Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the NihonMinimal Studio website, requesting our services, or engaging in any transaction with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our website or services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, and your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of such modifications.

2. Service Description

NihonMinimal Studio provides architectural design and minimalist interior design services, including but not limited to: residential and commercial architecture, interior design, space planning, design consultations, material curation, and 3D visualisation. Services are provided to clients on a project-by-project basis, as outlined in individual project agreements or proposals.

3. Client Engagement and Proposals

All enquiries, estimates, and preliminary consultations are non-binding until a formal project agreement or contract is executed by both parties. Proposals are valid for thirty (30) days unless otherwise specified. Service fees, timelines, and deliverables are as stated in the executed project agreement or invoice. Any changes to the scope of work must be approved in writing and may incur additional fees.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

Studio Work Product: All architectural designs, interior design concepts, drawings, renderings, material specifications, and other original work product created by NihonMinimal Studio remain the intellectual property of the Studio unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients receive a limited license to use such work for the commissioned project only.

Client Materials: Clients retain ownership of their own materials, briefs, and assets provided to the Studio. The Studio may use project images and designs for portfolio purposes, publications, and awards applications, unless the client specifies confidentiality in writing.

5. Payment Terms and Conditions

Fee Structure: Service fees are based on the project scope agreed in writing. Payment terms are typically: (1) deposit upon project commencement, (2) progress payments at defined milestones, and (3) final payment upon delivery of all deliverables.

Late Payment: Invoices are due within 30 days of issuance. Late payment may incur interest at 1.5% per month or the maximum allowed by applicable law, whichever is lower. We reserve the right to suspend services if payment is overdue by more than 30 days.

Currency and Taxes: All fees are quoted in Japanese Yen (¥) unless otherwise specified. Prices exclude applicable consumption tax, which will be added to invoices where required by law.

6. Project Timeline and Deliverables

Project timelines are estimates and depend on timely provision of client materials, approvals, and decisions. The Studio is not responsible for delays caused by client feedback delays, budget changes, or external factors beyond our control. All deliverables are subject to the client's approval and sign-off prior to final delivery.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, NihonMinimal Studio shall not be liable for: (1) indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages; (2) loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunity; (3) any damages arising from construction defects, contractor errors, or third-party performance; or (4) damages exceeding the total fees paid under the project agreement. The Studio's total liability for any claim arising from these services shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific project.

8. Indemnification

The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless NihonMinimal Studio, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from: (1) the client's use of our designs or recommendations; (2) the client's failure to follow our specifications or advice; (3) third-party claims related to the client's materials; or (4) any construction or implementation not performed by the Studio.

9. Confidentiality

The Studio maintains strict confidentiality regarding client project details, budgets, and proprietary business information shared during engagements. However, unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Studio retains the right to photograph completed projects and use project images for portfolio, marketing, and awards submissions. Client contact information and project briefs will not be shared with third parties without written consent.

10. Cancellation and Termination

By Client: Clients may terminate a project with written notice. Cancellation fees are based on work completed and expenses incurred at the time of termination. Projects terminated during initial phases may incur a minimum cancellation fee of 25% of the total project fee.

By Studio: The Studio may terminate engagement if: (1) client fails to pay invoices within 60 days; (2) client breaches material terms of the agreement; or (3) continued engagement is impossible or unethical. The Studio will provide 14 days' written notice of termination unless circumstances warrant immediate termination.

11. Warranties and Disclaimers

The Studio provides services on an "as-is" basis. We warrant that our design recommendations are developed with professional competence and care based on information provided by the client and industry standards. However, we do not warrant that our designs will satisfy all client expectations, obtain all necessary permits, or comply with all applicable building codes (responsibility lies with contractors and regulatory authorities).

12. Assumptions and Reliance

Our designs are based on client information, site measurements, and conditions as understood during the engagement. We do not conduct geological surveys, structural engineering assessments, or environmental assessments unless explicitly contracted. Clients should engage appropriate specialists for such evaluations. We are not responsible for inaccuracies in client-provided information or undisclosed site conditions.

13. Third-Party Services and Contractors

The Studio does not supervise or guarantee the work of contractors, builders, or suppliers engaged by the client. While we may recommend trusted partners, the client retains responsibility for contractor selection, oversight, and quality assurance. The Studio's recommendations do not constitute endorsement or guarantee of any third party's performance.

14. Website Terms and Use

License: You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to view, download, and print materials from our website for personal, non-commercial use only.

Prohibited Uses: You may not reproduce, distribute, sell, license, transmit, or otherwise exploit website content without our written consent. You may not use our website for commercial purposes, automated scraping, or any unlawful activity.

User Content: If you submit any content, feedback, or materials through our website, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use such content.

15. Disclaimers for External Links

Our website may contain links to external websites and resources. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or policies of third-party websites. We do not endorse any third party and are not liable for any damages arising from your use of external sites.

16. Accessibility and Technical Issues

While we endeavour to maintain our website in working order, we do not warrant that the website will always be available or error-free. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any portion of the website without notice. We are not liable for temporary or permanent unavailability of the website or services.

17. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

These Terms of Service and all service agreements are governed by the laws of Japan, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any dispute arising from these terms or our services shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation between parties. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be resolved through mediation or, if necessary, litigation in the courts of Tokyo, Japan.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, or if not possible, shall be severed. The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with any project agreement, proposal, or invoice, constitute the entire agreement between you and NihonMinimal Studio regarding our services. Any prior communications, representations, or understandings not included herein are superseded and void.

20. Contact for Legal Matters

For any legal inquiries, contract questions, or notice of disputes, please contact us at:

NihonMinimal Studio
2-1-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo City
Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
+81-3-6845-1027
info@gmail.com