What defines a firm that has no affiliation with specific products and does not sell products in its studio?

An independent design firm is characterized by its autonomy and lack of affiliation with specific product lines or manufacturers. This independence allows such firms to focus purely on design services without the potential conflicts of interest that can arise from promoting particular brands or products. By not selling products directly in their studio, they maintain a commitment to providing unbiased design solutions tailored to the needs of their clients. This type of firm can prioritize creativity and originality in their designs, ensuring that each project is driven by the client's desires rather than by a pre-determined vendor relationship.

In contrast, brand-affiliated firms typically have a relationship with certain brands and may sell or promote their products, which influences their design approach. Corporate design firms often work within a defined structure that adheres to a company’s branding and may also deal with product-specific guidelines. Franchise design firms operate under a franchise model, which usually includes strict adherence to corporate branding and product usage, making them less independent. Hence, the designation of an independent design firm accurately reflects the described characteristics of autonomy and non-affiliation with product sales.