DHC Concierge Hour: Wendy Estela on Design Disputes, Contracts & IP Protection

In our latest Concierge Hour, we had the pleasure of welcoming Wendy Estela, Partner at KKC Law, to share her experiences and case studies on navigating legal challenges in the design industry. This session provided valuable insights for designers looking to protect their work, avoid disputes, and strengthen the legal foundation of their businesses.

A Refresher on Daniel House Club Tools
Before diving into the legal side of design, Robert Fodor, our VP of Sales & Concierge Services, led the session with a refresher on the key features of the Daniel House Club platform. Robert revisited the process of creating and managing project boards, a critical tool for organizing products and inspirations for client projects. He also highlighted essential resources like the FAQ section and how to access the Concierge Services team for product sourcing and logistics.

If you haven't yet explored these tools, it’s worth taking some time to revisit them. They’re designed to save you time, streamline your workflow, and ensure you have everything you need to manage your design projects efficiently.

Wendy Estela: Real-World Lessons from Design Law
At 33:25 into the session, Wendy Estela joined us to dive into the legal landscape of interior design. Her presentation focused on real-world examples and case studies, illustrating common legal pitfalls designers often encounter—and how to avoid them.

Wendy’s deep knowledge of design law comes from years of working closely with designers, architects, and creatives, making her uniquely positioned to offer practical, experience-driven insights. Rather than abstract legal theory, Wendy shared compelling stories and situations that many designers can relate to, providing actionable takeaways to help safeguard your business.

Key Takeaways from Wendy’s Segment:

• Securing Photography Rights: Wendy walked us through case studies where designers faced challenges around photography rights. She explained how securing the rights to your project photography upfront ensures you can market and promote your work without complications.

• Protecting Intellectual Property: Intellectual property (IP) is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of design. Wendy shared examples of how designers can inadvertently lose control over their work. She outlined steps to proactively protect your designs, from contracts to copyright strategies.

• Handling Disputes Professionally: Disputes are, unfortunately, part of the design world. Wendy shared insights into how designers can handle disagreements with clients or vendors in a way that minimizes risk and avoids lengthy legal battles. Her case studies emphasized the importance of clear communication and strong contractual protections.

• Strengthening Contracts: Wendy's experiences highlighted how robust contracts are the first line of defense in protecting your business. She pointed out common weaknesses in design contracts and shared examples of clauses that have saved designers from potential legal trouble.

Why This Matters
While design is often seen as a creative and client-driven process, the legal side of the business is equally important. Protecting your intellectual property, securing photography rights, and strengthening contracts ensure your business thrives without unnecessary legal obstacles. Wendy’s presentation underscored the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, offering real-world lessons that every designer can implement.

For those who missed the live session, we highly recommend watching the replay. Wendy’s insights are not just for designers dealing with legal trouble but for anyone looking to fortify their business and stay ahead of potential risks.

Stay tuned for more engaging Concierge Hours featuring industry leaders who can help you sharpen your skills, and grow your business.