Old website designs

[sags]

Is it legal or even acceptable good practice to pattern a new website after another website's discarded designs. The web company has changed it's design numerous times over the years and doesn't use this particular one anymore.
Because I like it so much, it just saves me a lot of explanation and a headache for a future website designer.

Thanks,

Sags

[Acro]

It all depends on how much of a close design it is. From an ethical and business standpoint, one can definitely be influenced by a prior design but they should refrain from "heavy lifting".