Architects and Interior Designers
How We Support Architectural and Interior Design Companies
Architecture and interior design firms operate at the intersection of creativity, technical precision, and client service within a highly regulated and contract-driven environment. Whether managing residential remodels, commercial build-outs, or hospitality and public space design, we provide industry-specific legal support to help protect your work, manage risk, and support exceptional project delivery.
We partner with architectural studios, interior design firms, and multidisciplinary creative practices to navigate the legal landscape surrounding licensing, project delivery, client relations, and intellectual property.
What We Help Design Professionals Accomplish
Client and Consultant Agreements
Design projects are inherently collaborative and often involve a network of consultants, contractors, vendors, and clients, each with distinct roles, expectations, and risk profiles. Poorly defined relationships or vague scopes of work can lead to disputes, project delays, and unpaid invoices.
We help architecture and design firms develop contracts that clearly define deliverables, fee structures, timelines, ownership of design materials, and responsibility for delays, cost overruns, or construction-related issues. Our work includes reviewing and negotiating client agreements, consultant subcontracts, letters of intent, and purchase orders, all tailored to your business model and risk tolerance.
Intellectual Property and Portfolio Rights
Your design work is a core business asset. We advise on ownership and licensing of design deliverables, protect portfolio and marketing usage rights, and ensure your contracts preserve creative control while allowing you to showcase your work.
Whether producing bespoke interiors or architectural concepts, we help you avoid common pitfalls such as unintended copyright assignment or unauthorized third-party use of your designs.
Business Formation and Licensing
We guide firms through entity formation, internal governance, and professional licensing requirements, including those applicable to architectural corporations under California law. Our approach ensures your structure supports growth, protects owners, and complies with the California Architects Practice Act and related corporate regulations.
For practices offering both licensed architectural services and unlicensed interior design services, we help navigate regulatory boundaries while maintaining a compliant and integrated business structure.
Employment and Independent Contractor Issues
Design firms often rely on a mix of employees, freelancers, and contract consultants. We provide guidance on hiring practices, independent contractor classification, compensation structures, and team organization to support compliance with California employment laws, including AB 5 and evolving worker classification standards.
We also draft offer letters, contractor agreements, and employment policies that reflect the flexible yet professional nature of design studios.
Who We’ve Helped
Our clients include boutique design studios and architecture firms working on residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects throughout California.
We have assisted with contract negotiations for multi-million-dollar build-outs, resolved disputes involving scope changes and change orders, and supported internal transitions such as ownership changes, partnership buyouts, and restructuring to accommodate firm growth.
A Legal Partner That Understands Design
We take a practical, business-focused approach to legal services for creative professionals. Our goal is to help you establish a legal framework that protects your work, clarifies professional relationships, and supports long-term growth so you can focus on design rather than disputes.