Terms & Conditions of Appointment

1. Appointment

Soft Line Studio (“the Studio”) is appointed to provide garden design and related services as outlined in the agreed proposal or scope of works.

By accepting our proposal, the Client agrees to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Scope of Services

Services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Initial consultation
  • Site analysis and survey
  • Concept and master planning
  • Planting design
  • Technical drawings
  • Garden dressing and styling
  • Project coordination (where agreed)

The exact services to be provided will be detailed in the written proposal.

Any additional work outside the agreed scope will be quoted separately and confirmed in writing before proceeding.

3. Fees & Payment

Fees will be clearly outlined in the proposal and may be charged:

  • As a fixed fee per stage
  • On an hourly basis
  • Or as otherwise agreed in writing

Payment terms:

  • A deposit may be required before work begins.
  • Stage payments are due upon completion of each agreed stage.
  • Final drawings and documents will be released once outstanding invoices are settled.

Invoices are payable within 14 days unless otherwise agreed.

Late payments may result in delays to the project timeline.

4. Project Timelines

Indicative timelines will be provided at the outset of the project.

Timelines may be affected by:

  • Delays in client feedback or approvals
  • Planning requirements
  • Contractor availability
  • Weather conditions
  • Unforeseen site issues

The Studio will communicate any significant delays as soon as reasonably possible.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

  • Provide accurate information about the site and any known constraints
  • Disclose underground services where known
  • Obtain necessary permissions (planning, listed building consent, neighbour agreements where required) unless otherwise agreed
  • Appoint and contract directly with landscapers, contractors, and suppliers unless otherwise agreed

The Studio is not responsible for the performance of third-party contractors.

6. Planting & Natural Variation

Gardens are living environments and subject to seasonal change, weather conditions, and natural growth patterns.

While we design with care and ecological sensitivity, the Studio cannot guarantee:

  • The long-term survival of specific plants
  • Exact plant availability at time of procurement
  • Identical growth outcomes to visualisations or mood boards

Substitutions of equal quality may be made where necessary.

6A. Plant Procurement

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Soft Line Studio will procure all plants specified within our planting plans and planting designs.

This ensures quality control, plant health, correct specification, and continuity of design intent.

Plants will be sourced from trusted specialist nurseries wherever possible. Availability may vary seasonally, and substitutions of equal quality and character may be made where necessary.

If a Client chooses to procure plants independently against our recommendation, Soft Line Studio cannot guarantee plant quality, suitability, or establishment success.

6B. Plant Establishment & Aftercare

Once planting has been completed and handed over to the Client (or their appointed contractor), responsibility for watering, maintenance, and ongoing care transfers to the Client unless a separate aftercare agreement has been put in place.

Soft Line Studio does not guarantee plant survival following installation, as successful establishment depends on consistent watering, soil conditions, weather, and appropriate maintenance.

We strongly recommend that newly installed planting is:

  • Watered regularly and thoroughly during the first growing season
  • Monitored during periods of drought or extreme weather
  • Maintained in accordance with the planting schedule and guidance provided

Where requested, the Studio can provide a written aftercare schedule or ongoing maintenance support under a separate agreement.

7. Visualisations & Drawings

All drawings, sketches, mood boards, and visualisations are artistic representations intended to communicate design intent.

They are not construction drawings unless explicitly stated.

Contractors must verify all dimensions on site before construction.

8. Intellectual Property

All designs, drawings, planting plans, written material, and visual content remain the intellectual property of Soft Line Studio until full payment has been received.

Once paid in full, the Client is granted a licence to use the design for the specified site only.

Designs may not be replicated, reused on another site, or shared with third parties for alternative use without written consent.

The Studio reserves the right to photograph completed work and use imagery for portfolio, website, press, and marketing purposes unless agreed otherwise in writing.

9. Site Safety & Liability

The Studio does not accept responsibility for:

  • On-site safety during construction
  • Contractor workmanship
  • Structural or engineering matters

Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are maintained appropriate to our scope of services.

10. Termination

Either party may terminate the agreement in writing.

The Client agrees to pay for all work completed up to the date of termination, including time committed and expenses incurred.

11. Garden Dressing & Styling Services

Where the Studio provides temporary installations, planters, or event dressing:

  • Hire periods and responsibilities will be outlined in writing
  • Clients are responsible for loss or damage during the agreed hire period
  • Collection dates must be adhered to unless otherwise agreed

12. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.