Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio Terms and Conditions 

1. Definitions 

“GSIDS” refers to Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio, the service provider. 

“Client” means any individual, company, or organisation engaging GSIDS for interior design services. 

“Services” refers to the interior design services provided by GSIDS, including but not limited to concept design, space planning, colour consultation, project coordination, sourcing, and procurement. 

“Project” refers to the specific scope of work undertaken for the Client. 

2. Engagement and Scope of Work 

2.1. GSIDS will provide a detailed written proposal outlining the scope of work, estimated timelines, and fees. The Client must approve the proposal in writing before work begins. 

2.2. Any additional services requested by the Client outside the agreed scope will be treated as a variation and may incur additional charges. 

2.3. GSIDS reserves the right to decline work that falls outside the studio’s professional scope or values. 

3. Fees and Payment Terms 

3.1. Design fees are calculated on a fixed fee/room basis as agreed in the proposal. Instruction outside of the scope will be charged at the hourly rate of £75/hour. For example but not limited to, one off design suggestions, sourcing. 3.2. A deposit of 50% of the total project design fee for each stage is required before the commencement of that stage and any design work. The balance will be invoiced on acceptance of the final scheme. 

3.3. Payment terms are strictly 14 days from the invoice date. Late payments will incur interest at a rate of 2% above the HSBC CIIOM base rate per month. 

3.4. GSIDS reserves the right to suspend work if invoices remain unpaid after 21 days from the due date. 

4. Procurement and Third-Party Suppliers 

4.1. Where GSIDS is instructed to procure furniture, fixtures, or fittings on behalf of the Client, these are ordered on a pro forma basis. Payment at 100% of the cost must have been cleared prior to placing any orders. 4.2. GSIDS is not liable for delays, damages, or defects caused by third-party suppliers, manufacturers, or contractors, although reasonable assistance will be provided to resolve issues. 

4.3. Clients must ensure they are satisfied with the specifications of items prior to approval or ordering. No refunds or exchanges are available once orders are placed unless goods are faulty and returnable under the supplier’s terms. 4.4. Sub-contractors are contracted directly by the client. Payment and terms and conditions are as per the sub-contractors arrangement. 

4.5. Every effort is made to ensure the prices on our estimates are correct. We reserve the right at any time before delivery to increase the price of goods and services where an increase has been passed to us by the manufacturer or supplier. Notification of such increases will be made in writing to the client. 

4.6. We use an established list of trade and retail suppliers and wherever possible VAT is removed at source. 

1.4.7. Shipping and handling fees are passed on at cost. We endeavour to consolidate shipping and minimise shipping and storage costs wherever possible. 

5. Design Ownership and Intellectual Property 

5.1.Copyright. All design concepts, sketches, drawings, mood boards, and other deliverables produced by GSIDS remain the intellectual property of GSIDS. In the event of a scheme or design being used or replicated outside our agreement and without our involvement for procurement, we reserve the right to charge 50% of the retail value of the entire scheme. 

5.2. Upon full payment, the Client is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use the approved designs for the intended project only. 

5.3. GSIDS reserves the right to use images and details of completed projects for promotional purposes, including social media, website, and press, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

5.4. GSIDS reserve the right to photograph all projects on completion, with written permission from the client. All clients names and addresses are excluded unless clients provide a specific testimonial. 

6. Client Responsibilities 

6.1. The Client must provide timely decisions and information to allow GSIDS to meet agreed deadlines. 

6.2. Client sign off will be required at the following stages: 

1. Acceptance/understanding of the brief. 

2.Design stage 2/acceptance of the final scheme. 

3. Receipt of goods. Checked for damage/faults. 

4. Completion of installation. 

6.2. The Client must ensure access to the project site and provide a safe and suitable working environment. 

6.3. The Client accepts responsibility for obtaining any necessary planning permissions, landlord approvals, or regulatory consents unless otherwise specified. 

7. Project Timelines and Delays 

7.1. Any project timeline provided by GSIDS is indicative and may be subject to change due to third-party delays, material lead times, or changes requested by the Client. 

7.2. GSIDS will not be held liable for project delays caused by force majeure, supply chain disruption, or factors beyond its control. 

8. Termination and Cancellation 

8.1. Standard and bespoke furniture is made to order and therefore covered by the UK distance selling regulation.You have the right to cancel and amend your order for up to 4 hours after the order is placed. After that any costs incurred are the responsibility of the client. Standard and bespoke furniture orders can not be returned after delivery unless agreed as defective by GSIDS. This must be reposted within 48 hours of accepting delivery. Goods may be repaired/replaced at our discretion. 8.2 The Client may terminate the contract with 14 days’ written notice. Fees will be payable for all work completed up to the date of termination. 

8.3. GSIDS may terminate the agreement if the Client breaches these terms or fails to make payment within 21 days of the due date. 

9.. Liability and Insurance 

9.1. GSIDS carries professional indemnity and public liability insurance appropriate to its services. 

9.2. GSIDS shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, or for any costs incurred due to project delays beyond its control. 

9.3. Liability for any proven direct loss or damage caused by GSIDS shall be limited to the total fees paid by the Client for the relevant project. 

9.4. GSIDS will inspect furniture and goods on delivery. We request that you sign off on acceptance of goods. We will not be held liable for defects identified after receiving a signed acceptance of delivery. We cannot be held liable for conditions of storage or use within a client’s house which may affect the furniture in any way. Where goods are damaged 

9.5. Ownership of goods. The title of all goods and externals supplied by GHIDS shall remain the property of GSIDS until paid for in full. GSIDS or its agents are entitled to enter the clients premises to repossess the goods until the buyer has paid all monies owed for the goods. 9.6. All lead times given at the time of quote are estimates. More precise lead times can be given at the point of ordering. Lead times vary by manufacturer and outside influences at the tie of order. GSIDS do not accept any liability for delays outside our control. Delays by the client on decisions and payment may result in prioritising other projects and rescheduling the job to a later date. 

9.7. Force Majeur. In the event of either party being unable to fulfill its obligations under this agreement by reason of any event beyond its control including but not limited to war, national emergency, flood, earthquake, strike or lockout the party shall not be deemed in breach of its obligations under this agreement. The party shall immediately give notice to the other party and must take all reasonable steps to resume fulfilment of its obligations. 

10. Governing Law 

10.1. These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Island of Guernsey. 

10.2. Any disputes arising from the engagement of GSIDS will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Guernsey courts. 

11. Acceptance 

11.1. By instructing GSIDS to proceed with any project or payment of the initial deposit, the Client is deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions