Last updated: 17 September 2026. This policy is a plain-language, POPIA-aware draft prepared for Debby Searle Architect & Perspective Artist — it is not legal advice, and should be reviewed by an attorney before this site goes live.
Who this policy covers
This policy explains how Debby Searle Architect & Perspective Artist ("I", "me") collects, uses and protects personal information gathered through this website (https://www.debbysearle.co.za), in line with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
Information I collect
When you use the contact form, I collect the details you enter: your name, email address, phone number, suburb or area, project type and the message you write. I don't collect any information beyond what you choose to submit — there's no account, login or payment on this site.
If website analytics is enabled (see "Cookies and analytics" below), I also receive aggregated, anonymised data about how visitors use the site — pages viewed, general location by city, device type — through Google Analytics via Google Tag Manager. This data is not linked to your name or contact details.
Why I collect it, and my lawful basis
Contact-form information is collected for one purpose: to respond to your enquiry about architectural services. Submitting the form is your consent for me to use your details for that purpose, which is the lawful basis I rely on under POPIA. I don't use your details for marketing, and I don't sell, rent or share them with any third party for their own purposes.
Who else sees it
Enquiry messages are delivered to my inbox using Postmark, a transactional email service, solely to get your message to me reliably. Postmark processes the message on my behalf as an operator and does not use it for any purpose of its own. If analytics is enabled, aggregated usage data is processed by Google as described above. No other third party receives personal information collected through this site.
Cookies and analytics
This site uses only the cookies or local storage needed for it to function (for example, remembering that you've already seen a one-time notice) plus, where enabled, Google Analytics cookies to understand visitor numbers and behaviour in aggregate. Analytics cookies do not identify you personally. You can block cookies in your browser settings at any time; doing so won't affect your ability to browse the site or use the contact form.
How long I keep it
Enquiry messages and any resulting correspondence are kept for as long as reasonably needed to manage our conversation and, where a project proceeds, for the duration of that professional relationship and any period required by law or professional record-keeping obligations (SACAP guidance is typically several years after a project's completion). You can ask me to delete earlier correspondence at any time, subject to any legal or professional obligation to retain it.
Security
I take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to protect the personal information submitted through this site, including using a reputable, encrypted email-delivery provider and keeping access to my inbox restricted to me. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, but I don't retain form submissions in any separate database beyond my email.
Your rights under POPIA
You have the right to ask what personal information I hold about you, to request that it be corrected if it's inaccurate, to ask me to delete it, and to object to how it's used. To exercise any of these rights, email me at debbysearle@polka.co.za. If you're not satisfied with my response, you can lodge a complaint with South Africa's Information Regulator (inforegulator.org.za).
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, the "last updated" date above will change with it. Significant changes will be reflected here before they take effect.
Contact
Questions about this policy or your information can be sent to debbysearle@polka.co.za or posted to Postnet Suite # 334, Private Bag X153, Bryanston, 2021.