Terms & Conditions of Appointment

Mint Architecture – Domestic Projects

These Terms & Conditions apply to all architectural services provided by Mint Architecture and form the basis of our professional appointment. They are intended to be clear, fair and easy to understand for domestic clients.

All services are provided in accordance with the RIBA Standard Form of Agreement for Domestic Professional Services, unless otherwise agreed in writing. To read more about the Standard Form of Agreement please refer to : https://www.riba.org/work/business-tools/riba-contracts/riba-domestic-professional-services-contract-architectural-services/

Contact

1. Our role and services

Mint Architecture provides architectural and related professional services for domestic projects, as set out in your written fee proposal and agreed scope of services.

Services may include feasibility studies, concept design, planning applications, technical design, consultant coordination and site involvement, depending on the package or appointment agreed.

All work is personally led by Mint Findlay, Chartered Architect and Director of Mint Architecture.

2. Scope of appointment

Our appointment covers only the services specifically described in your fee proposal or agreed package.

Any additional services, changes to scope, or work outside the agreed stages will be confirmed in writing and may incur additional fees.

We do not provide cost consultancy, quantity surveying or construction management services unless expressly stated.

3. Fees and payment

Fees are set out in your fee proposal or service package and are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.

Unless agreed differently:

Fees are invoiced monthly in arrears, or on completion of defined stages or deliverables
Invoices are payable within 7 days of issue

For certain packages or third-party costs, payment may be requested partly or wholly in advance, including (by way of example only):

Measured building surveys commissioned on your behalf
Fixed-fee consultancy or feasibility packages

Where a fixed-fee package includes staged payments, these will be clearly set out in advance.

Late payment may result in suspension of services until accounts are brought up to date.

4. Third-party costs and surveys

Where external consultants or surveyors are required (such as measured building surveyors, structural engineers or specialist consultants), these are normally appointed directly by you.

Where we assist in making introductions or recommendations, any appointment is made by you and at your own risk. We are not responsible for the services, fees or performance of third-party consultants.

If we arrange third-party services on your behalf, their fees will be payable by you in advance or reimbursed promptly on invoice.

5. Planning and statutory approvals

We will use reasonable skill and care in preparing and submitting planning applications and statutory submissions.

While we have strong experience and an excellent success rate, no guarantee can be given that planning permission or approvals will be granted, as decisions remain at the discretion of the relevant authorities.

Any planning conditions, amendments or appeals required after submission may constitute additional services.

6. Drawings, models and copyright

All drawings, models, CAD files, 3D views and documents produced by Mint Architecture remain our copyright and intellectual property.

Upon full payment of our fees, you are granted a licence to use the drawings solely for the construction and occupation of this project.

Drawings may not be reused, altered, copied, issued to third parties for other projects, or used for marketing or resale without our written consent.

CAD files and editable formats are not issued unless specifically agreed.

7. Use of information and reliance

Our advice, drawings and reports are prepared for your specific project and circumstances.

They should not be relied upon by third parties without our written consent. We accept no responsibility for reliance placed on our work by contractors, purchasers or others unless we have expressly agreed to this in writing.

8. Consultants, contractors and recommendations

We are happy to recommend architects, technicians, consultants, contractors and specialists where helpful.

All such appointments are made directly by you, and we are not responsible for their performance, fees or contractual obligations.

Any construction contracts are entered into solely between you and your contractor.

9. Principal Designer and health & safety

Where agreed, we may act as Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. Please refer to further notes here: LINK TO OTHER DOCUMENT ON PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

This role covers design-stage health and safety coordination only and does not include site supervision or contractor safety management unless expressly agreed. Where Principal Designer Role is to be included for later services, this will be expressly stated within the fee proposal as a defined role.

10. Programme and timescales

Any timescales provided are estimates only and may be affected by:

Client instructions or changes
Planning authority timescales
Consultant performance
Availability of information

We are not responsible for delays outside our reasonable control.

11. Termination

Either party may terminate the appointment by giving 7 days’ written notice.

Fees will be payable for all services carried out up to the date of termination, together with any committed third-party costs.

12. Professional standards and insurance

Mint Architecture is a RIBA Chartered Practice.

We carry Professional Indemnity Insurance in accordance with RIBA requirements and will provide evidence on request.

All services are provided with reasonable skill and care in accordance with the standards of a Chartered Architect.

13. Limitation of liability

Our liability for any claim arising from our services shall be limited to a reasonable level and, unless otherwise agreed, shall not exceed the level of our Professional Indemnity Insurance in force at the time of the claim.

We shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses.