:root{
  --wine:#511618;
  --wine-2:#6b2427;
  --gold:#FDE272;
  --gold-2:#f8d64e;
  --ink:#241b1b;
  --muted:#706767;
  --cream:#fffaf0;
  --white:#fff;
  --line:#eee7e5;
  --radius:24px;
  --shadow:0 24px 70px rgba(81,22,24,.14);
  --shadow-soft:0 14px 36px rgba(81,22,24,.08);
}
*{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
body{font-family:'Manrope',Arial,sans-serif;color:var(--ink);background:var(--white);line-height:1.65;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;overflow-x:hidden}
a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}
button,input,select,textarea{font:inherit}
img{max-width:100%}
.container{width:min(1220px,calc(100% - 44px));margin-inline:auto}
.section-pad{padding:104px 0}
.mb-3{margin-bottom:16px}.text-slate{color:var(--muted)}.text-caption{font-size:11px;opacity:.82}
.icon-sm{width:16px;height:16px}.icon-xs{width:12px;height:12px}.icon-accent,.icon-accent-sm,.icon-amber,.icon-green,.icon-contact{color:var(--wine)}
.icon-accent{width:18px;height:18px}.icon-accent-sm{width:15px;height:15px}.icon-amber,.icon-green{width:16px;height:16px}.icon-contact{width:24px;height:24px}.icon-footer,.icon-footer-map{width:16px;height:16px;flex-shrink:0}.icon-footer-map{margin-top:3px}

/* Header */
.site-header{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:100;background:rgba(255,255,255,.94);backdrop-filter:blur(16px);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
.nav-wrap{height:78px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:24px}
.brand-group{display:flex;flex-direction:column}.brand-logo-text{font-size:20px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.03em;color:var(--wine)}.brand-sub{font-size:9px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.12em;color:var(--muted);font-weight:700}
.nav-links{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:28px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700}.nav-links a{position:relative}.nav-links a:after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;bottom:-7px;width:0;height:2px;background:var(--gold);transition:.28s}.nav-links a:hover:after{width:100%}
.nav-actions{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:18px}.nav-phone{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:var(--wine)}

/* Buttons */
.btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:8px;min-height:50px;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:13px;font-size:14px;font-weight:800;border:1px solid transparent;cursor:pointer;transition:transform .25s ease,box-shadow .25s ease,background .25s ease,border-color .25s ease;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.btn:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:-60% auto -60% -35%;width:24%;transform:rotate(20deg);background:rgba(255,255,255,.32);transition:left .45s ease}.btn:hover:after{left:120%}.btn:hover{transform:translateY(-3px)}
.btn-sm{min-height:42px;padding:9px 17px;font-size:12px}.btn-block{width:100%}.btn-nowrap{white-space:nowrap}.btn-dark,.btn-accent{background:var(--wine);color:var(--white);box-shadow:0 12px 28px rgba(81,22,24,.18)}.btn-dark:hover,.btn-accent:hover{background:var(--wine-2);box-shadow:0 18px 34px rgba(81,22,24,.24)}
.btn-outline{border-color:var(--line);background:var(--white);color:var(--wine)}.btn-outline:hover{border-color:var(--wine);box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft)}.btn-outline-white{border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);color:var(--white);background:transparent}.btn-outline-white:hover{border-color:var(--gold);color:var(--gold)}

/* HERO — Manrope + original AVE colours only */
.hero-section{position:relative;min-height:700px;display:flex;align-items:center;overflow:hidden;background:var(--cream);isolation:isolate}
.hero-section:before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--cream) 0%,var(--cream) 50%,rgba(255,250,240,.78) 64%,rgba(255,250,240,.18) 100%);z-index:-1}
.hero-section:after{content:"";position:absolute;right:0;top:0;width:52%;height:100%;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(255,250,240,.2),rgba(81,22,24,.08)),url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523240795612-9a054b0db644?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&q=88') center/cover no-repeat;z-index:-2}
.hero-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.04fr .96fr;gap:68px;align-items:center;padding:72px 0 78px}
.hero-content{position:relative;z-index:2;max-width:660px;padding:12px 0}
.badge-partner{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:8px 13px;border:1px solid var(--line);background:var(--white);color:var(--wine);border-radius:999px;font-size:10px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:23px;box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(81,22,24,.05)}
.hero-heading{font-family:'Manrope',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(48px,5.15vw,76px);line-height:.98;letter-spacing:-.055em;font-weight:800;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:24px;max-width:680px}.hero-heading em{font-family:inherit;font-style:normal;color:var(--wine);position:relative}.hero-heading em:after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:4%;bottom:-4px;height:8px;background:var(--gold);border-radius:99px;z-index:-1}
.hero-desc{font-size:17px;line-height:1.75;color:var(--muted);max-width:580px;margin-bottom:30px;font-weight:500}.hero-actions{display:flex;gap:13px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-bottom:38px}
.trust-metrics{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);max-width:560px;border-top:1px solid var(--line);padding-top:26px}.metric-item{padding-right:22px}.metric-item+.metric-item{border-left:1px solid var(--line);padding-left:24px}.metric-item strong{font-size:29px;line-height:1;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);display:block;letter-spacing:-.04em}.metric-item span{font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.07em;color:var(--muted);font-weight:700;margin-top:7px;display:block}
.hero-media-wrap{position:relative;min-height:540px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-end;perspective:1200px}
.hero-main-img{width:min(100%,500px);height:520px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:30px;border:8px solid var(--white);box-shadow:0 34px 80px rgba(81,22,24,.2);display:block;transition:transform .55s ease,box-shadow .55s ease}.hero-media-wrap:hover .hero-main-img{transform:translateY(-7px) scale(1.012);box-shadow:0 44px 95px rgba(81,22,24,.25)}
.hero-media-wrap:before{content:"";position:absolute;width:260px;height:260px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);right:-72px;top:-26px;opacity:.58;z-index:-1}.hero-media-wrap:after{content:"";position:absolute;width:115px;height:115px;border:18px solid var(--wine);border-radius:50%;left:6px;bottom:8px;opacity:.08;z-index:-1}
.hero-floating-card,.hero-pill{position:absolute;background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--line);box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);display:flex;align-items:center;z-index:3;transition:transform .3s ease,box-shadow .3s ease}.hero-floating-card:hover,.hero-pill:hover{transform:translateY(-5px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.hero-floating-card{top:24px;left:4px;padding:13px 16px;border-radius:15px;color:var(--wine);font-size:11px;gap:10px}.hero-floating-card strong{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.08em}.hero-pill{padding:11px 15px;border-radius:999px;font-size:11px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);gap:7px}.hero-pill-one{left:-20px;bottom:86px}.hero-pill-two{right:-14px;bottom:28px;background:var(--gold);border-color:var(--gold)}

/* Proof */
.proof-strip{background:var(--wine);color:var(--white);border:0}.proof-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr)}.proof-card{padding:34px 28px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14);transition:background .25s,transform .25s}.proof-card:last-child{border:0}.proof-card:hover{background:var(--wine-2);transform:translateY(-3px)}.proof-header{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;margin-bottom:12px}.proof-num{font-size:10px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.12em;color:var(--gold)}.proof-card .icon-accent{color:var(--gold)}.proof-card h4{font-size:15px;margin-bottom:6px}.proof-card p{font-size:12px;color:var(--line);line-height:1.55}

/* Shared typography */
.eyebrow{font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.14em;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:13px;display:block}.section-title,.quote-title,.process-center-head h2,.contact-info-col h2,.banner-title,.journey-title,.program-card h3{font-family:'Manrope',Arial,sans-serif}.section-title{font-size:clamp(36px,4vw,52px);line-height:1.06;letter-spacing:-.045em;font-weight:800;color:var(--ink);max-width:720px}.section-subtitle{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);max-width:390px;line-height:1.75}.section-header-split{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:flex-end;gap:40px;margin-bottom:48px}

/* Programs */
#programs{background:var(--white)}.programs-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}.program-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:22px;padding:32px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;position:relative;transition:transform .3s ease,box-shadow .3s ease,border-color .3s ease;overflow:hidden}.program-card:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:100%;height:5px;background:var(--wine);transform:scaleX(.16);transform-origin:left;transition:.35s}.program-card:hover{transform:translateY(-8px);box-shadow:var(--shadow);border-color:var(--gold)}.program-card:hover:before{transform:scaleX(1)}.program-card.featured{background:var(--cream);border-color:var(--gold)}.featured-tag{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;background:var(--gold);color:var(--wine);font-size:9px;font-weight:800;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:0 21px 0 13px;letter-spacing:.08em}.card-meta{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:11px;font-weight:700}.meta-tag{background:var(--cream);padding:5px 9px;border-radius:7px;color:var(--wine)}.meta-tag-highlight{background:var(--gold);color:var(--wine)}.card-duration{color:var(--muted)}.program-card h3{font-size:22px;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:-.025em;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:13px;font-weight:800}.program-desc{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:24px;min-height:68px}.card-features{list-style:none;margin-bottom:28px;flex-grow:1}.card-features li{font-size:12px;margin-bottom:10px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}.card-action{margin-top:auto}.link-arrow,.link-brand{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}.link-arrow:hover,.link-brand:hover{color:var(--wine-2)}

/* Journey band */
.journey-band{background:var(--cream);border-block:1px solid var(--line);padding:48px 0}.journey-inner{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:34px}.journey-kicker{font-size:10px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.14em;color:var(--wine);font-weight:800;display:block;margin-bottom:5px}.journey-title{font-size:27px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:800;color:var(--ink)}.journey-steps{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:25px}.step-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;font-size:13px}.step-num{font-size:14px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine)}.step-divider{width:15px;height:15px;color:var(--muted)}

/* Why */
#why-ave{background:var(--cream)}.why-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.92fr 1.08fr;gap:70px;align-items:center}.why-campus-img{width:100%;height:520px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:30px;box-shadow:var(--shadow);transition:transform .5s}.why-campus-img:hover{transform:scale(1.012)}.text-lead-desc,.text-body-desc{color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;line-height:1.75}.why-benefits{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:15px;margin:30px 0 34px}.benefit-item{background:var(--white);padding:21px;border-radius:18px;border:1px solid var(--line);transition:.3s}.benefit-item:hover{transform:translateY(-5px);border-color:var(--gold);box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft)}.benefit-item h5{font-size:14px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:7px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}.benefit-item p{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.55}

/* About */
.about-section{background:var(--white)}.about-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;gap:70px;align-items:center}.quote-title{font-size:clamp(34px,3.5vw,48px);line-height:1.12;letter-spacing:-.04em;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:22px;font-weight:800}.about-perks{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:28px 0}.perk{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700}.perk i{color:var(--wine);width:18px;height:18px}.counselor-frame{position:relative}.counselor-img{width:100%;height:500px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:30px;box-shadow:var(--shadow)}.counselor-tag{position:absolute;left:22px;right:22px;bottom:22px;background:var(--white);padding:14px 18px;border-radius:14px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center}.counselor-name{font-size:13px;color:var(--wine);display:block}.counselor-role{color:var(--muted);font-size:10px}

/* Process */
.process-center-head{text-align:center;margin-bottom:52px}.process-center-head h2{font-size:clamp(36px,4vw,50px);letter-spacing:-.04em;color:var(--ink);font-weight:800}.text-subtitle-center{color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;margin-top:8px}.process-steps-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px}.process-step-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:20px;padding:28px 24px;transition:.3s}.process-step-card:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);border-color:var(--gold);box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft)}.process-step-card .num{font-size:11px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:13px;display:block}.process-step-card h4{font-size:17px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:8px}.process-step-card p{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.6}.stage-tag{font-size:9px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--muted);margin-top:16px;display:block;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.08em}

/* Testimonials */
.testimonials-section{background:var(--cream);border-top:1px solid var(--line)}.stories-header{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:flex-end;gap:30px}.global-rating{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine)}.global-rating span{color:var(--muted);font-weight:600}.testimonials-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px;margin-top:38px}.testimonial-card{background:var(--white);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:20px;padding:30px 26px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:space-between;transition:.3s}.testimonial-card:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);border-color:var(--gold)}.stars{color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:14px;letter-spacing:2px}.testimonial-text{font-size:13px;line-height:1.75;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:22px}.author-info{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}.author-avatar{width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--wine);color:var(--white);display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:12px;font-weight:800}.avatar-accent{background:var(--gold);color:var(--wine)}.author-name{font-size:12px;color:var(--wine);display:block}.author-role{font-size:10px;color:var(--muted)}
.mid-banner{background:var(--wine);color:var(--white);padding:46px;border-radius:24px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:30px;margin-top:72px;box-shadow:var(--shadow)}.banner-kicker{font-size:9px;letter-spacing:.13em;color:var(--gold);font-weight:800;text-transform:uppercase}.banner-title{font-size:31px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:4px;font-weight:800}.banner-desc{color:var(--line);font-size:12px;margin-top:7px}

/* Contact */
#enquiry{background:var(--white)}.contact-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.92fr 1.08fr;gap:64px;align-items:flex-start}.contact-info-col h2{font-size:clamp(36px,4vw,50px);line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-.04em;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:16px;font-weight:800}.contact-desc{color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;margin-top:10px}.contact-box{background:var(--cream);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:16px;padding:18px;margin-top:18px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;transition:.3s}.contact-box:hover{transform:translateX(5px);border-color:var(--gold)}.contact-box-label{color:var(--muted);text-transform:uppercase;font-size:9px;font-weight:800}.contact-box-val{font-size:14px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine)}.contact-checkmarks{list-style:none;margin-top:26px;font-size:12px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:9px}.form-wrapper{background:var(--cream);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:24px;padding:38px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft)}.form-wrapper h3{font-size:21px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:6px}.form-subtitle{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:25px}.form-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px}.form-group{margin-bottom:14px}.form-group label{display:block;font-size:10px;font-weight:800;color:var(--wine);margin-bottom:6px}.form-control{width:100%;padding:12px 13px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:10px;font-size:13px;outline:none;background:var(--white);transition:.2s;color:var(--ink)}.form-control:focus{border-color:var(--wine);box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(81,22,24,.08)}.privacy-note{font-size:10px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:16px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}.btn-submit{width:100%;padding:14px}.form-feedback{margin-top:12px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-align:center;display:none}.form-feedback.success,.form-feedback.error{display:block;color:var(--wine)}

/* Footer */
.site-footer{background:var(--wine);color:var(--line);padding:68px 0 32px;border-top:1px solid var(--wine-2)}.footer-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:2fr 1fr 1.5fr;gap:58px;margin-bottom:50px}.footer-brand{font-size:21px;font-weight:800;color:var(--white);margin-bottom:11px}.footer-tagline{font-size:9px;color:var(--gold);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.11em;font-weight:800;margin-bottom:12px}.footer-desc{font-size:11px;line-height:1.7;max-width:390px}.footer-badge{margin-top:18px;font-size:10px;color:var(--line);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}.footer-col h5{color:var(--white);font-size:13px;margin-bottom:16px;font-weight:800}.footer-links{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:9px;font-size:11px}.footer-links a:hover{color:var(--gold)}.footer-contact-item{display:flex;gap:8px;align-items:flex-start}.footer-bottom{border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14);padding-top:22px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:22px;font-size:10px;color:var(--line)}.footer-legal{display:flex;gap:20px}.footer-legal a:hover{color:var(--gold)}

/* Responsive */
@media(max-width:1080px){
  .nav-links{display:none}.hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:34px}.hero-heading{font-size:clamp(44px,5vw,62px)}.hero-main-img{height:480px}.proof-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.proof-card:nth-child(2){border-right:0}.proof-card:nth-child(-n+2){border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14)}.programs-grid,.testimonials-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.process-steps-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.journey-inner{flex-wrap:wrap}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1.5fr 1fr 1.2fr;gap:34px}
}
@media(max-width:820px){
  .section-pad{padding:78px 0}.hero-section:after{width:100%;opacity:.18}.hero-section:before{background:rgba(255,250,240,.92)}.hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;padding:62px 0}.hero-content{max-width:720px}.hero-media-wrap{min-height:auto;justify-content:center;margin-top:10px}.hero-main-img{width:100%;height:440px}.hero-floating-card{left:18px}.hero-pill-one{left:10px}.hero-pill-two{right:10px}.why-grid,.about-grid,.contact-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:42px}.section-header-split,.stories-header{align-items:flex-start;flex-direction:column}.section-subtitle{max-width:650px}.journey-inner{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.journey-steps{flex-wrap:wrap}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.footer-grid>div:first-child{grid-column:1/-1}
}
@media(max-width:600px){
  .container{width:min(100% - 30px,1220px)}.nav-phone{display:none}.hero-section{min-height:auto}.hero-grid{padding:48px 0 58px}.hero-heading{font-size:44px;line-height:1.02}.hero-desc{font-size:15px}.hero-actions{flex-direction:column;align-items:stretch}.hero-actions .btn{width:100%}.trust-metrics{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}.metric-item{padding-right:10px}.metric-item+.metric-item{padding-left:12px}.metric-item strong{font-size:23px}.metric-item span{font-size:8px}.hero-main-img{height:360px;border-width:6px;border-radius:22px}.hero-floating-card{top:16px;left:6px}.hero-pill{font-size:9px;padding:9px 11px}.hero-pill-one{left:4px;bottom:62px}.hero-pill-two{right:4px;bottom:14px}.proof-grid,.programs-grid,.testimonials-grid,.process-steps-grid,.why-benefits,.about-perks,.form-row{grid-template-columns:1fr}.proof-card{border-right:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14)}.proof-card:last-child{border-bottom:0}.section-title{font-size:36px}.journey-steps{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.step-divider{display:none}.why-campus-img,.counselor-img{height:380px}.mid-banner{padding:32px 24px;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}.form-wrapper{padding:28px 20px}.footer-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.footer-grid>div:first-child{grid-column:auto}.footer-bottom{flex-direction:column}.footer-legal{flex-wrap:wrap}.site-header .btn-sm{display:none}
}

/* =========================================================
   PREMIUM REFINEMENT — BELOW HERO ONLY
   Hero/header remain unchanged. Existing AVE palette only.
   ========================================================= */

/* Give every post-hero section a calmer, more editorial rhythm */
.proof-strip,
#programs,
.journey-band,
#why-ave,
.about-section,
.about-section + .section-pad,
.testimonials-section,
#enquiry{
  position:relative;
  isolation:isolate;
}

/* Proof: replace the heavy block feeling with a refined brand strip */
.proof-strip{
  background:var(--white);
  color:var(--ink);
  border-top:1px solid var(--line);
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
  padding:24px 0;
}
.proof-grid{
  gap:14px;
}
.proof-card{
  background:var(--cream);
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius:18px;
  padding:26px 24px;
  color:var(--ink);
  box-shadow:none;
  overflow:hidden;
  position:relative;
  transition:transform .3s ease,box-shadow .3s ease,border-color .3s ease,background .3s ease;
}
.proof-card::after{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  inset:auto 24px 0;
  height:3px;
  border-radius:99px 99px 0 0;
  background:var(--gold);
  transform:scaleX(.25);
  transform-origin:left;
  transition:transform .32s ease;
}
.proof-card:hover{
  background:var(--white);
  transform:translateY(-5px);
  border-color:var(--gold);
  box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);
}
.proof-card:hover::after{transform:scaleX(1)}
.proof-card .proof-num,
.proof-card .icon-accent{color:var(--wine)}
.proof-card h4{color:var(--wine);font-size:15px;font-weight:800}
.proof-card p{color:var(--muted);font-size:12px}
.proof-card{border-right:1px solid var(--line)!important;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)!important}

/* Programs: premium soft section with cleaner depth */
#programs{
  background:var(--cream);
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
}
#programs::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  width:180px;
  height:180px;
  border:34px solid var(--gold);
  border-radius:50%;
  right:-95px;
  top:74px;
  opacity:.18;
  z-index:-1;
}
.programs-grid{gap:24px}
.program-card{
  border-radius:26px;
  padding:36px 32px 32px;
  box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(81,22,24,.045);
}
.program-card::before{
  height:4px;
  background:var(--gold);
  transform:scaleX(0);
}
.program-card:hover{
  transform:translateY(-10px);
  border-color:var(--line);
  box-shadow:0 26px 58px rgba(81,22,24,.12);
}
.program-card.featured{
  background:var(--white);
  border:1px solid var(--wine);
  box-shadow:0 20px 48px rgba(81,22,24,.1);
}
.program-card.featured::after{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  width:82px;
  height:82px;
  border-radius:50%;
  background:var(--gold);
  right:-38px;
  bottom:-38px;
  opacity:.4;
}
.meta-tag{background:var(--cream);border:1px solid var(--line)}
.featured-tag{border-radius:0 25px 0 15px}

/* Journey: a single strong contrast band, but more premium and less blocky */
.journey-band{
  background:var(--wine);
  color:var(--white);
  border:0;
  padding:54px 0;
  overflow:hidden;
}
.journey-band::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  width:320px;
  height:320px;
  border:54px solid var(--gold);
  border-radius:50%;
  right:-155px;
  top:-115px;
  opacity:.12;
  z-index:-1;
}
.journey-kicker,.step-num{color:var(--gold)}
.journey-title{color:var(--white)}
.journey-steps{gap:20px}
.step-item{
  padding:10px 12px;
  border-radius:12px;
  transition:background .25s ease,transform .25s ease;
}
.step-item:hover{
  background:var(--wine-2);
  transform:translateY(-3px);
}
.step-item strong{color:var(--white)}
.step-item .text-slate{color:var(--line)}
.step-divider{color:var(--gold)}
.journey-band .btn-outline-white{
  background:var(--white);
  border-color:var(--white);
  color:var(--wine);
}
.journey-band .btn-outline-white:hover{
  background:var(--gold);
  border-color:var(--gold);
  color:var(--wine);
}

/* Why AVE: white canvas + image framed like a premium prospectus */
#why-ave{
  background:var(--white);
  overflow:hidden;
}
#why-ave::after{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  left:-120px;
  bottom:-165px;
  width:330px;
  height:330px;
  border-radius:50%;
  background:var(--cream);
  z-index:-1;
}
.why-grid{gap:78px}
.why-grid>div:first-child{
  position:relative;
  padding:18px 0 18px 18px;
}
.why-grid>div:first-child::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  inset:0 42px 0 0;
  background:var(--gold);
  border-radius:30px;
  z-index:-1;
  transform:translate(-10px,10px);
}
.why-campus-img{
  border-radius:26px;
  box-shadow:0 24px 60px rgba(81,22,24,.13);
}
.why-benefits{gap:14px}
.benefit-item{
  border-radius:16px;
  padding:20px;
  background:var(--cream);
}
.benefit-item:hover{
  background:var(--white);
  border-color:var(--gold);
  transform:translateY(-4px);
}

/* About: soft section separation, with a luxury editorial image treatment */
.about-section{
  background:var(--cream);
  border-top:1px solid var(--line);
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
}
.about-grid{gap:76px}
.about-perks{gap:12px}
.perk{
  background:var(--white);
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius:12px;
  padding:13px 14px;
  transition:transform .25s ease,border-color .25s ease,box-shadow .25s ease;
}
.perk:hover{
  transform:translateY(-3px);
  border-color:var(--gold);
  box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);
}
.counselor-frame::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  width:120px;
  height:120px;
  background:var(--gold);
  border-radius:24px;
  right:-20px;
  top:-20px;
  z-index:-1;
}
.counselor-img{border-radius:26px}
.counselor-tag{
  left:18px;
  right:18px;
  bottom:18px;
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius:13px;
}

/* Process: distinct white section with numbered editorial cards */
.about-section + .section-pad{
  background:var(--white);
  overflow:hidden;
}
.about-section + .section-pad::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  inset:0 0 auto;
  height:1px;
  background:var(--line);
}
.process-steps-grid{gap:20px;counter-reset:premium-step}
.process-step-card{
  position:relative;
  border-radius:22px;
  padding:34px 25px 28px;
  overflow:hidden;
  box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(81,22,24,.04);
}
.process-step-card::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  left:0;
  top:0;
  width:4px;
  height:100%;
  background:var(--gold);
  transform:scaleY(.25);
  transform-origin:top;
  transition:transform .3s ease;
}
.process-step-card:hover::before{transform:scaleY(1)}
.process-step-card:hover{
  transform:translateY(-7px);
  border-color:var(--line);
  box-shadow:0 20px 46px rgba(81,22,24,.1);
}
.process-step-card .num{
  display:inline-flex;
  align-items:center;
  justify-content:center;
  min-width:38px;
  height:38px;
  padding:0 10px;
  border-radius:10px;
  background:var(--cream);
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  color:var(--wine);
  margin-bottom:18px;
}
.stage-tag{
  padding-top:14px;
  border-top:1px solid var(--line);
}

/* Testimonials: lighter luxury section, not another heavy colour block */
.testimonials-section{
  background:var(--cream);
  border-top:1px solid var(--line);
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
}
.testimonial-card{
  border-radius:24px;
  padding:32px 28px;
  box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(81,22,24,.035);
}
.testimonial-card:hover{
  transform:translateY(-7px);
  border-color:var(--line);
  box-shadow:0 20px 44px rgba(81,22,24,.1);
}
.stars{
  display:inline-flex;
  width:max-content;
  background:var(--gold);
  color:var(--wine);
  padding:5px 9px;
  border-radius:999px;
  letter-spacing:1px;
  font-size:10px;
}
.mid-banner{
  border-radius:28px;
  padding:50px 52px;
  box-shadow:0 24px 60px rgba(81,22,24,.16);
  overflow:hidden;
  position:relative;
}
.mid-banner::after{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  width:180px;
  height:180px;
  border:34px solid var(--gold);
  border-radius:50%;
  right:-75px;
  bottom:-95px;
  opacity:.16;
}
.mid-banner>*{position:relative;z-index:1}

/* Contact & form: visible and premium, but deliberately simple */
#enquiry{
  background:var(--white);
}
.contact-grid{gap:72px}
.contact-box{
  background:var(--white);
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  border-left:3px solid var(--gold);
  border-radius:13px;
  box-shadow:none;
}
.contact-box:hover{
  transform:translateX(4px);
  border-color:var(--line);
  border-left-color:var(--wine);
  box-shadow:var(--shadow-soft);
}
.form-wrapper{
  position:relative;
  background:var(--white);
  border:2px solid var(--wine);
  border-radius:20px;
  padding:38px;
  box-shadow:0 18px 44px rgba(81,22,24,.08);
  overflow:hidden;
}
.form-wrapper::before{
  content:"";
  position:absolute;
  left:0;
  top:0;
  width:100%;
  height:5px;
  background:var(--gold);
}
.form-wrapper h3{font-size:22px}
.form-control{
  min-height:47px;
  border-radius:9px;
  border:1px solid var(--line);
  background:var(--white);
}
textarea.form-control{min-height:94px}
.form-control:hover{border-color:var(--muted)}
.form-control:focus{
  border-color:var(--wine);
  box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(81,22,24,.07);
}
.btn-submit{
  min-height:52px;
  border-radius:10px;
}

/* Footer: retain brand colour, but sharpen hierarchy */
.site-footer{
  border-top:5px solid var(--gold);
}
.footer-brand{letter-spacing:-.02em}
.footer-links a{transition:color .2s ease,padding-left .2s ease}
.footer-links a:hover{padding-left:3px}

/* Keep the premium refinements responsive */
@media(max-width:1080px){
  .proof-grid{gap:12px}
  .proof-card{border:1px solid var(--line)!important}
  .why-grid,.about-grid,.contact-grid{gap:48px}
}
@media(max-width:820px){
  #programs::before,#why-ave::after{display:none}
  .why-grid>div:first-child{padding:12px 0 12px 12px}
  .mid-banner{padding:38px 32px}
  .form-wrapper{padding:32px}
}
@media(max-width:600px){
  .proof-strip{padding:18px 0}
  .proof-card{padding:22px 20px}
  .program-card{padding:28px 22px}
  .why-grid>div:first-child::before{inset:0 24px 0 0}
  .mid-banner{padding:32px 22px}
  .form-wrapper{padding:28px 20px;border-width:1px}
}