How we
work together.
These terms govern the relationship between Doina Design and every client who engages her services. They're written to be read — not buried. Plain language where possible, legally precise where it matters.
Scope of Services & Deliverables
What you're getting — and what's not included unless we've agreed to it in writing.
Each project begins with a signed agreement that defines the specific deliverables, timeline, and investment for that engagement. These Terms govern the relationship within that agreement — they are not a replacement for it.
What Doina Design provides
Services may include interior design consultation, space planning, material and furniture sourcing, project management, and related creative direction. The exact scope — what is included, what is not, and what constitutes a completed deliverable — is defined in your project agreement.
What is not included unless stated
- Contractor, vendor, or trade coordination fees beyond agreed scope
- Procurement of furniture, materials, or fixtures (sourcing is separate from purchasing on your behalf)
- Site visits beyond those specified in the project agreement
- Work on spaces, rooms, or properties not named in the original agreement
Plain language: The agreement you sign defines the project. Anything outside of it — additional rooms, extended timelines, new phases — is a new conversation. Doina will always tell you before scope changes affect your investment.
Doina Design reserves the right to decline or discontinue a project if conditions change materially from what was agreed upon — including but not limited to site access issues, contractor conflicts outside her control, or a breakdown in communication that prevents the work from being completed to her standard.
Payment & Refund Policy
When payment is due, how it's collected, and what happens if things don't go as planned.
Payment structure
Projects are typically structured with a deposit due upon signing and a final payment due upon project completion or delivery of final files, as specified in your agreement. Some larger projects may be structured across multiple milestones — those terms will be clearly stated in writing before work begins.
Accepted payment methods
Doina Design accepts payment via bank transfer, Zelle, or other methods agreed upon in writing. Payment instructions are provided in your project agreement.
Late payments
If a scheduled payment is not received within seven (7) days of its due date, Doina Design reserves the right to pause work until the balance is settled. A late fee of 1.5% per month may be applied to overdue balances. Doina Design will always reach out before applying any fee.
Refund policy
- Deposits are non-refundable. They secure your project start date and compensate for time reserved and preliminary work completed.
- If you cancel a project after work has commenced, you are responsible for payment proportional to the work completed to date.
- If Doina Design cancels a project for reasons within her control, any unused portion of fees paid will be returned promptly.
Plain language: Deposits hold your spot and cover real work. If a project is cancelled after it starts, you pay for what's been done — no more. If something on Doina's end causes a cancellation, you get your money back for work not yet completed.
Intellectual Property & Ownership
Who owns what — during the project and after it's complete.
During the project
All concepts, mood boards, drawings, specifications, and creative work developed during the project remain the intellectual property of Doina Design until final payment is received in full.
After final payment
Upon receipt of final payment, ownership of the agreed-upon final deliverables transfers to you, the client. This includes final design documents, sourcing specifications, and any other materials explicitly listed as deliverables in your agreement.
What Doina Design retains
- The right to photograph completed spaces and publish them in her portfolio, on her website, and across social media — unless you request otherwise in writing before project completion
- Ownership of any proprietary processes, templates, or methodologies used to produce the work
- Preliminary concepts and working files not included in the final deliverable set
Photography and attribution
If professional photography of your completed space is commissioned — whether by you or Doina Design — both parties may use the images with mutual credit unless a separate written agreement restricts this. Doina Design will always request your approval before publishing images of your home.
Plain language: Once the project is paid in full, the designs are yours. Doina retains the right to show the work in her portfolio — she'll always ask before publishing photos of your space.
Revision & Change Order Policy
How changes are handled — so neither side is ever surprised by what a new direction costs.
Doina Design's process is collaborative by design. Feedback is expected and welcomed. These terms exist not to limit creative dialogue, but to ensure that when the scope of work meaningfully changes, both parties agree to that change — and its implications — before it happens.
Included revisions
Revisions within the agreed scope of work are included as part of the project. "Within scope" means refining or adjusting a direction that has already been established — not starting over, expanding to a new area, or introducing a fundamentally different brief.
Change orders
A change order is required when a client request would:
- Add rooms, areas, or spaces beyond the original agreement
- Require work to be substantially redone due to a change in direction after approval
- Introduce new deliverables not originally scoped
- Extend the project timeline by more than two weeks
Change orders are issued in writing, include a revised investment figure, and must be signed before the additional work begins. Doina Design will always give you a clear picture of what a change will cost before committing to it.
Plain language: Refining a direction — included. Changing direction entirely — a conversation first. You'll always know the cost of a change before it happens. Nothing moves forward without your signature.
Confidentiality
Your home, your life, and your project details stay private.
Doina Design understands that inviting a designer into your home is an act of trust. The details of your project — your home's layout, your budget, your personal preferences, and any information shared during the design process — are held in confidence.
What Doina Design will not share
- Your personal contact information or home address
- Your investment or budget figures
- Any personal information shared in the course of the project
- Vendor pricing, trade discounts, or proprietary sourcing relationships
Portfolio and public use
As noted in Section 03, Doina Design may wish to photograph and publish completed spaces. This is always subject to your prior written consent. If you prefer your project remain entirely private, simply let Doina know — your wishes will be respected without exception and without affecting the quality of the work.
Vendor and contractor relationships
Doina Design works with trusted vendors and contractors. Sharing project-relevant information (dimensions, material selections, timelines) with these parties is necessary to complete the work and is not considered a breach of confidentiality.
Plain language: What happens in your home stays private. Doina will ask before she ever puts your project on her website or social media.
Limitation of Liability
What Doina Design is responsible for — and where responsibility ends.
Doina Design approaches every project with skill, care, and genuine investment in the outcome. These limitations are not a disclaimer of responsibility — they're a realistic boundary around what any design professional can and cannot control.
Contractor and vendor performance
Doina Design may recommend or coordinate with contractors, vendors, and tradespeople. She is not responsible for delays, defects, cost overruns, or failures attributable to third-party contractors or vendors, even those she has recommended. All such relationships are ultimately between you and the vendor.
Material and product availability
Furniture, materials, and fixtures are subject to availability, lead times, and price changes beyond Doina Design's control. She will communicate changes as soon as they are known and propose alternatives where possible.
Maximum liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Doina Design's total liability in connection with any project shall not exceed the total fees paid by the client for that specific project. Doina Design is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind.
Plain language: Doina is responsible for her own work and judgment. She is not responsible for a contractor who misses a deadline or a sofa that arrives in the wrong color because the manufacturer changed the dye lot. When things go sideways outside her control, she'll work with you to find a solution — she just can't be financially liable for what she can't control.
Governing Law
If a dispute arises, here's how it gets resolved — and where.
Applicable law
These Terms of Service and any agreements entered into under them are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
Dispute resolution — good faith first
Before pursuing any formal legal action, both parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through direct, good-faith communication. Most misunderstandings are resolved by a single honest conversation. Doina Design commits to that conversation.
Mediation
If direct communication does not resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days, both parties agree to engage in non-binding mediation through a mutually agreed-upon mediator in Los Angeles County, California, before initiating litigation.
Jurisdiction
Any legal proceedings arising from these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California. Both parties consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect. These Terms represent the entire understanding between Doina Design and the client with respect to the matters described herein, and supersede any prior communications or agreements on those matters.
Plain language: California law applies. If something goes wrong, the first step is a conversation. If that doesn't work, mediation. Courts are a last resort — for both of us.
These Terms may be updated from time to time. When they are, the updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continuing to work with Doina Design after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Questions
are welcome.
If anything here is unclear, or if you'd like to discuss specific terms before signing a project agreement, Doina is always available for a direct conversation. Good design relationships are built on clarity from the start.
Doina Curchi · Doina Design
doina.curchi@icloud.com
Los Angeles, California