Client Handbook — Stokes Kennedy Design
Stokes Kennedy Design

Your Client
Handbook.

Everything You Need · From Signing to Reveal
Welcome to SKD. Signing your agreement is the beginning of something we take seriously — not just as a business, but as a creative commitment. This handbook is your guide from here to your reveal. It explains how we work, how to reach us, what to expect at every phase, and what we'll need from you along the way.

You don't need to read every page today. Think of it as a reference that lives alongside your project — something you return to when a question comes up or a new phase begins. We've written it to be honest, clear, and easy to navigate.

We're glad you're here.
— SK, Principal Designer
01
Your Studio

Your Design Team
& How to Reach Us

You'll have two consistent points of contact throughout your project — one for design, one for everything operational. Here's who does what and the best way to reach each of us.

Principal Designer
SK
Stokes Kennedy · Creative Direction & Client Relationship
Email[sk@stokeskennedy.com]
Phone[000.000.0000]
Best ForDesign direction, creative decisions, major updates
SK leads every project from concept through reveal. For design questions, feedback on selections, or anything creative — this is your contact. SK is also available at your scheduled bi-weekly check-in calls.
Studio Operations
MyLin
Studio & Client Operations
Email[mylin@stokeskennedy.com]
Phone[000.000.0000]
Best ForScheduling, invoices, documents, logistics
MyLin handles the operational side of your project — scheduling meetings, sending invoices, coordinating documents, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. For anything administrative, MyLin is your first contact.
A Note on Response Times
We respond to all client messages within one business day. For urgent site matters during Phase 2, SK may be reachable by phone — but email is always the preferred channel for anything that needs documentation. We do not take design direction over text message.
02
Your Project

The Three Phases —
Quick Reference

Every SKD project follows the same three-phase structure. The phases are sequential, and each one is complete before the next begins. Here's a quick overview of what happens — and when — across your entire engagement.

01
Phase One
Concept & Design
Flat Rate · Per Sq Ft
Discovery & lifestyle deep-dive
Space planning & layout concepts
3–5 progressive design segments
Full material & furniture specification
Design Presentation & sign-off
How approvals work →
02
Phase Two
Construction & Procurement
Hourly · Billed Monthly
Contractor coordination & site visits
Weekly written updates + bi-weekly calls
Full procurement — ordering, receiving, storage
Slab & material selection (in person)
Punch list & construction close-out
Communication schedule →
03
Phase Three
Installation & Implementation
$1,000 / Day · Flat Rate
Client vacates property — hotel or rental
Full furniture & soft goods installation
Complete home outfitting — top to tail
Accessories & finishing layer
Professional photography & reveal
Your Phase 3 responsibilities →
One Rule That Applies to All Three Phases
The process does not change. Every client receives the same structured, high-standard engagement — regardless of project size, scope, or complexity. This consistency is what allows us to guarantee the quality of the outcome. When the process is protected, so is your project.
03
Staying Connected

Communication Standards

You will always know where your project stands. Here is exactly how and when we communicate — so you're never left wondering, and never chasing an update.

At Every Gate
Design Segment Presentation
Each of your 3–5 design segments is formally presented before advancing. You review, provide feedback, and give written approval. Nothing moves forward until you sign off.
Weekly
Written Project Update (Phase 2)
A concise written summary with photos — progress made, items ordered, anything flagged — delivered to your email every week without exception during construction and procurement.
Bi-Weekly
Video Check-In Call (Phase 2)
A scheduled video call with SK every two weeks to review progress in real time, discuss any open decisions, and keep you fully in the loop. Scheduled in advance by MyLin.
Monthly
Invoice with Time Report (Phase 2)
Your Phase 2 hourly invoice is accompanied by a detailed time report so you always know exactly what was billed and why. Sent by MyLin at the start of each billing cycle.
As Needed
Field Updates & Decision Requests
If something in the field requires your input or awareness outside the regular schedule, SK or MyLin will reach out directly. We aim to batch non-urgent items for your weekly update rather than sending piecemeal messages.
At Close
Reveal & Handoff
Phase 3 closes with your formal reveal walkthrough. You receive your complete project archive — photography, specifications, vendor contacts, and warranty documentation — at this meeting.
Our Preferred Channels
→Email — for all formal communication, decisions, approvals, and anything that needs a record. Always the primary channel.
→Houzz Pro portal — for project files, mood boards, selections, and procurement updates. Your project hub.
→Scheduled calls — for anything that benefits from a real conversation. Ad-hoc calls are available by request through MyLin.
→Text / phone — for urgent Phase 2 site matters only. Not for design direction or approvals.
04
Your Project Hub

Your Client Portal —
Houzz Pro

Your project lives on Houzz Pro. This is where you'll find your design files, mood boards, selections, and procurement updates — all in one place, accessible any time.

Your Project Portal
Houzz Pro
MyLin will send you an invitation to your project portal within 48 hours of your signed agreement. Once inside, you'll have access to everything related to your project — updated in real time as the project progresses.
Access Your Portal →
Design Files
Mood boards, floor plans, and segment presentations
Selections
All specified materials, finishes, and furnishings
Procurement
Order status, delivery tracking, and ledger
Documents
Your signed agreement, invoices, and project records
Messages
Project-specific communication log
Timeline
Milestone schedule and phase progression
First Time Logging In?
Check your inbox for an invitation from MyLin. If you don't receive it within 48 hours of signing, reach out to [mylin@stokeskennedy.com] and we'll get you set up. We recommend bookmarking your portal link once you're in — you'll return to it throughout the project.
05
Your Investment

Payment Schedule
& Invoicing

Every invoice comes with clear context — what it's for, what it covers, and when it's due. Nothing is ever a surprise. Here is the full payment structure across all three phases.

Phase 1 · First Payment
60% of your Phase 1 design fee. Due upon execution of your Service Agreement. Design work begins immediately upon receipt.
Due at signing
60%
of Phase 1 fee
Phase 1 · Second Payment
The remaining 40% of your Phase 1 design fee. Due within 60 days of project start — at or before your Design Presentation Meeting.
Within 60 days · Before Design Presentation
40%
of Phase 1 fee
Phase 2 · Monthly Billing
Construction management and procurement coordination billed hourly, invoiced monthly with a full time report. Payment due within 10 business days of invoice date.
Monthly · $175/hr construction · $95/hr procurement
Hourly
billed monthly
Phase 3 · Installation Fee
SKD's flat daily installation rate. Due in full at Phase 2 close-out before installation begins. Your estimated installation days are confirmed at Phase 2 close.
Due at Phase 2 close-out · $1,000/day
$1,000
per install day
Phase 3 · Accessories Budget
Approximately 10% of your total project spend, collected before installation begins. Used to source finishing details that complete the home from top to tail. Any unused balance is returned at project close.
Collected before Phase 3 · Unused balance returned
~10%
of total spend
Late Payments
Invoices are due within 10 business days of the invoice date. A 1.5% monthly late fee applies to any outstanding balance beyond the due date. SKD reserves the right to pause all services — including active construction management and procurement — until any overdue invoice is paid in full. If you anticipate a delay, please reach out to MyLin before the due date.
Questions About an Invoice?
Contact MyLin directly at [mylin@stokeskennedy.com]. All billing questions are handled by operations — not by SK. This keeps design time focused on your project, not paperwork.
06
Your Role in the Design

Decision-Making
& Approval Process

Your approvals are what move the project forward. Here's exactly how the decision process works — from first segment to final sign-off — so you always know what's being asked of you and why it matters.

1
Segment Presented to You
SK presents a completed design segment — layouts, materials, concepts, or full specification depending on the phase — via your portal and/or a scheduled presentation call. You receive time to review before providing feedback.
2
You Provide Feedback
You share your thoughts, questions, and any requested adjustments. Feedback should be consolidated — one clear round of notes per segment, not an ongoing thread. SK incorporates feedback and may adjust the presentation before requesting final approval.
3
You Approve in Writing
Once you're satisfied, you provide written approval — via email or through the Houzz Pro portal. This is the official lock. Your written confirmation is what moves the project to the next segment or phase.
4
The Segment Is Locked
Once approved, that segment is locked. Changes to locked segments require a signed Revision Authorization and are billed at $175/hr. This is not bureaucracy — it protects the integrity of the design and keeps the project timeline intact.
5
Next Segment Begins
With the prior segment locked, SK advances to the next. This progression continues through all 3–5 segments until your full Design Presentation Meeting, where the complete design is reviewed and finalized.
The 10-Day Response Window
We ask that you respond to all segment presentations within 10 business days. If we do not receive feedback or approval within 10 days of a submitted segment, it is considered approved and the project advances. If you need more time, please let MyLin know in advance. Delayed approvals can affect your project timeline.
One Decision-Maker, Please
SKD works with one designated decision-maker per project. If multiple stakeholders are involved in your project, please consolidate feedback before submitting it to us. We cannot receive conflicting direction from multiple parties — it creates delays, confusion, and work that has to be undone. Decide together, then tell us.
07
Your Part

What You're
Responsible For

We handle everything we can — but a great project is a partnership. Here's what we'll need from you across the engagement, clearly stated so nothing comes as a surprise.

🏠
Property Access
Timely access to the project address for site visits, measurements, contractor coordination, and deliveries. We'll give advance notice for every visit that requires you to be present or arrange access.
✍️
Timely Approvals
Responding to segment presentations and decisions within 10 business days. Delays in approval directly delay the project. If you need more time, communicate that early — not after the window has passed.
💳
On-Time Payments
Invoices paid within 10 business days of receipt. Late payments can result in a pause to all active services. If you anticipate a delay, contact MyLin before the due date — not after.
🚫
No Direct Vendor Contact
All communication with contractors, vendors, and trade partners goes through SKD. Client contact with our vendors — even casually — can create confusion, duplicate orders, or pricing issues. Please don't do it without our explicit permission.
🏨
Phase 3 Accommodation
Arranging your own hotel or rental accommodation for the full duration of Phase 3 installation. You will not be permitted on-site during this time. We'll confirm the estimated installation window at Phase 2 close-out so you can plan ahead.
🚚
Moving Arrangements
Coordinating movers for any existing furniture or personal belongings that need to be removed before installation or returned afterward. SKD can recommend vetted movers — just ask MyLin.
👤
Single Point of Contact
Designating one person to speak for all project decisions. If your household has multiple stakeholders, that's completely fine — we just need one consolidated voice on our end.
🛒
No Independent Sourcing
Not purchasing or ordering any items for the project independently without SKD's prior written approval. Items sourced outside our procurement process cannot be guaranteed to integrate with the design — and may affect your procurement commitment.
We're Here to Help
None of these responsibilities are meant to feel burdensome — they're the conditions that allow us to deliver the outcome you signed on for. When both sides hold up their end, the project runs smoothly, stays on timeline, and finishes the way you imagined it. If anything on this list feels unclear or raises a question, please ask.
08
Know Your Numbers

Quick Investment
Reminders

A quick-reference summary of the key rates, thresholds, and commitments that define your engagement with SKD. These are the numbers that matter most — keep them in mind as your project progresses.

Procurement Minimum65% of your agreed budget must flow through SKD for furnishings, finishes & fixtures — separate from all design fees
65%
Phase 1 — Residential DesignFlat rate per square foot · billed at signing (60%) and within 60 days (40%)
$12–$18 / sq ft
Phase 1 — Commercial DesignFlat rate per square foot · same split payment structure
$15–$22 / sq ft
Phase 2 — Construction ManagementHourly · billed monthly with time report · residential rate
$175 / hr
Phase 2 — Procurement CoordinationHourly · billed monthly · residential rate
$95 / hr
Phase 2 — Commercial Premium+25% applies to both construction management ($225/hr) and procurement ($125/hr)
+25%
Phase 3 — InstallationFlat daily rate · covers SKD oversight & coordination · due at Phase 2 close-out
$1,000 / day
Phase 3 — Accessories BudgetCollected before installation · any unused balance returned at project close
~10% of spend
Revisions to Locked SegmentsApplies after written approval. Requires Revision Authorization before work begins.
$175 / hr
Late Payment FeeApplied to balances outstanding beyond 10 business days from invoice date
1.5% / month
Want the Full Investment Breakdown?
For a detailed explanation of every line of your investment — including our interactive fee estimator — visit your SKD Investment Guide. It walks through every phase, every rate, and every cost category in full detail.

View Investment Guide →
Stokes Kennedy Design
Full Renovation · Full Furnishings · Nothing Less
This handbook is intended for SKD clients only. Please do not distribute.