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The Design Clarity Weekly

The moment I had to say: this isn’t a revision

Published 24 days ago • 2 min read

Design Clarity Weekly

Helping Design Professionals Streamline, Simplify & Succeed

Hey Lovely!

A couple of years ago, I was hired to rework the main floor of a home.

From the very beginning, the client was clear: she wanted to relocate the kitchen.

So I did what we all do…

Over several weeks, I:

  • developed the new floor plan
  • obtained quotes
  • conducted multiple site visits
  • and began specifying finishes and materials

Presentation day arrived and she loved it.

Everything was moving forward beautifully.

Then… over the Christmas break, I received an email.

The client had been thinking and decided she wanted to keep the kitchen where it was and asked if I could draw up new plans.

Cue the deep designer breath.

Because as you know, this wasn’t a small tweak.

This meant we were headed all the way back to the drawing table, now working with the existing kitchen footprint instead of the relocated design we had spent weeks developing.

And because I work on a flat fee for this phase, I needed to be very clear:

👉 This was not a revision.
👉 This was new scope.

So I calmly communicated that I’d be happy to move forward, but new plans would be billed separately.

No drama.
No apology.
Just clarity.

And that moment is exactly why today we’re talking about…

Tips, Tools & Takeaways for Designers

3 Tips Handling Revisions Without the Stress

✅ Make sure your contract covers this clearly.​
Your agreement should spell out how revisions are handled. I include language that allows one revision per room, with what constitutes a revision remaining at the designer’s discretion.

If the requested change falls outside that scope, the client is billed hourly (insert your rate).

✅ Know the difference between a revision and new scope.​
A revision is a refinement.
A kitchen relocation reversal as was my case? That’s a redesign.

Trust your professional judgment and don’t be afraid to name the difference.

✅ Set expectations around turnaround times.​
Sometimes a quicker turnaround benefits everyone. Sometimes it compromises your deliverables on other projects.

I communicate that expedited revisions within 3–5 days may incur an up charge, just like in any other professional service business.

I also remind clients: there are rarely true emergencies in design.

2 Resources to Check Out

📌 Contract language starter

Consider including:

  • One revision per room included
  • Designer determines what constitutes a revision
  • Additional revisions billed at $___/hour
  • Expedited revisions billed at premium rate
  • Out-of-scope changes require signed change order

📌 Client expectation script

Try something like:

“My goal is always to deliver thoughtful, well-considered work. When quicker turnarounds are possible, I’m happy to accommodate and when they impact the schedule, an expedite fee may apply.”

1 Question for You

🤔 Are you clearly distinguishing between a revision and a redesign in your process or are you quietly absorbing extra work?

Hit reply and tell me. I read every response. 💛

Want More Support?

If revisions keep creeping into your time, it may be time to tighten your process. Hit reply and tell me where things feel messy. I’m happy to help you think it through. Book a free strategy call with me here.​

Here’s to more ease, balance, and joy in your business and life! 💛

Warmly,​
Marsha

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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The Design Clarity Weekly

Marsha Sefcik

Sent every Friday, this quick 5-minute read is packed with actionable tips to help you streamline your design business. Written by Marsha Sefcik, a trusted business strategist for design professionals, you'll learn how to simplify workflows, master client onboarding, and improve your design-related copy. Join hundreds of design professionals who already benefit from this free, weekly resource!

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