Fixed fee or percentage fee for design?
The fee model matters, but the scope matters first. Understand what the calculation covers and how it changes when your project changes.
A fixed fee works from an agreed scope
A fixed fee gives a stated amount for defined services. It is useful when the rooms, drawings, visualizations, review stages and assumptions can be agreed at the start. It should also explain what counts as additional work.
Check the change process for extra rooms, a revised brief, additional views or new implementation support. A fixed fee without those boundaries can still lead to disagreement.
A percentage fee needs a clear calculation base
A percentage model links the professional fee to a specified project cost. Ask which cost is used, which items are excluded, when the amount is calculated and how later changes affect it. A percentage alone does not explain the design service.
Keep professional fees separate from contractor pricing and furniture purchases. If a proposal combines several roles, ask for the responsibilities and included services to be identified. This guide describes fee models; it does not set a published percentage for Elements.
Area and stage fees also need definitions
A fee based on floor area needs a measured-area definition: selected rooms, interior design area or another agreed basis. Land area is not a substitute. Stage-based fees need a named output and approval point for each stage.
Whichever model is used, compare the same drawing list, rooms, image coverage, revisions, programme and coordination. Ask how the final documents are delivered and what support continues after design approval.
How Elements prepares a proposal
We review the project location, plan, spaces and services, then issue a written proposal covering the fee, deliverables, timing and payment terms. We do not publish one universal design rate or calculate a final appointment price from an online form.
Custom furniture is specified and quoted for the approved order. Shipping appears as a separate line. Manufacturing takes place with independent partner workshops; any production follow-up, site coordination or installation is defined in the agreed scope.
Send the plan, location and required services. If you are comparing proposals, identify the differences in scope so we can discuss the work you actually need.