Window Shopping: Space Planner

The section of the house causing the most anxiety is the living and dining area as they share the same tiny space. So I was thinking that we might be able to save a little money and lower my stress level by consulting an interior designer for space planning.

The goal was to prevent costly mistakes such as buying the wrong type and size of sofa because once purchased, it cannot be returned especially if it's custom-made. We also wanted to know how to best maximize the space considering the activities we wish to do there - eat, entertain and seat as many guests as possible and still be able to lie down on the couch and watch TV.

Now I've emailed a number of interior designers, most of whom were featured in Real Living, but one was "friendlier" (so to speak) than the others: Kristine Anne Neri.

A. SCOPE OF WORK / DESIGN AREA
• Interior Design, Development and Furniture Specification – Living / Dining Areas

B. WORK PROCEDURE

CONSULTATION PHASE
• Initial meeting with the client
• Site Analysis; To conduct ocular inspection of the site and the vicinity
* All noted above where substituted with Email Correspondences instead

AFFIRMATION PHASE
• Signing of contract / proposal

INITIAL DESIGN SCHEMATIC PHASE
• Rendered perspective / images reflecting over-all
• Approval of Schematics for finalization

CONTRACT DOCUMENT PHASE
• Preparation of drawings based on approved Design Documents consisting of drawings and specifications setting forth in detail the work required for the completion of the project

- AR (Architectural Plans) ; FF (Furniture & Fixtures)
a. Floor Plan / Furniture Layout
b. Rendered Interior Perspective
c. Color Schedules (Color Schemes; Stain finishes etc.)
d. Material Boards
e. Fabric swatches for Curtains
f. Fabric swatches for furniture
g. Furniture Schedule
h. Details and Millwork; Cabinetry Details and elevations with finish tags
i. Other details and plans needed for the completion of the project

This contract is not inclusive of signed and sealed Engineering Plans (Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Plans)

C. DELIVERABLES
• Visual Presentation (E-file)
• Contract Documents / Construction Drawings

D. WORK DURATION
The Design Service to be rendered for this project is set at 1 month including the design phase. It will commence a day after signing the contract. The Design Phase of the service will be set for 2 weeks.

E. PROFESSIONAL FEES
Given the above scope of work, work procedure, deliverables and work duration, the Professional Interior Design Consultation fee is as follows:

Total Contract Price : Php 30,000.00

F. SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT
50% Down payment - Upon Signing of Contract and Issuance of Notice to Proceed
50% of Total Fee - Upon Submission of all Contract Documents

G. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. Purchase of Goods
1. All purchases made through the Interior Designer shall be billed to the client.
2. All purchases shall be subject to the client’s approval in the form of confirmations which will require a 50% down payment of the full amount as so the case may be, to authorize such orders. The date of payments of such purchases will be set forth upon each confirmation. Should the items to be purchased are off the rack pieces, full amount shall be required from the client.
3. Interior Designer shall not be responsible or liable for the quality, workmanship, appearance or warranty of all purchased goods.

B. Project Termination, Suspension or Abandonment
1. In the event of the termination of the project by the client, Interior Designer shall be compensated for services rendered. All funds paid shall be retained.
2. In the event of termination not the fault of the Interior Designer, the Interior Designer shall be compensated for services performed prior to termination. A written notice of termination shall be issued.

C. Contract Documents
1. All original drawings, designs, renderings, materials, models, photographs, samples supplied by the Interior Designer and shall remain her property and be retained by her after completion of the project. The clients may receive photocopies of the drawings.
2. The client has the assurance of the Interior Designer that all services shall be done in good faith.

The question now is, should we go through with this? Or will this be completely unnecessary?