Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: February 2026
These Terms & Conditions outline how I work, what you can expect from me, and what I need from you to ensure a smooth and successful design experience when hiring Holly Sutor Designer.
By requesting a proposal, submitting payment, or otherwise engaging my services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, along with any proposal, invoice, or written agreement incorporated by reference.
If you do not agree, please do not proceed with hiring or using my services.
Retainer & Engagement of Services
When you hire me, we agree on a defined project scope and retainer that secures your place on my schedule.
Scope-Based Retainer:
For most projects, I estimate the time and creative work required to complete your design. This includes research, concept development, renderings (if included), color and material planning, and sourcing guidance. The agreed retainer covers this work for the defined scope.
Open-Ended Retainer:
For ongoing collaborations such as shopping, staging, or extended design support, hours are tracked against the retainer. You will be notified when remaining time is low before additional work continues under a new retainer.
Important:
- Retainers must be paid in full before work begins.
- Design work begins upon the first scheduled call, research session, site visit, or digital development — whichever occurs first.
- Retainers are non-refundable once design work has begun.
- Work beyond the original scope requires a new retainer or written approval for additional billing.
Scope of Work & Deliverables
Your proposal or invoice outlines what is included. Each project concludes when the agreed deliverables are completed and provided to you.
After final delivery, the project is archived. Any new design updates, calls, revisions, or additional services — even if related to the same property — require a new retainer or hourly billing agreement.
Renderings & Visualization
All renderings and visual materials are conceptual design tools intended for inspiration and planning purposes only.
They are not construction drawings, permit documents, architectural plans, or engineering documents.
Measurements shown are approximate and for visualization only. If scaled or dimensioned drawings are required, a site plan or CAD add-on must be included separately.
Color Accuracy & Materials
Colors and finishes shown in renderings or digital boards are approximate representations. Variations may occur due to:
- Lighting conditions
- Screen or printer calibration
- Paint batches or manufacturing variations
- Material texture and environmental conditions
You are responsible for verifying all physical samples onsite before purchasing materials or proceeding with construction. Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for differences between digital representations and real-world results.
Independent Designer Status
Holly Sutor Designer operates as an independent residential designer. Services are limited to conceptual design, aesthetic guidance, and visual planning unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Holly Sutor Designer is not a licensed contractor, architect, or engineer and does not assume responsibility for construction means, methods, structural integrity, safety practices, sequencing of trades, or site supervision.
Permits, Codes & Construction Responsibility
Clients are solely responsible for:
- Confirming compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and HOA requirements
- Securing necessary permits and approvals
- Consulting licensed professionals for structural, engineering, or safety verification
Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for any design elements that require code modification, structural reinforcement, or fail to receive permit approval.
No Guarantee of Construction Outcome
Final built results depend on contractor execution, material availability, site conditions, and regulatory approvals. Holly Sutor Designer does not guarantee specific construction outcomes, timelines, costs, or return on investment.
Landscape & Plant Visualization
Landscape renderings illustrate color, texture, scale, and placement — not botanical or horticultural specifications.
Plant suggestions are conceptual guides and may require adjustment due to availability, climate, contractor recommendations, or site conditions. Renderings may depict mature growth or seasonal blooms for visual effect.
Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for plant performance, substitutions, installation practices, or maintenance.
Revisions & Timeline
- One round of minor revisions (paint, lighting, material adjustments) is included unless otherwise stated.
- Major revisions involving layout or structural changes require a new agreement.
- Additional revisions requested more than 21 days after delivery are billed at the contracted designer rate.
Projects are generally expected to be completed within five weeks unless otherwise agreed.
If a project remains inactive for more than 30 days due to lack of client communication or approvals, it may be considered paused and require a new retainer to resume.
Research & Product Availability
Products shown in renderings may be conceptual or subject to availability. Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for discontinued items, supplier delays, or price changes.
Additional sourcing beyond the original scope is billed separately.
Measurements & Site Verification
All dimensions must be verified by your contractor or supplier prior to purchasing materials or beginning construction. Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for measurement discrepancies.
Contractor Communication
Unless separately contracted, communication occurs directly with the client and not with contractors or trades. Construction oversight or management services require a separate written agreement.
Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for providing accurate site information, clear photographs, timely communication, and prompt approvals.
Zoom meetings should be attended via computer or tablet for optimal review of visual materials. Meetings are scheduled during regular business hours.
Fees & Payments
- Payment is required before work begins.
- Retainers are non-refundable once design work has started.
- If a project is canceled prior to work commencement, a refund may be issued minus administrative or scheduling fees.
Intellectual Property & Portfolio Use
All renderings, visuals, documents, and creative materials remain the intellectual property of Holly Sutor Designer.
Clients are granted a limited license to use materials for their personal project only. Designs may not be reproduced, resold, or distributed without written permission.
Completed projects may be shared in portfolio, marketing, or social media unless otherwise requested in writing.
Third-Party Referrals
Referrals to contractors, vendors, or installers are provided as a courtesy. Holly Sutor Designer makes no guarantees regarding third-party pricing, performance, scheduling, or reliability.
Warranty Disclaimer
All services and materials are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Limitation of Liability & Indemnification
Liability is limited strictly to the total amount paid for the applicable retainer.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Holly Sutor Designer from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of services, design implementation, or third-party contractor performance.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Service
Holly Sutor Designer reserves the right to decline or terminate services at discretion. In such cases, any unearned portion of a retainer may be refunded.
Force Majeure
Holly Sutor Designer is not responsible for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, internet outages, supplier disruptions, or governmental actions.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of San Diego County, California.
Updates to Terms
These Terms may be updated periodically. Continued engagement of services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.