Architecture Service Agreement

This Architecture Service Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Month Day, Year] ("Effective Date"), by and between [Your Company Name], a firm organized and existing under the laws of [State/Country], with its principal office located at [Your Company Address] ("Architect"), and [Your Client Name], with its office located at [Your Client Address] ("Client").

The Architect, [Your Company Name], specializes in comprehensive architectural solutions, offering expertise in planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of commercial, residential, and public infrastructure projects. The firm is renowned for integrating sustainable practices and innovative design techniques to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

The Client, [Your Client Name], seeks the Architect’s professional services for the development of a multi-use residential complex to be located at [Project Address]. This Project aims to meet specific design and functional criteria stipulated by the Client, reflecting their vision and operational needs.

The Architect agrees to dedicate its professional resources and expertise to the Project, adhering to the highest industry standards and complying with all relevant laws and regulations. The services will be rendered in accordance with the detailed scope outlined below, and the terms and conditions stipulated in this Agreement:

I. SERVICES

A. Scope of Services

The Architect shall perform the following services:

Preliminary Design and Feasibility Studies: Conduct assessments to evaluate the project’s viability, including site analysis, zoning requirements, and integration with existing structures or environmental features.
Schematic Design Services: Develop initial design schemes that illustrate the spatial arrangement, scale, and relationship between project components.
Design Development: Refine the schematic designs into detailed drawings and specifications that outline the materials, structures, and systems to be used.
Construction Documentation: Prepare detailed drawings and specifications necessary for bidding, construction, and permit application.
Construction Administration: Oversee the construction phase to ensure compliance with the design documents, manage contracts, and serve as a liaison between construction teams and the Client.

B. Additional Services

Services such as landscape design, interior design, post-construction evaluation, or any other services not encompassed in the primary scope shall be recognized as additional services. These will necessitate separate negotiations for scope, fees, and terms, formalized through an addendum to this Agreement.

II. COMPENSATION

A. Fees

The total fee for the architectural services outlined in Section II(A) is set at [Service Cost]. This fee structure is divided into staged payments to align with project milestones:

Initial Deposit: 20% of the total fee due upon the execution of this Agreement to initiate the project planning phase.
Design Approval: 30% due upon Client’s approval of the schematic design, signaling progression to detailed design development.
Documentation Completion: 25% due upon completion and approval of all construction documentation, prior to the commencement of construction.
Project Completion: The final 25% due upon the conclusion of construction and satisfactory completion of all project components as outlined in the scope of services.

B. Expenses

The Client agrees to reimburse the Architect for all reasonable and pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses that are directly associated with the Project. Such expenses include but are not limited to travel, special materials, and third-party consultations. All expenses must be substantiated with receipts or invoices and require prior authorization from the Client to ensure transparency and accountability.

III. PROJECT SCHEDULE

The services outlined in Section II shall commence on [Start Date] and shall be completed by [End Date], subject to reasonable extensions for unforeseen delays or changes in the scope of services.

IV. TERMS OF AGREEMENT

A. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. This notice must be provided in writing and sent via certified mail or delivered by a recognized courier service to ensure receipt and documentation of the termination request.

B. Consequences of Termination

Upon termination, the Client is obligated to compensate the Architect for all services satisfactorily rendered up to the date of termination. This includes payment for completed work and reimbursement for expenses incurred that were previously agreed upon as necessary for the execution of the services.

The Architect shall provide the Client with a final statement of account detailing all services provided and expenses incurred up to the termination date within fifteen (15) days following the termination notification.

The Architect will also secure and hand over all documents, materials, and results of the services conducted up to the point of termination, ensuring the Client has the necessary information to continue the project with another provider if desired.

C. Confidentiality

a. Obligation to Protect Confidential Information

Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary information exchanged as part of this Agreement. Proprietary information includes, but is not limited to, design documents, business strategies, client information, and any other data deemed sensitive by either party.

This obligation of confidentiality shall persist during the term of this Agreement and extend indefinitely beyond the termination of the Agreement, unless the information becomes publicly known through no fault of the receiving party or is required to be disclosed by law.

b. Non-Disclosure Agreement

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) may be executed in conjunction with this Agreement to provide an additional layer of legal protection and detail specific requirements and penalties related to the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

c. Permitted Disclosure

Confidential information may be disclosed to employees, consultants, or third parties to the extent necessary for the performance of the Architect's obligations under this Agreement, provided that such parties are bound by similar confidentiality obligations.

Any such disclosure requires the prior written consent of the disclosing party, and the receiving party must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the confidentiality of the information is maintained by its employees and agents.

V. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be resolved first through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State].

B. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, proposals, and understandings, both written and oral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

[Your Company Name] (Provider)

Date: [Month Day, Year]

[Your Client Name] (Client)

Date: [Month Day, Year]