A designer has a contract with a client to provide complete contract documents for a tenant build- out. Specifying FF&E is beyond the scope of the…

The designer's contract explicitly excludes the specification of FF&E. The furniture layout provided was a necessary component of the contract documents to demonstrate code compliance (e.g., egress paths), not a formal FF&E proposal. Since the selection, budgeting, and procurement of furniture are outside the designer's contractual scope of services, the responsibility to resolve the budget issue lies with the client and their chosen furniture provider. Engaging in the problem would be considered "scope creep," leading to uncompensated work and potential liability for services not contracted for. The designer's professional duty is to adhere to the agreed-upon contract.

A. Suggesting direct purchasing from a manufacturer is providing specific FF&E consultation, which is outside the contract's scope.

B. Meeting to resolve the problem involves the designer in a coordination role for out-of-scope services, which is uncompensated additional work.

C. Researching alternate furniture is performing FF&E specification, a service explicitly excluded from the contract and a clear example of scope creep.

1. Piotrowski

Christine M. Professional Practice for Interior Designers. 6th ed.

John Wiley & Sons

2017. In Chapter 10

"Defining the Scope of Services

" it is emphasized that "any work requested by the client that is not in the original scope of services is considered extra services" (p. 238). The designer must not perform work outside the contract to avoid liability and working without compensation.

2. Ballast

David Kent. Interior Design Reference Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Pass the NCIDQ Exam. 6th ed.

Professional Publications

Inc.

2017. Part 3

Section 13-5

"Owner's Responsibilities

" clarifies that the owner is responsible for providing their own budget. Section 12-3

"Scope of Basic Services

" stresses that the designer's work is limited to what is defined in the agreement. The scenario describes a client issue (undisclosed budget) related to an out-of-scope item (FF&E selection).

3. American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). ASID Interior Design Manual. ASID

2004. Chapter 4

"Agreements

" details the importance of a clearly defined scope of work. It establishes that the designer is only obligated to perform the services described in the contract. Any additional services

such as resolving FF&E budget issues when FF&E is not in the scope

would require a separate agreement or amendment.