Terms & Conditions

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the SQM Architects website at sqmarchitects.com.au, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access our website or use our services.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use our website and services.

Our Services

SQM Architects provides architectural design and consulting services specialising in property development projects across Melbourne. Our services include:

• Pre-purchase feasibility assessments
• Dual occupancy and townhouse design
• Small apartment development design
• Mixed-use development architecture
• Planning permit applications and council negotiations
• Construction documentation
• Builder tender management
• Value engineering services
• Project management and contract administration

Specific service terms, deliverables, timelines, and fees are detailed in individual client agreements.

Professional Registration

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and comply with all relevant professional standards and regulations.

Client Agreements

All architectural services are provided under a formal client agreement that specifies:

• Scope of services and deliverables
• Project timeline and milestones
• Fee structure and payment terms
• Intellectual property rights
• Responsibilities of both parties
• Variation and termination procedures

These website Terms and Conditions supplement but do not replace the terms of individual client agreements.

Website Use

When using our website, you agree not to:

• Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any portion of the website
• Use the website to transmit any malicious code or harmful content
• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the website
• Collect or harvest any information from the website without permission
• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or exploit any portion of the website for commercial purposes without express permission

Intellectual Property

The website and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by SQM Architects and are protected by Australian and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

All architectural designs, drawings, plans, specifications, and related documentation created by SQM Architects remain our intellectual property until full payment has been received and rights are formally transferred as specified in the client agreement.

Project images, case studies, and testimonials displayed on this website are used with client permission and may not be reproduced without consent.

Information Accuracy

We strive to ensure all information on our website is accurate and up-to-date. However:

• Project statistics and outcomes are based on completed projects and may vary for future projects
• Approval timelines depend on council processes beyond our control
• Fee estimates are indicative and subject to project-specific requirements
• Planning regulations change; website content may not reflect the most recent amendments

We recommend contacting us directly for current information relevant to your specific project.

Free Site Assessments

Our free site assessment service is offered as a preliminary evaluation to help property developers understand basic site potential. This service:

• Is provided at no cost and without obligation
• Represents a high-level preliminary assessment only
• Should not be relied upon for investment decisions without further professional advice
• Does not constitute a formal feasibility study or guarantee of outcomes
• May be withdrawn or modified at our discretion

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law:

• SQM Architects shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of or inability to use our website
• We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the website
• Our liability for any claim arising from website use is limited to the amount you paid us for services, if any

This limitation does not affect your rights under Australian Consumer Law or limit our liability for professional services as specified in client agreements.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by SQM Architects. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services.

We strongly advise you to read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of any third-party website you visit.

Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises between you and SQM Architects regarding these Terms or our services:

1. We encourage you to first contact us directly to seek resolution
2. If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, we agree to attempt mediation in good faith
3. Any formal proceedings shall be conducted in the courts of Victoria, Australia

For disputes relating to architectural services, you may also contact the Architects Registration Board of Victoria or the Building Practitioners Board.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Your continued use of the website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Victoria, Australia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.