examination and qualification framework; it is one reference, while local regulators determine local rules.

Set a workable collaboration rhythm

Agree on who makes final decisions, how approvals are documented, how quickly selections must be made, and what happens if the scope changes. Browse our interior designer directory, then use a consistent project brief to compare proposals. A clear process helps you judge fit before the project begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should an interior design agreement explain?: It should clearly describe the rooms, services, deliverables, decision milestones, fee structure, purchasing responsibilities, revision process, schedule assumptions, and how the work can end or change.
Does every interior designer have the same legal title or license?: No. Protected titles, registration, and practice requirements vary by jurisdiction and project. Check local rules and ask the designer to explain credentials relevant to the work.
What is procurement in an interior design project?: Procurement is the process of sourcing, ordering, tracking, receiving, and coordinating products or furnishings. Ask exactly which steps the designer handles and how related fees, deposits, delivery, and damage are managed.