Privacy Policy

Thomas Souster Architecture & Design
Last updated: 9 November 2026

1. Introduction

Thomas Souster Architecture is an independent architectural practice based in Exeter, Devon. I respect your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

This policy explains how I collect, use and protect personal information when you visit my website, make an enquiry or engage my architectural services.

2. Information I Collect

I may collect personal information including your name, email address, telephone number, property address and details of your proposed project.

Where you engage my services, I may also retain project correspondence, contractual information, drawings, photographs and financial records relevant to your commission.

Information is generally provided directly by you, although I may also receive relevant details from project consultants, contractors or other professional contacts.

3. How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used to respond to enquiries, prepare fee proposals, provide architectural services, coordinate with consultants and contractors, manage projects and meet legal or professional obligations.

The legal bases for processing this information are:

Contract: To provide architectural services or take steps towards entering into an appointment.
Legitimate interests: To respond to professional enquiries, communicate with project participants and manage the practice effectively.
Legal obligations: To maintain necessary financial, contractual and regulatory records.
Consent: Where required for specific activities, such as certain marketing communications.

I do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Sharing Information

Where necessary for a project, relevant information may be shared with structural engineers, other specialist consultants, contractors, planning authorities, Building Control bodies and professional advisers.

Information may also be processed by trusted service providers, including website hosting, email and cloud storage services.

Personal information is shared only where appropriate for the purposes described in this policy.

5. Website Cookies and Analytics

This website is hosted by Squarespace, which uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the website and, depending on the settings enabled, provide information about website traffic and performance.

These technologies help me understand how visitors use the website and identify opportunities for improvement.

Where consent is required for optional cookies, it will be requested. Further information about cookies is available in Squarespace's cookie guidance.

6. Data Storage and Retention

I take reasonable measures to keep personal information secure and protect it against unauthorised access, loss or misuse.

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected.

Unsuccessful enquiries are periodically reviewed and deleted when no longer needed. Project records may be retained after completion to meet contractual, professional indemnity and legal requirements. Financial records are retained in accordance with applicable tax and accounting obligations.

Some service providers may process information outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate data protection safeguards must apply.

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection legislation, you may have the right to access, correct or request deletion of your personal information, restrict its processing or request its transfer.

You may also object to processing based on legitimate interests and withdraw consent where consent has been used.

You have the right to object at any time to the use of your personal information for direct marketing.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details below. These rights are subject to applicable legal conditions and exemptions.

8. Contact and Complaints

If you have any questions about this policy, wish to exercise your data protection rights or have a complaint about how your information has been handled, please contact:

Thomas Souster Architecture
Clockwise Office, Southernhay
Exeter, Devon EX1 1TS

Email: TS@ThomasSousterArchitecture.com
Website: www.thomassousterarchitecture.com

Data protection complaints will be acknowledged within 30 days, investigated appropriately and responded to without undue delay.

You also have the right to raise a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

9. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes to the practice, website or applicable legislation. The latest version will be published here.

10. Project Photography and Testimonials

I occasionally photograph completed projects and share images, project descriptions and client testimonials on my website, social media and other marketing materials.

I will always seek your permission before publishing photographs of your property or using your testimonial for promotional purposes.

Where preferred, project locations and client identities can be kept anonymous to protect your privacy.

I respect clients' wishes regarding photography and publicity, and will not publish identifiable project information without prior agreement.