Privacy Policy

CVA Architects ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in an open and transparent way. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By using our website, contacting us, or engaging our architectural services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.

01 What information we collect

We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities. The types of personal information we may collect include:

• Contact details — your name, email address, phone number, and postal or site address.
• Project information — details about your property, design brief, budget, and project requirements.
• Communication records — enquiries, correspondence, and notes from meetings or calls.
• Website usage data — information collected automatically when you visit our website, such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit.

We do not generally collect sensitive information. If we ever need to, we will only do so with your consent or where otherwise permitted by law.

02 How we collect your information

We collect personal information directly from you where possible, including when you:

• Submit an enquiry or contact form on our website.
• Email, call, or message us.
• Engage us to provide architectural design or documentation services.
• Interact with our social media profiles or advertising.

We may also collect information automatically through cookies and similar technologies when you browse our website, and from third parties such as referral sources, builders, or consultants involved in your project.

03 Why we collect and use your information

We collect, hold and use your personal information to:

• Respond to your enquiries and provide quotes or proposals.
• Deliver our architectural design and documentation services.
• Communicate with you about your project and our services.
• Coordinate with builders, engineers, certifiers, and other consultants on your project.
• Improve our website, services, and customer experience.
• Send you relevant updates or marketing communications, where you have consented to receive them.
• Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

We will only use your personal information for the purpose it was collected, a related purpose you would reasonably expect, or where you have given consent.

04 Cookies and website analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site and to improve its performance. Cookies are small files stored on your device. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the website may not function as intended.

We may also use advertising and remarketing services (such as Google Ads and Meta) that use cookies to display relevant advertising to you on other websites and platforms. These services are governed by the privacy policies of the relevant providers.

05 Disclosure of your information

We do not sell your personal information. We may disclose your personal information to:

• Third-party consultants and contractors engaged on your project (such as builders, engineers, and certifiers).
• Service providers who support our business operations (such as IT, hosting, email, and CRM providers).
• Government or regulatory bodies where required by law, such as for development applications and approvals.
• Professional advisors, including legal and accounting services.

Where we disclose information to third parties, we take reasonable steps to ensure they handle your information consistently with the APPs.

06 Overseas disclosure

Some of our service providers (for example, cloud hosting, email, or analytics platforms) may store data on servers located outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

07 Storage and security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes secure digital storage, access controls, and confidentiality practices.

When personal information is no longer required for any lawful purpose, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it.

08 Accessing and correcting your information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading. To make a request, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

09 Direct marketing

We may occasionally send you marketing communications about our services where you have consented or would reasonably expect to receive them. You can opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe link in our communications or by contacting us directly. We will action your request promptly.

10 Making a complaint

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or mishandled your personal information, please contact us using the details below. We will investigate and respond to your complaint within a reasonable timeframe.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.

11 Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The current version will always be available on our website, with the "last updated" date shown at the top of this page.

12 Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or wish to access, correct, or make a complaint about your personal information, please contact us: