Join Designed Counsel
Designed Counsel is the first-ever legal education membership exclusively for interior designers, providing three essential components to protect and grow your business:
1. Template Library
- 40+ (and growing!) battle-tested, attorney-drafted contract templates you can download and customize
- New templates added regularly based on member requests
- Everything from client agreements, licensing agreements, vendor contracts to project documents
2. Access to Wendy for Questions & Template Requests
- Monthly "Designed Answers by Wendy" Q&A sessions
- Submit your questions and get answers from an attorney who understands the design industry
- Request new templates to be added to the library based on your needs
3. Monthly Customized Training
- Professional video content on contracts, legal issues, and business topics specific to interior designers
- Practical guidance you can implement immediately
- Topics based on what members are actually facing in their businesses
Use Code: DHCWENDY to save $600 when you join Designed Counsel as an annual member
Build Legal Confidence with Wendy Estela
Have you ever had a client—or their lawyer—tear apart your contract until you lost confidence in your own project before it even began? That 'redline nightmare' is a common reality, but it’s one you can avoid with the right expert in your corner. We’ve teamed up with Wendy Estela, a veteran attorney with 25 years of experience specifically in the design and construction industry, to bridge the gap between legal theory and the daily realities of the job site. From navigating the 'new transparency' in contracts to safeguarding your intellectual property, click to watch and discover the essential legal armor you need to stand your ground and protect your business.
Redefining Transparency: How to Protect Your Markup Without Losing Trust
Stop apologizing for your profit margins. For years, the design industry has been plagued by a 'transparency' trend that pressured designers to reveal every wholesale cost, effectively turning them into bargain shoppers rather than luxury service providers. In this module, attorney Wendy Estela dismantles that outdated model and introduces 'The New Transparency.' Instead of handing over your invoices, learn how to educate clients on your value, defend your markup as a non-negotiable business standard, and write clear contracts that build trust without exposing your bottom line. It’s time to stop justifying your fees and start running your business like the professional you are.
Protect Your Portfolio: Why IP Clauses Matter in Every Contract
Think you own the rights to that custom home design you just spent months creating? Think again. Intellectual Property (IP) is one of the most misunderstood and legally vulnerable areas for interior designers—often leading to lost revenue, portfolio disputes, and 'nightmare' client breakups. In this essential module, attorney Wendy Estela demystifies the complex world of IP, explaining everything from who actually owns the drawings and photos to the hidden traps in product licensing deals. Whether you’re navigating a tricky termination or considering a 'dream' licensing collaboration, watch this video to learn how to lock down your creative assets and ensure you get the credit—and compensation—you deserve.
Why "Cost Plus" is Dangerous & Other Contract Trapdoors
Is your contract actually protecting you, or is it leaving you exposed to lawsuits, scope creep, and lost revenue? In this comprehensive deep-dive, attorney Wendy Estela outlines the 15 most critical pitfalls that interior designers face—and exactly how to fix them. From the 'Golden Rule' of cash flow (never chase your money) to the hidden dangers of 'cost-plus' pricing that trigger client audits, this module is a masterclass in risk management. Watch now to learn why you should never hire trades directly, how to cap your liability to protect your personal assets, and the specific contract clauses that will keep you out of court and in control of your business.
Disclaimer
The templates, training materials, and information provided by Daniel House Club and Designed Counsel are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created through membership in Designed Counsel, use of these materials, or participation in Q&A sessions. All templates and documents should be reviewed by a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before use. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.