privacy policy

This privacy notice tells you what to expect us to do with your personal information. This notice was updated on: 12 September 2025

 

Contact Details

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Email: hi@thedesignbothy.com

 

1. Who I Am

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I operate as a sole trader providing architectural design services. This privacy policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with data protection laws including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

 

2. What Personal Data I Collect

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In the course of providing architectural services, I may collect and process the following personal data:

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• Names and contact details

• Home address + address of project site (if different) 

• Photographs of your existing home

• Record of drawings, meetings + decisions

• Information submitted through the website contact form, such as your name, email address, and any message content.

 

This information is usually collected directly from you when you:

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• Make an enquiry directly;

• Submit a website contact form

• Engage my services;

• Communicate during the course of a project.

 

3. How I Use Your Data

 

Your personal data is used strictly for the purposes of:

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• Providing architectural design services under our contract;

• Communicating with you about your project;

• Issuing invoices and managing payments;

• Keeping records required by law.

 

4. Marketing Use of Project Images

 

I may use 3D images and 2D floorplans from completed projects for marketing purposes on my website, social media, or printed materials. Before doing so:

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• All personal identifiers (name, address, etc.) are removed.

• Images are anonymized to ensure individuals cannot be identified.

 

If you do not wish any aspect of your project to be used for marketing purposes, you can opt out at any time by contacting me directly.

 

5. Website & Contact Form

 

If you contact me through my website's contact form, I collect the personal information you provide, such as your name, email address, and any message content. This information is used solely to respond to your enquiry and is not used for marketing purposes.

 

The website may collect limited usage data (such as IP address or browser type) through cookies for functionality or analytics purposes. If cookies are used, a notice will appear on the site allowing you to accept or manage your preferences, in line with relevant regulations.

Your contact form data is transmitted securely and stored on password-protected devices or secure email services.

 

6. Lawful Basis for Processing

 

You can find out more about lawful bases on the ICO’s website. I rely on the following lawful bases:

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• Contract: To process and store your data as necessary for fulfilling our design services agreement.

• Legitimate Interests: For limited marketing use of anonymized images.

• Legal Obligation: To retain certain records for tax or regulatory compliance.

 

7. How Your Data Is Stored, Secured + Shared

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Your personal data is stored securely on password-protected devices and/or cloud-based services with appropriate technical safeguards.

 

I do not share your personal information with third parties unless:

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• Required by law; for tax or regulatory compliance.

• Necessary to complete project-related tasks (e.g. planning consultants, regulatory authorities or other professional consultants such as engineers), and only with your permission.

 

8. How Long I Keep Your Data

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I retain personal data for as long as necessary to:

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• Complete the project;

• Comply with legal and tax obligations (typically up to 7 years);

• Maintain project records for reference or future work (unless you request deletion).

 

9. Your Rights

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You have the right to:

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• Access your personal data;

• Request correction of inaccurate data;

• Request deletion of your data;

• Object to or restrict processing;

• Request data portability;

• Withdraw consent (where applicable);

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – www.ico.org.uk.

 

To exercise any of these rights, contact me at: hi@thedesignbothy.com

 

10. Changes to This Policy

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This privacy policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on request or on my website.