/business terms

These terms govern the professional relationship between Michael Viljoen Studio and the client. By signing a project proposal and paying the commencement deposit, the client accepts these conditions in full.

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Scope of Work and Fees

The specific project scope and deliverables are defined in the signed proposal. Final deliverables are provided to the client only upon receipt of the final invoice payment. Quotes exclude outsourced costs such as photography, copywriting, and printing. Clients are responsible for sourcing and paying these providers directly. While the studio may provide recommendations for convenience, all final arrangements remain between the client and the third-party supplier. Please review the proposal carefully before signing, as your signature and deposit confirm that the terms accurately reflect the agreement.

Deposits and Payments

A 50% deposit is required upfront to secure the project in the studio schedule and allow work to commence. This deposit is non-refundable once work has begun. The remaining 50% is due immediately upon project completion. The studio reserves the right to charge interest at a rate of 2% per month on any balances outstanding beyond 30 days. Payment is made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Upon receipt of the deposit, the studio will request the necessary assets to begin the project.

Intellectual Property and Ownership

Ownership and usage rights of final deliverables are granted to the client only upon receipt of full and final payment. All drafts, sketches, and preliminary files remain the property of Michael Viljoen Studio until the final invoice is settled. Unauthorised use of unpaid concepts may result in legal action. The studio reserves the right to showcase completed projects within the studio Archive and The Journal. Should confidentiality be required, please inform the studio in writing prior to signing the proposal.

Source and Working Files

All preliminary drafts, design files, and source files remain the sole intellectual property of Michael Viljoen Studio. Clients are granted usage rights to the final, completed output files as specified in the proposal. The release of working or source files requires a separate written agreement and will incur an additional licensing fee.

SaaS and Third-Party Subscriptions

The studio does not manage or purchase SaaS or hosting subscriptions on behalf of clients. All hosting and licensing fees must be paid directly to the provider by the client. While the studio can assist with account setup, financial maintenance remains the client's sole responsibility.

Cancellation and Suspension

If a project is cancelled by the client after commencement, the initial 50% deposit is retained. A partial refund of any further payments may be considered based on the volume of work completed. A full or partial refund may be granted if the studio is unable to complete a project due to unforeseen circumstances. The studio reserves the right to suspend or terminate a project without refund in instances of repeated delays in payment or a fundamental breakdown in the professional working relationship.

Responsibilities and Disclaimers

Clients must verify the accuracy of all artwork before providing files to third-party suppliers. Michael Viljoen Studio is not liable for production costs, errors, or losses resulting from mistakes in final artwork once the client has provided final approval for production. General studio hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30.

Professional Discernment & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protocol

While AI tools like ChatGPT can provide general inquiry, Client acknowledges that such feedback is inherently generic and lacks project-specific context, including physical site conditions, structural constraints, and local market realities. The Studio’s three decades of strategic insight serves as the necessary filter for all technical and aesthetic decisions; therefore, AI-generated suggestions must be submitted to the Studio for professional review against the agreed-upon brief and budget. The Studio remains the sole authority and accountable party for the project's outcome, as AI tools cannot account for site-specific nuances such as structural integrity, existing conditions, or the functional flow of artwork.

The Studio reserves the right to utilise advanced AI tools for internal production, research, and concept generation to enhance the quality and efficiency of the creative output. This discernment-led use of technology is governed by a commitment to authenticity, originality, and the responsible navigation of copyright standards to protect the integrity of the brand. In instances where specialised AI-driven generation is required to fulfill a specific brief, additional fees may apply and will be clearly outlined in the relevant project proposal. This ensures that while technology accelerates the process, the high standard of stewardship and strategic judgement remains the primary value delivered to the Client.

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Studio Information

Michael Viljoen T/A Michael Viljoen Studio
Email: michael@michaelviljoen.co

Banking Details:

Account Name: Michael Viljoen Studio
Bank: Nedbank (Cheque Account)
Account Number: 1308405391
Branch Code: 198765

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