Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Études Architecture & Design. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Études Architecture & Design. By using our services, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement.

2. Description of Services

Études provides architecture, interior design, renovation, and related consulting services. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Architectural design and planning
• Interior design and decoration
• Renovation and restoration
• Project consultation and management
• Design visualization and modeling
• Sustainability consulting

Specific services are provided according to individual engagement terms outlined in separate service agreements.

3. Intellectual Property Rights

3.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Études or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

3.2 Client Content

Clients retain ownership of all materials, documents, and information they provide to us ("Client Content"). By providing Client Content, you represent that you have the right to use such content and grant us a license to use it for the purpose of providing our services.

3.3 Design Ownership

Upon full payment, clients receive ownership rights to final deliverables for their project. However, Études retains the right to display completed projects in our portfolio and promotional materials unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.4 Preliminary Designs

All preliminary designs, sketches, concepts, and working documents remain the intellectual property of Études until final payment is received.

4. User Obligations

By using our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use
• Not use our services for any unlawful purpose
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not interfere with or disrupt our services

5. Professional Services Agreements

Our professional services are governed by separate service agreements that outline specific terms, scope of work, fees, and timelines. These Terms form part of any service agreement, but in case of conflict, the service agreement takes precedence.

Typical provisions in our service agreements include:

• Detailed scope of work and deliverables
• Fee structure and payment schedule
• Project timeline and milestones
• Change order procedures
• Termination provisions
• Liability and indemnification

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Fee Structure

Fees for our services are outlined in separate proposals and service agreements. We may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or percentage-based fees depending on the nature of the project.

6.2 Payment Terms

Standard payment terms include a deposit (typically 25-50% of total fees) before work begins, with subsequent payments tied to project milestones. Payment is due within 30 days of invoice.

6.3 Late Payments

We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue payments at a rate of 1.5% per month. We may suspend work if payments are more than 30 days overdue.

6.4 Additional Expenses

Clients are responsible for reimbursing reasonable expenses including permitting fees, material costs, and third-party consultant fees as outlined in the service agreement.

7. Confidentiality

We treat all client information as confidential. We do not disclose project details, client identities, or proprietary information to third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.

This confidentiality obligation survives termination of our professional relationship.

8. Warranty and Disclaimer

8.1 Services Warranty

We warrant that our services will be performed with reasonable skill and care consistent with professional standards. We will correct any errors in our work at no additional cost if reported within 90 days of project completion.

8.2 Disclaimer

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THESE TERMS, OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ÉTUDES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM OUR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FEES PAID BY YOU FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Études and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your misuse of our services
• Any false or misleading information you provide
• Your violation of any third-party rights

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your use of our services at any time. For professional services, termination provisions are outlined in your service agreement.

11.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access to our services immediately, without prior notice, if we believe you have violated these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion.

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use our services ceases immediately. Any outstanding payments remain due, and provisions regarding intellectual property, confidentiality, and limitation of liability survive termination.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Ontario, Canada, and you hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending an email to the address you have provided. Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Études Architecture & Design
123 Architecture Street
Toronto, ON M4W 1A1
Canada

Email: legal@etudes.com
Phone: +1 (416) 555-0123