Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the Serene Fountain website (serene-fountain.com) and our design services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Description of Services

Serene Fountain is a contemporary design studio based in the United Kingdom, offering the following services:

• Interior design consultation and implementation
• Architectural design services
• Brand identity and visual design
• Design consultation services
• Online content and resources through our website and blog

3. User Responsibilities

3.1 Lawful Use

You agree to use our website and services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You must not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful or malicious content
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use our services for fraudulent purposes

3.2 Account Information

When providing information through our contact forms or subscription services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Update information as necessary to maintain accuracy
• Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials

4. Design Services Terms

4.1 Project Agreements

Specific design projects will be governed by separate written agreements that will include:

• Project scope and deliverables
• Timeline and milestones
• Payment terms and schedule
• Client responsibilities and requirements
• Intellectual property provisions

4.2 Design Process

Our design process typically includes:

• Initial consultation and briefing
• Concept development and presentation
• Design refinement and approval
• Implementation and project management
• Final delivery and handover

4.3 Client Obligations

Clients engaging our design services agree to:

• Provide timely feedback and approvals
• Make necessary decisions within agreed timeframes
• Provide access to project sites as required
• Comply with all applicable building codes and regulations
• Make payments according to agreed terms

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and design elements, is the property of Serene Fountain or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

5.2 Design Work

Intellectual property rights in design work will be addressed in individual project agreements. Generally:

• Design concepts and methodologies remain our intellectual property
• Final deliverables are licensed to clients for agreed purposes
• Clients receive usage rights as specified in project agreements
• We retain the right to showcase work in our portfolio (subject to confidentiality agreements)

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Website Services

Access to our website and general content is provided free of charge. Newsletter subscriptions and general inquiries do not incur charges.

6.2 Design Services

Payment terms for design services will be specified in individual project agreements and may include:

• Initial deposits or retainers
• Milestone-based payments
• Monthly invoicing for ongoing work
• Final payments upon project completion

6.3 Late Payments

Late payments may be subject to interest charges and may result in suspension of work until payments are brought current.

7. Cancellation and Refunds

7.1 Project Cancellation

Either party may cancel design projects according to terms specified in individual project agreements. Cancellation policies typically include:

• Written notice requirements
• Completion of work in progress
• Payment for work completed to date
• Return of client materials

7.2 Refund Policy

Refunds will be handled according to individual project agreements and may depend on the stage of project completion and reason for cancellation.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Our liability is limited to the fees paid for specific services
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We do not warrant that our website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• We are not responsible for third-party content or services

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Serene Fountain from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of our website or services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your infringement of third-party rights
• Any content you submit or transmit

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

11. Third-Party Services

Our website may integrate with third-party services or contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for:

• The availability or functionality of third-party services
• The content or privacy practices of external websites
• Any damages arising from your use of third-party services

12. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to our website or services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including violation of these Terms.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.

16. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, or other force majeure events.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable project agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Serene Fountain regarding our services.

18. Contact Information

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

19. Professional Standards

Serene Fountain maintains professional standards in accordance with relevant UK design industry bodies and regulations. We are committed to:

• Ethical business practices
• Professional competence and development
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Health and safety compliance
• Environmental responsibility

20. Complaints Procedure

If you have concerns about our services, please contact us directly. We maintain a formal complaints procedure to ensure all concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. Details of our complaints procedure are available upon request.