Architectural and Drafting Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A granular description of the design phases, from initial site analysis and schematics to construction administration, specifying exactly what deliverables are included.
• A clear clause declaring that you retain ownership of all drawings, models, and specifications, granting the client a limited license to use them solely for this specific project.
• An explicit schedule linking progress payments to specific project milestones, alongside terms for upfront deposits and late-payment penalties.
• A structured process outlining how many design revisions are included in the base fee and how additional client-requested modifications will be billed.
• A section detailing what the client must provide, such as accurate site surveys, zoning reports, and timely decisions, to prevent project delays.
• Fair terms that allow either party to pause or terminate the contract with written notice, ensuring you are compensated for all work completed up to that point.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Letting clients walk away with your editable source files without a written agreement, which often leads to unauthorized reuse of your designs on other projects.
• Leaving the revision process open-ended, which traps you in an endless loop of minor changes that quickly erode your project profitability.
• Not specifying that obtaining permits and zoning variances is ultimately the client's financial and legal responsibility, leaving you liable for municipal delays.
• Failing to state that the contractor, not the designer, is solely responsible for job site safety and construction methods, which exposes you to unnecessary physical liability.

Frequently asked questions