Terms of service
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Pietman Lategan Architects (Pty) Ltd. We operate across three distinct disciplines to enhance your living environment:
- The Online Shop (Section 1): Selling curated, architect-designed gear and handcrafted goods.
- The Studio (Section 2): Providing professional Architectural Services.
- The Sanctuary (Section 3): Offering Earth Energy and House Healing consultations.
By using this website, you agree to the terms below. We believe in clarity, so we have kept these terms simple, transparent, and legally binding.
SECTION 1: ONLINE STORE TERMS (RETAIL) – THE ONLINE SHOP
1.1 Products & Accuracy
We try our best to display colors and images accurately, but your screen may differ. We reserve the right to limit quantities or discontinue products without notice.
1.2 Pricing
Prices are subject to change. The price at checkout is final. International orders may attract customs duties which are strictly for your account.
1.3 Shipping & Delivery
We estimate delivery times but cannot guarantee them due to reliance on third-party couriers. Risk passes to you once the parcel leaves our hands, though we will assist where possible to resolve tracking issues.
1.4 Returns
Please refer to our separate Refund Policy for details on returns, exchanges, and non-returnable items.
SECTION 2: ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES – THE STUDIO
Unlike our retail products, our architectural services are governed by professional statutory bodies.
2.1 The Engagement Process
Engaging us for architectural work requires a separate, formal written agreement. We utilize standard contracts recognized by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), specifically:
- PROCSA (Professional Client/Consultant Services Agreement) for complex or commercial projects
- SAIA (South African Institute of Architects) Client-Architect Agreement for residential or smaller projects
2.2 Scope of Services
While the specific contract defines the scope, our standard professional services typically include:
- Inception & Feasibility: Site selection, appraisal, and feasibility studies
- Design & Documentation: Concept creation, 3D visualization, technical drawings, and municipal submissions
- Specialized Services: Refurbishments, Heritage Work, and Energy Efficiency studies
2.3 Pre-Contractual Billing
Please Note: Any work done before a final contract is signed—including initial consultations, site assessments, or "ideas meetings"—is billable. These services are charged at our standard professional hourly rates.
SECTION 3: EARTH ENERGY & HOUSE HEALING – THE SANCTUARY
We believe that true architecture extends beyond the physical walls to the energetic blueprint of a space. When engaging us for Earth Energy, Geomancy, or "House Healing" services, the following applies:
3.1 Nature of the Service
These services are interpretive and intuitive. We treat the property as a living system, utilizing techniques such as dowsing and energetic mapping to identify and neutralize geopathic stress.
3.2 Holistic Approach
While we aim to improve the vitality of a space, Earth Energy consultations are complementary. They are not a substitute for structural engineering, medical advice, or legal counsel. We facilitate House Healing to support your well-being, but we do not guarantee specific medical or financial outcomes.
3.3 Site Access
The client agrees to provide access to the property for the duration of the assessment.
3.4 Reporting
Feedback may be given verbally on-site or in a written summary, depending on the service package selected.
SECTION 4: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & COPYRIGHT
4.1 Ownership of Work
All content on this site and all work produced by us—including but not limited to architectural designs, floor plans, sketches, photos of our leatherwork, Earth Energy maps, branding, and text—is the exclusive property of Pietman Lategan Architects (Pty) Ltd and is protected by South African and international copyright laws.
4.2 Client Acknowledgement
By using our services or purchasing our products, you expressly acknowledge and agree to the following distinct points:
A. No License to Copy
Purchasing a physical product (such as a bag) or paying for a consultation does not grant you the right to reproduce, copy, reverse-engineer, or distribute the design or underlying intellectual property.
B. Copyright Notifications
You acknowledge that you have been notified of our copyright ownership. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or resale of our designs (whether architectural or leatherwork) or our Earth Energy methodologies is prohibited.
C. Moral Rights
We retain the moral right to be identified as the author of our work in all publications, displays, and media.
D. Legal Action
We reserve the right to pursue legal action against any party that infringes on our intellectual property rights.
SECTION 5: LIABILITY & DISCLAIMERS
5.1 Store Liability
We provide our goods "as is". We are not liable for damages arising from the use of our products beyond the value of the product itself.
5.2 Website Availability
We do not guarantee that the website will be uninterrupted or error-free.
5.3 Third-Party Tools
We are not responsible for the content or practices of third-party links or tools (e.g., payment gateways) used on our site.
SECTION 6: PRIVACY
We respect your data. We use your personal information only to fulfill orders and improve our service. We are powered by Shopify, and your data is handled securely according to our Privacy Policy.
SECTION 7: GOVERNING LAW
These terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes regarding architectural services will be settled according to the dispute resolution clauses in the specific PROCSA or SAIA agreement signed.
CONTACT
For questions regarding these Terms or to enquire about Architectural or Earth Energy Services, please contact us via the Chat Functionality or Contact Form on this website.