Designer Legal FAQs: The Questions That Come Up Before Things Go Wrong

Key Takeaways from the Webinar 

Wendy explored several issues designers tend to underestimate until they encounter conflict firsthand. 

• Strong contracts are only effective when paired with consistent business practices. Wendy emphasized that how designers communicate, document decisions, and manage boundaries throughout a project often matters just as much as the language in the agreement itself.
• Cash flow creates leverage. How and when designers get paid can significantly influence how much control they have if a project begins to deteriorate or a client pushes back.
• Termination does not have to mean failure. Knowing when and how to exit a project strategically can protect both finances and reputation, especially when a relationship shows early warning signs.
• Not all client conflict is about the design. External stressors such as financial pressure, life changes, or power dynamics often drive disputes, even when the work itself is sound. 

These topics are explored in depth during the full session, with real-world examples drawn directly from Wendy’s legal practice.

Interior Design Business Webinar: Follow-Up Q&A 

Alongside contract strategy, the webinar covered a range of legal and business considerations that shape risk, cash flow, and client relationships in interior design projects. 

During the live session, and in the conversations that followed, a clear pattern emerged. Designers were asking about the practical decisions that matter well before a dispute arises. 

Below are the most common questions that came up during the webinar, along with Wendy’s responses. 

1. What types of insurance coverage are most important for interior designers, and are there specific policy types or coverage language you recommend to be best protected—especially in cost-plus or FF&E scenarios? 

Interior designers typically need a combination of professional liability, general liability, and business property coverage, cyber liability; and third-party property coverage. Each covers a different type of risk. Insurance is not as expensive as you may think and it is a very important piece of your risk management strategy as a designer. These coverages are necessary regardless of whether you are cost plus. 

It is critical to work with a knowledgeable insurance broker who understands the design industry. A strong broker relationship ensures policies reflect procurement realities, freight and vendor risks, and evolving business needs. 

2. What FF&E payment structures tend to receive the least client pushback, and how can designers clearly explain pricing to maintain trust and avoid disputes? 

This is a very tough question to answer! Clients like to have certainty about what they are going to be spending. So, they do push to understand your “mark up.” However, sharing your “mark up” in a cost plus situation gives the client a right to audit your vendor pricing, which I do not like (this becomes an issue when you have a dispute). 

I typically recommend that you explain clearly whatever method you choose for pricing. The client needs to understand that you have a right to make money on the sale of items. You are not being hired to find the cheapest price for anything. You are a retailer—you just don’t have a store front. When they have a solid understanding of this any pricing method you use is going to work because they want to your business model. 

3. What are the key best practices for communicating cost-plus pricing clearly and protecting yourself contractually when clients question transparency? 

Define “cost” clearly, state markup percentages, explain what the markup covers, require written approvals, and use consistent documentation. Include contract language stating that procurement fees or markups are compensation for professional services. Make sure your client knows that you do not have an obligation to show them your wholesale pricing. Make sure your confidentiality provision in your agreement states that such pricing is confidential to you. To me transparency means that you are explaining how you work period you are not opening all of your books for scrutiny. Transparency means that your client understands that you earn revenue from goods sold. 

4. Do you recommend working with a local attorney, or can designers work with legal counsel across state lines—and in which states do you currently provide legal services? 

Designers may work with attorneys in their own state or with counsel licensed elsewhere depending on the issue. Contract matters are often not state-specific, while employment, real estate, or litigation matters may require local counsel. I have clients across the country and assist with commercial matters including contracts and disputes before they go to court. I am licensed in Connecticut, New York and soon to be New Jersey. I am currently taking new clients across the country. 

5. How should designers go about finding the right partners such as insurance brokers, legal professionals, or other specialists for their specific state and business model? 

Designers should seek referrals, look for professionals experienced with creative service businesses, and choose partners who communicate clearly and proactively flag risks. Interview people and find the ones that click with you. 

Watch the Full Webinar 

In the full webinar, Wendy walks through detailed scenarios designers face and explains how contract structure, payment strategy, and communication choices work together to reduce risk. 

👉 Watch the full webinar here